DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MR ZHOU N?Ji HOLDS TALKS WITH GOVERNOR ...................... 1
EXCO APPROVES PROPOSAL ON CONTROL OF ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS ... 1
DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ON DB AGENDA........................ 2
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW GUIDELINES ON FUND ALLOCATION......... 3
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC .ARRANGEMENTS IN CSMTRaL................... 4
TEMPORARY LaNE CLOSURE ON TOLO HIGHWAY....................... 4
KWUN TONG URBAN CLEARWAY..................................... 4
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
1
MR ZHOU NAN HOLDS TALKS WITH GOVERNOR ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR ZHOU NAN, HAD A MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO DISCUSS A RANGE OF ISSUES.
THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED THE THREE-HOUR MEETING AS A FRUITFUL AND FRIENDLY DISCUSSION.
"WE DISCUSSED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. HE ALSO BRIEFED ME ON THE QUESTION OF DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, AND WE TOUCHED ON THE SUBJECT OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM," SIR DAVID SAID.
MR ZHOU LATER MET A GROUP OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AT A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER WAS BRIEFED ON VARIOUS FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE PORT AND CONTAINER PORT, AS WELL AS PROPOSED PLANS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST PORTS.
THE BRIEFING, GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WAS HELD ON BOARD THE GOVERNMENT LAUNCH "TIN HAU” WHICH TOURED THE WESTERN HARBOUR BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CONTAINER PORT IN KWAI CHUNG, WHERE MR ZHOU VISITED THE MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED.
HE WAS MET BY THE MTL CHAIRMAN, MR D.A. GLEDHILL, AND WAS BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE TERMINAL.
IN THE EVENING, MR ZHOU ATTENDED A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN, AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE. HE WAS ALSO TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE COMPLEX TO SEE VARIOUS FACILITIES.
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EXCO APPROVES PROPOSAL ON CONTROL OF ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS
A PROPOSAL TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION AGAINST DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIMARY CONCERNS IN RESPECT OF ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS IS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEATH AND INJURY BY IMPROVING CONTROL OVER POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/••IN ORDER
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
2
"IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS, IT IS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OE BUILDINGS AND LANDS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO RENDER SAKE OR REMOVE DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS WITHOUT HAVING FIRST TO SERVE A NOTICE ON THE OWNER IN URGENT SITUATIONS WHERE THERE IS A REAL AND IMMEDIATE THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY.”
AT PRESENT, WHERE DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS OUGHT TO BE IMMEDIATELY REMOVED IN URGENT SITUATIONS. THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS NEEDS TO LOCATE THE OWNER AND SERVE A NOTICE ON HIM IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
"IT IS ONLY WHEN THE OWNER CANNOT BE READILY LOCATED THAT THE AUTHORITY CAN TAKE ANY IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION. VERY OFTEN, IT IS NOT EASY TO IDENTIFY THE OWNER OF A DANGEROUS SIGN WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"THE PROPOSED BILL, IF ENACTED, WOULD ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS TO RESPOND MORE SWIFTLY AND EFFECTIVELY IN REMOVING DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS IN URGENT SITUATIONS WHERE SUCH SIGNS BECOME A REAL AND IMMEDIATE THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY," HE EMPHASISED.
THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO INCLUDE IN THE SAME AMENDMENT BILL SEVERAL OTHER MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS TO UPDATE. RATIONALISE AND STRENGTHEN THE PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO THE CONTROL OF DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS.
THESE AMENDMENTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, 1989, TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE SOON.
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DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ON DB AGENDA * * * » »
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSALS TO REMEDY THE UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR KWAI TSING DISTRICT.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS AT THE MEETING. ONE MOTION REQUESTS THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO STUDY THE DATA ON THE FAULT ZONE DISCOVERED NEAR THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT AND MAKE PUBLIC ITS FINDINGS.
/THE OTHER .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
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THE OTHER MOTION PROPOSES THAT THE POLICE, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHOULD SET UP A JOINT WORKING GROUP TO STUDY CRIMES COMMITTED IN LIFTS AND SUGGEST IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF HOUSEKEEPING MATTERS. THESE INCLUDE PROCEDURES TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES UNDER THE BOARD, AND NEW INITIATIVES FOR NEXT YEAR’S WORK PLAN.
MEMBERS WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF CHILDREN’S AMENITY FACILITIES IN HOUSING ESTATES, DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SHEK LEI AND SHEK YAM ESTATES, AND THE DISORDER INCIDENT WHICH HAPPENED AT SHEK YAM ROAD ON JANUARY 21 THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG.
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DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW GUIDELINES ON FUND ALLOCATION » « » » »
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW THE GENERAL GUIDELINES ON THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS 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 MARCH AND APRIL; 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 CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY
CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL «♦*»»»
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 3), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FOR ROAD WORKS:
* ALL VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM COTTON TREE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND TO DRAKE STREET; AND
* DRAKE STREET BETWEEN COTTON TREE DRIVE AND TAMAR STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, VEHICLES MAY GAIN ACCESS TO FAR EAST FINANCE CENTRE BY USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ROUTEINGS;
* COTTON TREE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND, QUEENSWAY EASTBOUND, TAMAR STREET AND DRAKE STREET; OR
* RODNEY STREET, DRAKE STREET, TAMAR STREET AND DRAKE STREET.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON TOLO HIGHWAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE INNER LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN TAI PO KAU MARINE POLICE BASE AND THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO TAI PO CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN SATURDAY (MARCH 4) AND MARCH 11.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF GANTRY SIGNS.
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KWUN TONG URBAN CLEARWAY *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 4), HUNG TO ROAD IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHONG YIP STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH HOW MING STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM -7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
BUDGET SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BUDGET A COMPLEX TASK, FS SAYS .......................... 1
INFLATION A MAIN P..OBLIM ............................... 3
SIX PER CENT GDP GROWTH RATE PREDICTED................... 4
MOVE TO HELP GROWTH OF DOLLAR PAPER MARKET .............. 6
$14.2 BILLION SURPLUS IN 1988-89 EXPECTED ............... 8
STEADY GROWTH WITHIN BUDGETARY GUIDELINES ESSENTIAL ..... 10
PROVISIONS FOR 3.9 PER CENT CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH......... 11
SALES TAX COULD BRING SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS .............. 13
RESERVES NOT A 'POT OF GOLD' ............................ 15
SURPLUS FORECAST FOR 1989-90 ............................ 16
REVENUE-RAISING MEASURES OUTLINED ....................... 18
INCREASES IN FEES, CHARGES TO YIELD $287 MILLION ........ 20
CUTS IN PERSONAL TAXATION PROPOSED ...................... 24
REDUCTION IN PROFITS TAX TO 16.5 % PROPOSED ............. 25
INTEREST TAX TO BE ABOLISHED............................. 26
IMPLEMENTATION OF REVENUE PROPOSALS ..................... 26
PROPOSALS ON SEPARATE TAXATION EXPECTED LATER THIS YEAR . 27
BUDGET MEETS OUR CHALLENGES ............................. 28
FS'S SPEECH ON TV AND RADIO.............................. 30
BUDGET PRESS CONFERENCE
32
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
1
BUDGET A COMPLEX TASK, FS SAYS
» * * »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HIS TASK IN PREPARING THIS YEAR’S BUDGET HAD BEEN TO TRY TO MEET THE ASPIRATION OF THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT EXACERBATING THE CURRENT INFLATIONARY SITUATION OR PLACING IN JEOPARDY HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY IN THE LONGER TERM.
HE SAID THE TASK HAD BEEN A COMPLEX ONE, AS HE HAD HAD TO RECONCILE MAJOR CONFLICTING PRESSURES, BUT THE SOLUTIONS HE HAD ADOPTED INEVITABLY REPRESENTED A COMPROMISE.
HE REMAINED ACUTELY AWARE OF THE NEED FOR STABILITY AND CONTINUITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S PUBLIC FINANCES.
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET FOR 1989-90 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS SAID THERE WERE THREE KEY FACTORS WHICH HE HAD HAD TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.
"FIRST, INFLATION; SECONDLY, THE ACCUMULATION OF SUBSTANTIAL BUDGET SURPLUSES; AND THIRDLY, THE NEED TO EMBARK UPON A MAJOR PROGRAMME OF INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO DEVELOP IN THE 1990’S AND BEYOND," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THE INFLATION HONG KONG WAS EXPERIENCING WAS CAUSED BY THE VERY SUCCESS OF ITS ECONOMY.
"QUITE SIMPLY, DEMAND FOR VARIOUS RESOURCES, INCLUDING LABOUR, IS OUTSTRIPPING SUPPLY. THIS STRONG DEMAND IS BEING TRANSLATED INTO HIGHER PRICES AND COSTS OF PRODUCTION.
"IN DUE COURSE, THE ECONOMY WILL ADJUST AND INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WILL EASE. BUT IN THE MEANTIME, WE MUST ENDEAVOUR TO ENSURE THAT OUR POLICIES DO NOT MAKE MATTERS WORSE.”
THE ACCUMULATION OF BUDGET SURPLUSES, WHILE APPROPRIATE IN AN INFLATIONARY SITUATION, DID CREATE OTHER PROBLEMS, MR JACOBS SAID.
"THERE IS AN UNDERSTANDABLE EXPECTATION BY THE PUBLIC THAT THE SURPLUSES SHOULD BE USED TO FUND NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES. MY COLLEAGUES WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION WHO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES ARE NATURALLY KEEN TO RESPOND POSITIVELY.
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THAT THE ECONOMY IS ALREADY OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY, IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO REDUCE THE SURPLUSES BY INCREASING ITS EXPENDITURE SUBSTANTIALLY, INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WOULD BE INTENSIFIED," HE SAID.
"IF EXPENDITURE IS NOT TO INCREASE, THEN THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE CALLS TO REDUCE THE SURPLUSES BY INTRODUCING TAX CONCESSIONS, BUT TAX CONCESSIONS THEMSELVES CAN BE JUST AS INFLATIONARY AS INCREASED GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE."
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 19&9
- 2
MR JACOBS SAID THIS BROUGHT HIM TO THE THIRD FACTOR THAT HE HAD MENTIONED -- THE NEED TO PROVIDE FOR A NUMBER OF LARGE AND EXPENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.
“THE DILEMMA, OF COURSE, IS THAT RAPIDLY INCREASING EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS RUNS COUNTER TO MY CONCLUSION ON EXPENDITURE GENERALLY, BUT WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO DELAY UNDULY THE UPGRADING OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK IF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IS TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
’’THESE, THEN, ARE THE MAJOR CONFLICTING PRESSURES THAT I HAVE HAD TO RECONCILE IN THE FORMULATION OF THE BUDGET FOR 1989-90. THE TASK HAS BEEN COMPLEX AND THE SOLUTIONS I HAVE ADOPTED INEVITABLY REPRESENT A COMPROMISE.
"I REMAIN ACUTELY AWARE OF THE NEED FOR STABILITY AND CONTINUITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR PUBLIC FINANCES," HE SAID.
DESCRIBING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY, MR JACOBS SAID THE ECONOMY SLOWED DOWN TO A MORE MODERATE PACE LAST YEAR, BUT THIS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED MAINLY TO SUPPLY-SIDE CONSTRAINTS.
"FOLLOWING TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH, THE ECONOMY SLOWED DOWN TO A MORE MODERATE PACE LAST YEAR. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GREW BY ABOUT 7.5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1988. THIS COMPARES WITH ABOUT 14 PER CENT IN 1987."
HE SAID THE ECONOMY HAD ESCAPED LARGELY UNSCATHED FROM THE STOCK MARKET CRASH IN OCTOBER 1987, AND BUSINESS CONFIDENCE HAD GENERALLY RETURNED BY EARLY 1988. THE SLOW-DOWN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH COULD THUS BE ATTRIBUTED MAINLY TO SUPPLY-SIDE CONSTRAINTS.
"THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED TIGHT, WITH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLING TO A RECORD LOW OF 1.3 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THE YEAR. AS THE ECONOMY CONTINUED TO OPERATE VIRTUALLY AT FULL CAPACITY, KEEN COMPETITION FOR RESOURCES DROVE UP COSTS," HE SAID.
IN OVERALL TERMS, MR JACOBS SAID, THE EXTERNAL SECTOR PERFORMED REMARKABLY WELL.
"THE SINGLE MOST NOTEWORTHY FEATURE HAS BEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR RE-EXPORT TRADE. AND IN 1988, RE-EXPORTS OVERTOOK DOMESTIC EXPORTS. OUR ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT SERVING CHINA AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION HAS AGAIN BECOME OF MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORTS, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ATTAINED IN CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A DECLINE IN RESPECT OF THE UNITED STATES MARKET.
"WE ARE THUS WITNESSING THE CONTINUATION OF A USEFUL DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR MARKETS. IMPORTS ALSO ROSE RAPIDLY, WITH THE RESULT THAT OUR VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT SHOWED A LARGER DEFICIT LAST YEAR THAN IN 1987," HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
MR JACOBS SAID DOMESTIC DEMAND HAD CONTINUED TO BE BOOSTED MAINLY BY CONSUMER SPENDING AND BY INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT. IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE GREW MORE SLOWLY THAN THAT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"LET ME ADD THAT, IN THE CURRENT INFLATIONARY SITUATION, THERE IS PARTICULAR MERIT IN SEEKING TO KEEP DOWN THE SHARE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES ABSORBED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
"AS DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY NEARLY NINE PER CENT WHILE DOMESTIC DEMAND GREW BY ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT, THE FORCES DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 1988 WERE MORE BALANCED THAN IN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS.
"HOWEVER, THE GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND EXCEEDED THAT OF OUTPUT. THUS, WITH FULL EMPLOYMENT, NOT ONLY WAS THERE A DEFICIT ON VISIBLE TRADE, BUT ALSO THE RATE OF INFLATION INCREASED DURING THE YEAR," HE SAID.
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INFLATION A MAIN PROBLEM » * » t t
ONE OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS HONG KONG HAD TO FACE WAS INFLATION, BUT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO TO EASE THE PROBLEM WAS LIMITED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THAT THE 7.5 PER CENT RISE IN CONSUMER PRICES IN 1988 WAS HIGH FOR HONG KONG, HIGHER THAN THE SEVEN PER CENT HE HAD FORECAST LAST YEAR.
THE PLAIN FACT OF THE MATTER WAS THAT THERE WERE FEW VIABLE POLICY OPTIONS OPEN TO A SMALL, EXTERNALLY-ORIENTED ECONOMY LIKE HONG KONG'S TO CURB INFLATION, HE SAID.
ON THE MONETARY SIDE, HE SUGGESTED THAT INTEREST RATES SHOULD, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, BE KEPT HIGH.
"BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE THAT WHAT WE CAN DO IN THIS AREA IS CONSTRAINED BY THE OVER-RIDING NEED TO ENSURE EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY WITHIN THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IN RECENT MONTHS, US DOLLAR INTEREST RATES HAD FIRMED UP SIGNIFICANTLY IN RESPONSE TO THE THREAT OF HIGHER INFLATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY SEEMED LIKELY TO REMAIN HIGH FOR THE TIME BEING, AND IF SO, THAT WOULD BE OF SOME HELP TO HONG KONG IN CURBING INFLATION.
/"OH THE.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
4
"ON THE FISCAL SIDE THERE IS AGAIN LITTLE SCOPE FOR ACTION, PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE SMALL SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND THE OPENNESS OF THE ECONOMY LIMIT THE LEVERAGE THAT CAN BE EXERTED THROUGH CHANGING EITHER TAX RATES OR THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE," HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT ITS ACTIONS HELPED RATHER THAN EXACERBATED THE SITUATION.
IN THIS RESPECT, RUNNING A LARGER-THAN-PLANNED BUDGET SURPLUS IN THE CURRENT YEAR WAS, IN ECONOMIC TERMS, ENTIRELY THE RIGHT COURSE TO TAKE IN THE FACE OF INFLATIONARY PRESSURE.
"IN OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, INCREASED PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE IS ACCEPTABLE ONLY SO LONG AS THE INCREASE IS MANAGEABLE, AND ONLY SO LONG AS REVENUE RISES MORE RAPIDLY, WITH THE RESULT THAT, OVERALL, THE GOVERNMENT IS REMOVING SPENDING POWER FROM THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY OF INFLATION IN CHINA, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT WHILE CHINA’S INFLATION WAS RUNNING AHEAD OF THAT IN HONG KONG, SO FAR THIS HAD ONLY A LIMITED EFFECT ON PRICES IN HONG KONG.
IMPORT PRICES OF CHINESE GOODS INCREASED BY ABOUT 1.5 PER CENT IN 1988, AND ALTHOUGH AT THE RETAIL LEVEL THE PRICES OF CHINESE GOODS ROSE MORE RAPIDLY THAN THIS FIGURE, THE INCREASES WERE NOT SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF LINE WITH THOSE OF GOODS FROM OTHER SOURCES, BOTH DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED AND IMPORTED.
LOOKING AHEAD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT IN DUE COURSE, POSSIBLY OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN HONG KONG WOULD WISH, THE ECONOMY WOULD ADJUST.
THERE WERE SIGNS THAT THIS ADJUSTMENT PROCESS WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY, IN THE SENSE THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND WAS LOWER IN 1988 THAN IN 1987. HE SAID.
SIX PER CENT GDP GROWTH RATE PREDICTED » » * t t
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PREDICTED A SIX PER CENT GROWTH IN THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) FOR 1989.
AS A REFLECTION OF GROWING AFFLUENCE, PER CAPITA GDP IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS WAS EXPECTED TO RISE TO US$11,000.
"THIS IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. OF WHICH WE CAN BE JUSTLY PROUD," HE SAID IN PRESENTING HIS BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/MH JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 19&9
- 5 -
MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG CONTINUED TO FACE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS, BUT HE EXPECTED DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO RISE BY SEVEN PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY 22 PER CENT THIS YEAR.
"TRADE IN SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH," HE SAID.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, HE SAID, MIGHT PICK UP SOMEWHAT, BUT THOSE TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY WERE EXPECTED TO REMAIN SLUGGISH.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT RE-EXPORTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE EXPANSION OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES AND PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE FAST GROWTH IN INDIRECT TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND SOME OF THE OTHER INDUSTRIALISING ECONOMIES IN THE REGION.
THERE WERE IMPLICATIONS TO HIS SIX PER CENT GDP FORECAST, HE SAID.
"FIRST, AS IN 1988, A FAIRLY CLOSE BALANCE IS EXPECTED TO BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN THE GROWTH RATES OF DOMESTIC DEMAND (AT 5.9 PER CENT IS CLOSE TO THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT SEVEN PER CENT) AND EXTERNAL DEMAND.
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THE PRESSURE OF DEMAND ON THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, IT IS LIKELY THAT MORE IMPORTS WILL BE REQUIRED AND THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT WILL INCREASE."
AS AN INDICATION OF THE PRESSURE OF DEMAND, TOTAL FINAL DEMAND (EXCLUDING RE-EXPORTS) WAS FORECAST TO INCREASE BY 6.9 PER CENT (11.2 PER CENT IF RE-EXPORTS ARE INCLUDED), WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE SIX PER CENT GDP GROWTH RATE.
AS A RESULT, HE PREDICTED A 9.5 PER CENT GROWTH RATE FOR RETAINED IMPORTS (AND OF 15.5 PER CENT FOR TOTAL IMPORTS OF GOODS).
MR JACOBS ALSO EXPECTED THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT TO INCREASE FROM $8.1 BILLION TO $12.6 BILLION.
HE SAID CONSIDERABLE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES STILL EXISTED AND THAT THESE WOULD TEND TO PUSH THE INFLATION RATE HIGHER BEFORE FALLING, PROBABLY IN THE LATER PART OF THE YEAR.
"THIS YEAR, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IS EXPECTED TO RISE BY AN AVERAGE OF 8.5 PER CENT," HE SAID.
THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR WAS NINE PER CENT AND THAT OF THE DOMESTIC DEMAND DEFLATOR, 9.3 PER CENT.
"A MUCH FASTER RATE OF INCREASE IS, HOWEVER, EXPECTED FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS, AT AN AVERAGE OF AROUND 20 PER CENT," HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
6 -
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THE LABOUR MARKET WAS LIKELY TO REMAIN TIGHT AND THAT THE PRESSURE TO ADOPT LABOUR-SAVING PROCESSES AND TECHNIQUES WOULD BE SUSTAINED.
WHILE EXPLOYERS WERE EXPERIENCING LABOUR SHORTAGES AND INCREASED LABOUR COSTS, HE SAID IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT EMPLOYEES AS A GROUP SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO SHARE IN THE FRUITS OF PROSPERITY THROUGH AMPLE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND BETTER PAY.
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MOVE TO HELP GROWTH OF DOLLAR PAPER MARKET
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS SEEKING TO CREATE A MORE FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR PAPER MARKET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DELIVERING HIS BUDGET SPEECH, THE HON PIERS JACOBS SAID THAT THOSE WHO USED THE MARKET HAD TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES ON WHERE THE MARKET WENT FROM HERE.
"MY TASK IS TO REMOVE IMPEDIMENTS TO HEALTHY GROWTH," HE SAID.
"I INTEND TO SEEK AMENDMENTS TO THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE THE AUTHORISATION PROCEDURES FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF COMMERCIAL PAPER AND FOR CONSULTING THE PARTIES CONCERNED.
"AND, SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE A BILL INTO THIS COUNCIL IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE," MR JACOBS ADDED.
IN OUTLINING THE MONETARY ISSUES IN THE PAST YEAR, HE SAID 1988 SAW THE INTRODUCTION OF VARIOUS ARRANGEMENTS HELPFUL TO THE MAINTENANCE OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY.
"IN THE EARLY PART OF LAST YEAR, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS INTRODUCED THE SPECIFIED RATE RULES AND THE SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES ON INTEREST RATES IN ORDER TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES SHOULD THE NEED ARISE.
"IN JULY, THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH ENABLED THE ADMINISTRATION TO EXERT MORE EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE ON MONETARY CONDITIONS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET," MR JACOBS SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 7 -
HE SAID ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS PUTTING TOGETHER THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAD GIVEN A CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF THEIR SUPPORT TO THE FIRM POLICY OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY AND OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THE GENERAL STABILITY OF THE MONETARY SYSTEM.
"WHEN INTERVENTION THROUGH THE NEW ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS IS NECESSARY, MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ARE CARRIED OUT AND THE MARKET INFORMED.
"SO FAR, THESE OPERATIONS HAVE TAKEN THE FORM OF DIRECT BORROWING OR LENDING, AND THE BUYING OR SELLING OF FOREIGN CURRENCY. THE SAME EFFECT COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE BUYING OR SELLING OF HONG KONG DOLLAR FINANCIAL ASSETS OF ACCEPTABLE QUALITY," MR JACOBS SAID.
"IN OTHER FINANCIAL CENTRES THESE ARE USUALLY IN THE FORM OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT. SUCH INSTRUMENTS PROVIDE A FLEXIBLE, LOW RISK, AND POSSIBLY MORE COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE FOR CONDUCTING MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS," HE ADDED.
"BUT THERE IS IN HONG KONG A LACK OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS BECAUSE THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO GOVERNMENT DEBT," HE SAID.
A STUDY OF THIS MATTER HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT AND INFORMAL CONSULTATION HAD BEEN HELD WITH THE HONG KONG CAPITAL MARKETS ASSOCIATION AND WITH LEADING BANKS, THE ADVICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD ALSO BEEN SOUGHT.
"FOLLOWING UPON THIS CONSULTATION AND ADVICE, MY PRESENT INTENTION IS TO DEVELOP A PROGRAMME FOR THE ISSUE OF SHORT TERM EXCHANGE FUND BILLS.
"THE BILLS WOULD CONSTITUTE DIRECT, UNSECURED, UNCONDITIONAL AND GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND.
"GIVEN THAT THE BILLS WOULD BE USED FOR MONETARY PURPOSES, THEY WOULD BE FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AND NOT FOR THE GENERAL REVENUE AS IS THE CASE FOR TREASURY BILLS ELSEWHERE.
"I MUST EMPHASISE THAT THE PROCEEDS COULD NOT BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING FISCAL DEFICITS OR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE," HE SAID. THE PROCEEDS WOULD BE SUITABLY INVESTED ALONG WITH OTHER ASSETS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AND WOULD BE AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THOSE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE RESOURCES OF THAT FUND MAY PROPERLY BE USED.
"IN OTHER WORDS, WE WOULD NOT BE BORROWING TO FINANCE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE," MR JACOBS EXPLAINED.
HE SAID OPERATIONAL DETAILS WERE STILL BEING WORKED OUT AND FURTHER DISCUSSION WOULD BE NEEDED WITH POTENTIAL MARKET MAKERS AND MARKET PARTICIPANTS ON SECONDARY MARKET DEVELOPMENT.
/"OUR POLICY .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
8
"OUR POLICY HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO LEAVE THE INITIATIVE OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT TO THOSE WHO DEAL IN THE MARKET ITSELF. BUT WHERE FISCAL OR INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS ARE IDENTIFIED AS INHIBITING DEVELOPMENT, WE ARE PREPARED TO CONSIDER APPROPRIATE MODIFICATIONS.
"THIS POLICY REMAINS UNCHANGED. THE UNDER-DEVELOPED STATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR PAPER MARKET HAS BEEN ATTRIBUTED BY SOME MARKET PARTICIPANTS NOT ONLY TO THE LACK OF GOVERNMENT DEBT BUT ALSO TO THE INCIDENCE OF INTEREST TAX.
"THE ISSUE OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS, AS I HAVE EXPLAINED, SHOULD BE HELPFUL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS MARKET," HE SAID.
-----0-----
$14.2 BILLION SURPLUS IN 1988-89 EXPECTED
* » « « ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE EXPECTED AN OVERALL SURPLUS IN 1988-89 OF $14.2 BILLION COMPARED WITH A BUDGETTED SURPLUS OF $5.5 BILLION.
"THIS SUBSTANTIAL SURPLUS, WHICH IS CLEARLY MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN OUR RESERVES IN REAL TERMS, IS THE PRODUCT OF THREE YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE," HE SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
"BUT IT SHOULD BE SEEN IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR TOTAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAR; THE GDP IN 1988 AMOUNTED TO $426 BILLION," HE NOTED.
ON THE PRESENT STATE OF PUBLIC FINANCES, MR JACOBS SAID THE REVENUE OUTTURN AT THE END OF 1988-89 WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN FORECAST, WHILE FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR SOME YEARS EXPENDITURE WOULD ALSO EXCEED THE FORECAST,
GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, EXCLUDING TRANSFERS TO FUNDS, OF $43.3 BILLION EXCEEDED THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE BY ABOUT TWO PER CENT -- THE BULK OF THE INCREASE BEING DUE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE "RENNIE" REPORT ON PAY FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT OF $49.6 BILLION, INCLUDING TRANSFERS TO FUNDS, WAS CLOSE TO THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE.
MR JACOBS SAID EXPENDITURE OF $14.5 BILLION FROM VARIOUS FUNDS WAS ABOUT 12 PER CENT ABOVE BUDGET.
THIS CONSIDERABLE INCREASE WAS CAUSED LARGELY BY THE REVISED FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
/OTHER INCREASE!'.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
OTHER INCREASES IN FUND EXPENDITURE WERE FROM THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND, BECAUSE OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED COST INCREASES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND SOME ACCELERATION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS.
SPENDING IN CASH TERMS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND FROM THE FUNDS TOGETHER WAS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT 20 PER CENT ABOVE THE ACTUAL FIGURE FOR 1987-88 AND ABOUT FOUR PER CENT ABOVE THE ORGINAL ESTIMATES, HE ADDED.
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, WHICH INCLUDED HOUSING AUTHORITY AND URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS EXPENDITURE, WAS, IN CASH TERMS, EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT 22 PER CENT ABOVE THE ACTUAL FIGURE FOR 1987-88.
EXPRESSED IN REAL TERMS, THE INCREASE WAS ABOUT NINE PER CENT COMPARED WITH AN ORIGINAL ESTIMATE OF SEVEN PER CENT.
MR JACOBS SAID THE GROWTH IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS ABOUT 3.3 PER CENT.
"THIS IS STILL IN EXCESS OF OUR GUIDELINE OF 2.5 PER CENT, AND WE MUST CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO CONTROL THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AS WELL AS OVERALL EXPENDITURE," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO REVENUE, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE HIGHER THAN EXPECTED OUTTURN WAS PARTICULARLY NOTEWORTHY.
"IN PREPARING THE 1988-89 ESTIMATE WE MADE ALLOWANCE FOR THE ANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF THE EVENTS OF OCTOBER 1987," HE SAID.
"AS I HAVE ALREADY SAID, THOSE EVENTS HAD REMARKABLY LITTLE IMPACT. FURTHERMORE, THE ESTIMATE WAS BASED ON A GDP GROWTH OF AROUND 14 PER CENT IN 1987 AND FIVE PER CENT IN 1988.
"THE GDP GREW FASTER IN 1988 THAN EXPECTED, AND THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR GENERAL REVENUE EXCEEDS THE BUDGET BY 21 PER CENT."
MR JACOBS SAID REVENUE FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIOUS FUNDS WAS NOW EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT BELOW THE ESTIMATE MAINLY BECAUSE REVENUE WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO ACCRUE TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND WOULD NOW ACCRUE TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
BUT THIS REDUCTION WAS LARGELY OFFSET BY HIGHER THAN EXPECTED PROCEEDS FROM LAND SALES. COMBINING GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND FUND ACCOUNT REVENUE, THE INCREASE ON THE ORIGINAL BUDGET WAS 18 PER CENT.
"ON THE BASIS OF THIS INCREASED REVENUE OUTTURN, AND DESPITE EXPENDITURE BEING ABOVE THE ESTIMATE, I EXPECT AN OVERALL SURPLUS IN 1988-89 OF $14.2 BILLION COMPARED WITH A BUDGETTED SURPLUS OF $5.5 BILLION," HE SAID.
"IN SUM, CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE IN 1988-89 IS ESTIMATED TO BE 15.4 PER CENT OF GDP.
/"RECURRENT EXPENDITURE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 10
"RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ABSORBED ONLY TWO THIRDS OF RECURRENT REVENUE, THUS LEAVING A COMFORTABLE MARGIN TO FINANCE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
"THIS ENABLED ABOUT HALF OF OUR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TO BE SO FINANCED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR AIM OF LIMITING DEPENDENCY ON CAPITAL REVENUE."
HOWEVER, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT SOME "DISTURBING TRENDS" WERE BECOMING EVIDENT.
"FIRST, GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE EXCEEDS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.
"SECONDLY, THE GROWTH IN CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT REMAINS HIGHER THAN OUR TARGET.
"THIRDLY, ALTHOUGH RECURRENT REVENUE IS BUOYANT, IT IS INCREASINGLY DEPENDENT ON DIRECT TAXES WHICH ARE VULNERABLE TO THE VOLATILITY OF THE ECONOMY," HE EXPLAINED.
-----0-----
STEADY GROWTH WITHIN BUDGETARY GUIDELINES ESSENTIAL
STEADY GROWTH WITHIN BUDGETARY GUIDELINES IS ESSENTIAL TO THE ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF PUBLIC SERVICES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC FINANCES WHEN PRESENTING HIS BUDGET, MR JACOBS SAID THAT CENTRAL TO THIS STRATEGY WAS THE DISCIPLINE THAT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE BASED ON THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, CLEARLY, THE ASSUMPTIONS BUILT INTO THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST ARE FUNDAMENTAL," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID FOR PLANNING PURPOSES HE HAD, DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, ADJUSTED THE TREND GROWTH RATE ASSUMPTION FOR THE FORECAST PERIOD FROM 5.5 TO SIX PER CENT.
"RECENTLY, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED PARTICULARLY RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND WE CAN EXPECT REASONABLE GROWTH IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
"I THEREFORE CONSIDER SIX PER CENT AS A TREND GROWTH RATE TO BE AN APPROPRIATE PLANNING ASSUMPTION," HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT WE WOULD EXPERIENCE CONSIDERABLE YEAR TO YEAR VARIATIONS IN REVENUE, DEPENDENT AS IT WAS ON ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.
"NOTWITHSTANDING THIS, WE SEEK TO MAINTAIN STABILITY IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE GROWTH," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF PUBLIC SERVICES, MR JACOBS SAID: "IF WE ARE TO MANAGE OUR FINANCES EFFECTIVELY WE NEED TO PLAN AHEAD AND DETERMINE OVER A PERIOD OF FOUR OR FIVE YEARS THE LEVELS OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE THAT WE CAN SUSTAIN WITHOUT THE PUBLIC SECTOR CLAIMING TOO GREAT A SHARE OF THE TERRITORY’S RESOURCES."
BY ESTABLISHING BUDGETARY GUIDELINES, THE GOVERNMENT SOUGHT TO ENSURE THAT SPENDING LEVELS WERE PLANNED BY REFERENCE TO WHAT THE ECONOMY COULD SUPPORT AND NOT BY THE REVENUE AVAILABLE.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THERE IS A NEED FOR ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THIS MAY REQUIRE US TO ACCEPT LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE WHICH FROM TIME TO TIME TAKE US OUTSIDE OUR GUIDELINES," HE SAID.
"IT MUST BE REMEMBERED, HOWEVER, THAT CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE ECONOMY CAN MEAN THAT HIGHER SPENDING TRANSLATES INTO HIGHER PRICES WITH LITTLE REAL GAIN."
-------0---------
PROVISIONS FOR 3.9 PER CENT CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, HAS MADE PROVISIONS IN HIS BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR A 3.9 PER CENT GROWTH IN THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1989-90, COMPARED WITH THE TARGET OF 2.5 PER CENT GROWTH PER YEAR.
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY PLANNED FOR INCREASES IN STAFF REQUIRED FOR NEW MEDICAL FACILITIES AND FOR THE BUILD UP OF THE POLICE FORCE, PARTLY TO ASSUME THE DUTIES OF THE BRITISH GARRISON, HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION WE NOW HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR HIGHER STAFFING LEVELS IN, FOR EXAMPLE, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POST OFFICE TO MEET THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD IDENTIFIED PROBABLE COMMITMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR INCREASED EXPENDITURE OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
/"WHEN CONSIDERATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 12 -
"WHEN CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE ALLOCATION OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FUND NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD TO 1992-93, THE PLANNED LEVEL OF SPENDING ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT WAS INCREASED BY $2 BILLION IN TOTAL OVER THE FOUR YEARS UP TO AND INCLUDING 1992-93.
"THIS REDUCED THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR RECURRENT ACCOUNT SPENDING ON NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES, BUT I WOULD STRESS THAT IT SHOULD STILL BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE SOME PROVISION FOR SUCH SERVICES DURING THE PERIOD."
IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONSTRAINTS AND TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES, POLICY SECRETARIES AND CONTROLLING OFFICERS WOULD HAVE TO CARRY OUT A RIGOROUS EXAMINATION OF ON-GOING OR BASELINE EXPENDITURE.
"OVER TIME IT IS INEVITABLE THAT SOME FAT ACCUMULATES, AND PERIODIC DIETING IS GOOD FOR HEALTH," MR JACOBS SAID.
HE SAID THAT OVERALL, THE PROFILE OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE INDICATED THAT THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES OVER THE VARIOUS PROGRAMME AREAS HAD REMAINED FAIRLY STEADY IN RECENT YEARS.
SOCIAL SERVICES AND EDUCATION MADE UP ABOUT 32 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, AND HOUSING 14 PER CENT. SPENDING ON INFRASTRUCTURE ACCOUNTED FOR 15 PER CENT, AND ON SECURITY, ALSO 15 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, OVER THE FORECAST PERIOD THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WERE EXPECTED TO ACCOUNT FOR AN INCREASING SHARE OF RESOURCES.
ON AN IMPORTANT MATTER CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AUTHORITIES OUTSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR BETTER MEANS OF DELIVERING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
"SOME SERVICES CAN BE MORE EFFICIENTLY PROVIDED BY AGENCIES FREED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE STRUCTURE. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT ALWAYS SO," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT THE HIVING OFF OF SERVICES SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS AN ABDICATION OF RESPONSIBILITY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE BODIES ESTABLISHED WILL REMAIN A PART OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR, MOST WILL STILL RELY ON PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THEIR OPERATIONS AND ALL WILL BE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THEIR SERVICES TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MANAGEMENT WOULD BE AUTONOMOUS AND SHOULD BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO CHANGING NEEDS, HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
MR JACOBS SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS WERE ALREADY WELL ESTABLISHED AND THE NEW HOSPITALS AUTHORITY WOULD BE SET UP NEXT YEAR.
AS A RESULT, IN MONEY TERMS ALMOST HALF OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES WOULD BE PROVIDED BY STATUTORY BODIES OR AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, HE SAID.
"BUT IT STILL REMAINS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE OVERALL FINANCIAL CONTROL AND TO SET OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD COME INTO OPERATION ABOUT A YEAR AGO.
"SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH OTHER BODIES APPROPRIATE TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WE ARE FORMULATING PLANS TO MODIFY THE ROLE OF THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO ACCOMMODATE SUCH ARRANGEMENTS," HE SAID.
- - 0--------
SALES TAX COULD BRING SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS
*****
THE INTRODUCTION OF A SALES TAX COULD BRING TO HONG KONG SOME SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS AND WOULD PROVIDE SCOPE TO REDUCE SOME EXISTING TAXES, BOTH DIRECT AND INDIRECT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DELIVERING HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE TYPE OF SALES TAX BEING EXAMINED WAS A TAX AT THE WHOLESALE LEVEL AND ITS INTRODUCTION WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY TIMED.
"AT THE MOMENT WE ARE SUFFERING FROM INFLATION, AND IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE ARE YET READY FOR THIS TAX. BUT THE PREPARATORY WORK MUST BE DONE NOW," HE SAID.
"WE MUST ENSURE THAT PRESENT ADVANTAGES THAT WE ENJOY FROM OUR TAX SYSTEM ARE NOT ERODED OVER TIME.
"MEMBERS WILL BE AWARE THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD IS MOVING TOWARDS LOWER DIRECT TAXES."
MR JACOBS SAID HE WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF A SALES TAX WOULD REPRESENT A FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN TAXATION POLICIES.
/"NEVERTHELESS, I .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
14
"NEVERTHELESS, I AM ANXIOUS TO REDUCE OUR DEPENDENCE ON SOURCES OF REVENUE WHICH ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO THE VICISSITUDES OF THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT WHILE REVENUE CONTINUED TO BE BUOYANT IN LINE WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY, THE RATES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH SEEN IN THE LAST THREE YEARS COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE UNABATED.
"MY PLANS FOR REVENUE ARE AS USUAL BASED ON AN ASSESSMENT OF THE POSITION OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS," HE SAID.
"WHILST WE MUST AVOID ADDING TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES THERE IS SOME SCOPE FOR LOWERING THE TAX BURDEN."
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT LAST YEAR WHEN DISCUSSING THE VALUE OF A WIDER AND MORE STABLE TAX BASE HE HAD INFORMED MEMBERS THAT A FORM OF SALES TAX, THOUGH PROBABLY NOT AT A RETAIL LEVEL, BEST MET THE CRITERIA OUTLINED.
"WE HAVE NOW CARRIED OUT CONSIDERABLY MORE RESEARCH AND ARE PREPARING A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT," HE SAID.
"WE SHOULD BE IN A POSITION TO ISSUE THIS DOCUMENT TO A NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.
"THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WILL SIMPLY BE TO ENABLE ME TO EXAMINE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THOSE TO WHOM THE DOCUMENT WILL BE ISSUED, THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF TAX DIVERSIFICATION AND ANY POSSIBLE DIFFICULTIES IN MY PROPOSALS," MR JACOBS SAID.
"I SHALL NOT GO OVER ALL THE ARGUMENTS AT THIS STAGE BUT I WOULD LIKE TO REPEAT THE CRITERIA THAT I CONSIDER MUST BE MET IF WE ARE TO INTRODUCE ANY INDIRECT TAX OF THE NATURE THAT I HAVE DESCRIBED," HE SAID.
"FIRST, SUCH A TAX SHOULD PRODUCE A STABLE AND WORTHWHILE REVENUE YIELD AT A LOW TAX RATE: SECONDLY, IT SHOULD CAUSE MINIMAL DISTORTION TO THE ECONOMY; AND THIRDLY, IT SHOULD BE SIMPLE AND CHEAP TO ADMINISTER.
"THE TYPE OF SALES TAX THAT I AM EXAMINING IS A TAX AT THE WHOLESALE LEVEL AND OUR RESEARCHES SO FAR HAVE INDICATED THAT SUCH A TAX DOES, INDEED, MEET THE CRITERIA THAT I HAVE MENTIONED."
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 15 -
RESERVES NOT A ’POT OF GOLD’ *****
IT IS WRONG TO LOOK UPON THE GOVERNMENT'S RESERVES AS A "POT OF GOLD" AVAILABLE TO BE SPENT REGARDLESS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"OUR BUDGETARY GUIDELINES ARE RELATED TO THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY, AND NOT TO THE SIZE OF THE RESERVES," HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO PROTECT ITS SPENDING PROGRAMMES AGAINST CYCLICAL CHANGES IN REVENUE LEVELS, AND THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAD CONTINGENT LIABILITIES WHICH HAD TO BE COVERED.
MR JACOBS SAID THE CONSOLIDATED RESERVES WERE EXPECTED TO SHOW A BALANCE OF ABOUT $60 BILLION AT THE END OF 1988-89, RISING TO ABOUT $71 BILLION AT THE END OF 1989-90.
THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST SHOWED THAT IN THE PERIOD TO 1992-93, ALTHOUGH THE LEVEL OF RESERVES WOULD BE MORE THAN MAINTAINED IN REAL TERMS OVER THE FORECAST PERIOD, THE RESERVE BALANCES, WHEN EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL SPENDING, WOULD FALL FROM 91 PER CENT TO 87 PER CENT.
HE SAID THE POSITION HAD IMPROVED SINCE LAST YEAR WHEN HE FORECAST THAT THE LEVEL OF RESERVES AS A PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURE WOULD FALL TO ABOUT 65 PER CENT BY 1991-92.
"I AM NOT PROPOSING ANY GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT LEVEL OF RESERVES IS APPROPRIATE. WE ARE COMFORTABLE BUT NOT EXCESSIVELY SO," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO MAKE PROVISION FOR SOME MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS THAT WERE LIKELY TO START IN THE YEARS AHEAD, SUCH AS ROAD AND RAIL NETWORKS, PORT DEVELOPMENT AND DRAINAGE AND SEWAGE PROJECTS.
ALSO, IT WAS INCREASINGLY CLEAR THAT HONG KONG WAS GOING TO NEED A NEW AIRPORT.
THAT WOULD BE A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING INVOLVING NOT ONLY THE AIRPORT ITSELF BUT ALSO A VAST AMOUNT OF INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS ROADS, TUNNELS, POSSIBLY BRIDGES AND PERHAPS A RAILWAY LINK.
"OUR STUDIES, INCLUDING OUR EXAMINATION INTO THE FINANCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, ARE PROGRESSING WELL, AND WE EXPECT TO BE IN A POSITION TO ANNOUNCE A DECISION BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO ANTICIPATE SOME OF THE CONSIDERABLE EXPENDITURE INVOLVED IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR JACOBS PROPOSED TO MAKE REGULAR TRANSFERS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS BEGINNING IN THE 1989-90 FINANCIAL YEAR.
/"IN THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 16 -
"IN THIS WAY, WE WILL BE EARMARKING SOME OF OUR ACCUMULATING SURPLUSES TO FINANCE OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OVER THE NEXT 10 TO 15 YEARS," HE SAID.
THE DETAILED ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS WERE NOT YET FINALISED BUT HE ENVISAGED TRANSFERS BOTH TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND IN RESPECT OF THOSE PROJECTS WHICH WOULD BE A PART OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AND ALSO TO A NEW FUND FOR INVESTMENT IN THOSE PROJECTS WHICH MIGHT ATTRACT THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR WHICH MIGHT BE IMPLEMENTED BY STATUTORY AUTHORITIES.
"AFTER THESE TRANSFERS, THE UNASSIGNED RESERVES WILL STILL PROVIDE COVER FOR OUR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND PROTECTION AGAINST SHORT TERM CASH FLOW FLUCTUATIONS, AND WILL ASSIST IN MAINTAINING FISCAL STABILITY," HE SAID.
-----0------
SURPLUS FORECAST FOR 1989-90 * ♦ ♦ * t
THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FOR 1989-90, BEFORE REVENUE MEASURES. INDICATE A SURPLUS ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT OF $3.4 BILLION AND AN INCREASE IN THE BALANCES OF VARIOUS FUNDS OF $8.7 BILLION, GIVING AN OVERALL SURPLUS OF $12.1 BILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT TAX CONCESSIONS WOULD REDUCE THE SURPLUS ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TO $2.8 BILLION, AND THE OVERALL SURPLUS TO $11.5 BILLION.
MR JACOBS SAID THE DRAFT ESTIMATES SHOWED EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT, INCLUDING TRANSFER TO FUNDS, OF $70 BILLION.
IN TERMS OF CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO SPEND $11.9 BILLION ON SOCIAL SERVICES, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER 1988-89; $13.1 BILLION ON EDUCATION, AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT; AND $10.6 ON HOUSING. ALSO AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT.
SPENDING IN THESE AREAS WOULD REPRESENT 45 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
EXPENDITURE ON SECURITY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND THE TRANSPORT, WORKS AND WATER SUPPLY GROUP WOULD, TAKEN TOGETHER, INCREASE BY 10 PER CENT.
"THESE INCREASES IN EXPENDITURE, WHICH I WOULD EMPHASISE ARE IN REAL TERMS, REPRESENT THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO SECURE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY OF THOSE WHO RELY HEAVILY ON PUBLIC SERVICES," MR JACOBS SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
17 -
MR JACOBS SAID THE TOTAL CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE WAS EXPECTED TO GROW BY NINE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS - THREE PERCENTAGE POINTS ABOVE THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP OF SIX PER CENT OVER THE PERIOD OF THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST.
HE SAID THE ESTIMATES PROVIDED FOR THE COST OF MAINTAINING EXISTING SERVICES, OPENING NEW FACILITIES IN 1989-90 AND MEETING INCREASING DEMAND FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
THE ESTIMATES ALSO PROVIDED FOR SEVERAL NEW SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED.
THESE INCLUDED SETTING UP NEW OVERSEAS ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICES IN NORTH AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA AND THE DIVISION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTO THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
"EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT ALLOWS FOR AN INCREASE IN SPENDING ON THE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME, INCLUDING THE CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY, ON WHICH EXPENDITURE IS EXPECTED TO PEAK IN 1989-90," MR JACOBS SAID.
"EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL PROGRAMMES IS EXPECTED TO BE $14.5 BILLION OR 33 PER CENT HIGHER IN CASH TERMS THAN 1988-89."
MR JACOBS SAID THE 3.9 PER CENT PROJECTED GROWTH RATE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE INCLUDED ABOUT 5,700 POSTS IN THE GOVERNMENT ALONE.
OF THIS INCREASE, 40 PER CENT WOULD BE FOR POSTS IN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND 25 PER CENT FOR THE HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
THE DRAFT ESTIMATES ALSO PROVIDED FOR TRANSFERS TO FUNDS FROM GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TOTALLING $17.7 BILLION.
PROVISION WAS ALSO MADE FOR EQUITY INVESTMENT IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN 1989-90 AND FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT BONDS FOR $1 BILLION ISSUED IN 1984, WHICH WERE REPAYABLE ON APRIL 9 THIS YEAR.
TURNING TO THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF REVENUE, MR JACOBS SAID THE GENERAL ACCOUNT REVENUE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $73.4 BILLION, OR AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 13 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR.
REVENUE FROM DIRECT TAXES WAS EXPECTED TO BE 18 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE FOR LAST YEAR, AND FOR OTHER REVENUE, EIGHT PER CENT.
"ON THE BASIS OF THIS FORECAST, DIRECT TAXES WILL REPRESENT 65 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES TAKEN TOGETHER, COMPARED WITH 62 PER CENT IN 1988-89 AND 60 PER CENT IN 1987-88," MR JACOBS SAID.
/REVENUE ACCRUING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
18
REVENUE ACCRUING TO THE VARIOUS FUNDS WAS ESTIMATED AT 47.8 BILLION - AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 13 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR - WHICH WAS LARGELY ACCOUNTED FOR BY REVENUE FROM EXPECTED LAND SALES.
COMBINED REVENUE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND THE FUNDS WOULD THEREFORE BE ABOUT $81.2 BILLION - AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT OVER 1988-89.
EXPLAINING THAT TAX REVENUES WOULD CONTINUE TO REFLECT HONG KONG’S RECENT ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, MR JACOBS PREDICTED THAT REVENUE WOULD REMAIN BUOYANT NEXT YEAR DESPITE THE SLOW DOWN IN THE RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH WHICH HE HAD FORECAST.
--------o-----------
REVENUE-RAISING MEASURES OUTLINED
*****
DESPITE THE LARGE FORECAST SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, THERE IS A NEED TO ENSURE THAT REVENUE PROPOSALS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE OVERALL ECONOMIC SITUATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN PRESENTING HIS BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS SAID HIS PROPOSALS INCLUDED A NUMBER OF REVENUE-RAISING MEASURES WHICH WOULD YIELD SOME $550 MILLION IN 1989-90, EQUIVALENT TO $620 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE WAS MORE THAN OFFSET BY TAX CONCESSIONS ESTIMATED TO COST $1.1 BILLION IN 1989-90, AND $1.7 BILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
"THE EFFECT WILL BE TO REDUCE THE SURPLUS ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT IN 1989-90 FROM $3.4 BILLION TO $2.8 BILLION AND THE OVERALL SURPLUS FROM $12.1 BILLION TO $11.5 BILLION," HE EXPLAINED.
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES
MR JACOBS SAID THE PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING HIS PROPOSALS REMAINED THAT SPECIFIC DUTY RATES SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN REAL TERMS BY REGULAR SMALL ADJUSTMENTS.
THE DUTY RATES ON HYDROCARBON OILS, LIQUOR AND TOBACCO WERE ALL REVISED LAST YEAR. TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE YIELD, HE PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE DUTY RATES ON THESE COMMODITIES BROADLY IN LINE WITH INFLATION.
HE SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT THESE INCREASES MIGHT BE CRITICISED AS ADDING TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES, BUT THE DANGER OF NOT MAINTAINING SPECIFIC DUTY RATES WAS SIMPLY MUCH LARGER INCREASES AT A LATER DATE.
/IMPORTED HYDROCARBON .......
19
IMPORTED HYDROCARBON OILS
MR JACOBS PROPOSED AN INCREASE IN THE DUTY RATE ON MOTOR SPIRIT FROM $2.55 A LITRE TO $2.75 A LITRE, AND ON DIESEL OIL FOR ROAD VEHICLES FROM $1.27 A LITRE TO $1.37 A LITRE.
THE REFUND ON DIESEL OIL TO THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WOULD REMAIN AT 65 CENTS A LITRE, HE SAID.
THE ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL REVENUE ARISING FROM THESE INCREASES WOULD BE SOME $143 MILLION IN 1989-90.
INTOXICATING LIQUOR AND ALCOHOL
MR JACOBS MADE A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS IN RELATION TO INTOXICATING LIQUOR AND ALCOHOL.
THE FIRST CONCERNED BEER ON WHICH DUTY WAS CURRENTLY ASSESSED ON THE QUANTITY AND THE ORIGINAL SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF THE PRODUCT RELEASED TO THE LOCAL MARKET.
MR JACOBS SAID THE "ANTIQUATED" PROCEDURES INVOLVED, WHICH DATED BACK TO THE EARLY YEARS OF THIS CENTURY, WERE CUMBERSOME AND EXPENSIVE TO ADMINISTER, AND WERE NOT APPROPRIATE IN TODAY’S RAPIDLY EXPANDING BEER MARKET.
TO OVERCOME THESE PROBLEMS, HE PROPOSED THAT DUTY BE ASSESSED SOLELY ON THE VOLUME OF BEER, WHETHER RELEASED FROM A LOCAL BREWERY OR IMPORTED.
"I EXPECT BOTH THE TRADE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO BENEFIT FROM THE IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND REDUCED COSTS THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL BRING," HE SAID.
"AFTER TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE INCREASE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE YIELD IN REAL TERMS, THE REVISED DUTY RATE WILL BE $220 A HECTOLITRE."
THE FULL DUTY INCREASE IS EQUIVALENT TO LESS THAN ONE CENT ON A CAN ON LOCALLY BREWED BEER.
MR JACOBS ALSO PROPOSED AN INCREASE IN THE SPECIFIC DUTY RATE ON LIQUEURS, WHISKY, GIN, RUM, VODKA AND ALL OTHER SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, EXCEPT BRANDY. BY $4 A LITRE FROM $18 TO $52.
IN ADDITION, HE PROPOSED TO ELIMINATE THE EXISTING DIFFERENTIAL ON SPECIFIC DUTY RATES BETWEEN BRANDY AND ALL OTHER SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, BY REDUCING THE SPECIFIC DUTY RATE ON BRANDY BY $3 A LITRE FROM $55 TO $52.
/IN ORDER .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
IN ORDER TO RESTORE THEIR REAL VALUE, HE PROPOSED TO INCREASE BY EIGHT PER CENT THE SPECIFIC DUTY RATES IN RESPECT OF CHAMPAGNE AND SPARKLING WINES, STILL WINES, CIDER AND PERRY, NON-EUROPEAN TYPE WINES AND CHINESE TYPE SPIRITS.
HIS LAST PROPOSAL IN RELATION TO DUTIES ON INTOXICATING LIQUORS AND ALCOHOL WAS TO INCREASE THE BASIC RATES FOR ETHYL ALCOHOL AND METHYL ALCOHOL FROM $455 TO $490 A HECTOLITRE.
ASSUMING NO CONSUMER RESISTANCE, MR JACOBS SAID, HE ESTIMATED THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD TO BE $21 MILLION IN 1989-90.
TOBACCO
MR JACOBS PROPOSED AN INCREASE IN THE DUTY ON CIGARETTES FROM $175 TO $190 PER 1,000 STICKS.
THE DUTY ON CIGARS WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $233 TO $250 A KILOGRAM; ON SMOKING TOBACCO FROM $212 TO $230 A KILOGRAM; AND ON CHINESE PREPARED TOBACCO FROM $45.50 TO $50 A KILOGRAM.
HE ESTIMATED THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD TO BE $102 MILLION IN 1989-90.
ALL THE CHANGES IN DUTY RATES WERE THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS AND CAME INTO EFFECT THIS AFTERNOON.
_ - O -
INCREASES IN FEES. CHARGES TO YIELD $287 MILLION
*****
Till' FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROPOSED INCREASES IN A NUMBER OF FEES AND CHARGES WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO YIELD SOME $287 MILLION IN REVENUE IN 1989-90.
THE INCREASES AFFECT BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES, VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY LICENCE AND REGISTRATION FEES, AND FERRY PASSENGER EMBARKATION AND PORT RELATED FEES.
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE POLICY ON FEES AND CHARGES CONTINUED TO BE THAT SERVICES SHOULD GENERALLY BE PAID FOR BY THOSE WHO USED THEM.
HE PROPOSED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $550 TO $630.
"THE FEE WILL APPLY TO AU. REGISTERED BUSINESSES, BUT SMALL BUSINESSES WILL CONTINUE TO BE GRANTED EXEMPTION IF THEIR MONTHLY TURNOVER DOES NOT EXCEED CERTAIN PRESCRIBED LIMITS,' HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1t 1989
- 21
MR JACOBS ESTIMATED THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE INCREASE TO BE SOME $37 MILLION IN 1989-90.
ARISING FROM THE
THE LEVY OF $100 FOR THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND WAS SEPARATE AND NOT AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL, HE ADDED.
ON VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES, MR JACOBS PROPOSED INCREASES BY EIGHT PER CENT FROM THE LEVELS SET LAST YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE EXISTING AND PROPOSED VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES:
EXISTING FEES
PROPOSED FEES
($)
($)
1. DRIVING LICENCES
FULL 190 P.A. 205 P.A.
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR’S 580 P.A. 625 P.A.
LEARNER’S 390 P.A. 420 P.A.
TEMPORARY 190 205
DRIVING TEST 390 420
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR’S TEST 390 420
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT 60 P.A. 65 P.A.
DUPLICATE LICENCE 85 90
DUPLICATE INTERNATIONAL DRIVING
PERMIT 60 65
RECORD OF CONVICTIONS 45 50
CERTIFICATE OF NO RECORDED
CONVICTION 45 50
2. VEHICLE LICENCES
GOODS VEHICLES AND SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE
NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES BUT NOT 900 970
EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES 1,750 1,890
EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES 3,500 3,780
TAXI 2,330 2,515
/PRIVATE CAR
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 22 -
PRIVATE CAR
NOT EXCEEDING 1,500 CC 2,915 3.150
EXCEEDING 1,500 CC BUT NOT
EXCEEDING 2,500 CC 4,345 4.690
EXCEEDING 2,500 CC BUT NOT
EXCEEDING 3,500 CC 5,775 6.235
EXCEEDING 3,500 CC BUT NOT
EXCEEDING 4,500 CC 7,210 7,785
EXCEEDING 4,500 CC 8,585 9.270
ADDITIONAL FEE FOR PRIVATE
CAR USING DIESEL FUEL ELECTRICALLY POWERED PASSENGER 1,115 VEHICLES 1,205
NOT EXCEEDING 1 TONNE 340 365
FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 250 KG 70 75
MOTOR CYCLE 920 990
MOTOR TRICYCLE 920 990
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS 6,360 6,870
PRIVATE LIGHT BUS 2,015 2,175
PUBLIC BUS
FOR THE DRIVER 17 20
ADDITIONAL FEE FOR EACH SEAT 39 40
PRIVATE BUS
FOR THE DRIVER 17 20
ADDITIONAL FEE FOR EACH SEAT 34 35
TRAILER
FOR EACH 250 KG OR PART THEREOF 22 25
INVALID CARRIAGE 10 10
MR JACOBS ESTIMATED THE INCREASES WOULD YIELD ADDITIONAL
REVENUE OF $103 MILLION IN 1989-90.
/AS REVENUE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 23 -
AS REVENUE FROM THE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DID NOT COVER THE COSTS OF SUPERVISION, MR JACOBS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THESE LICENCE AND REGISTRATION FEES BY 15 PER CENT.
FOR INSTANCE. THE REGISTRATION FEE WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $54,000 TO $62,100, AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING LICENCE FEE WOULD BE RAISED FROM $183,600 TO $211,140.
"THE ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL YIELD OF $3 MILLION IN 1989-90 WILL REDUCE, THOUGH NOT ELIMINATE, THE UNDER-RECOVERY OF SUPERVISION COSTS," HE SAID.
ON PORT RELATED FEES, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT A NEW VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE PORT WOULD BE COMMISSIONED LATER THIS YEAR.
TO DEFRAY IN PART THE COSTS OF INSTALLING AND OPERATING THE NEW SYSTEM, THE EMBARKATION FEE FOR PASSENGERS DEPARTING FROM THE MACAU AND CHINA FERRY TERMINALS WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $15 TO $17.
THE INCREASE WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED WHEN THE NEW VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WAS COMMISSIONED, HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, PORT AND LIGHT DUES WOULD ALSO BE INCREASED.
MR JACOBS ESTIMATED THE TOTAL ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD IN 1989-90 TO BE $14 MILLION, AND $29 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF OTHER FEES AND CHARGES, INCLUDING WATER CHARGES, WERE SCHEDULED FOR NORMAL REVIEW THIS YEAR.
ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT $130 MILLION IN 1989-90 AND $180 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR WAS EXPECTED FROM THESE SOURCES, HE ADDED.
THE INCREASES IN THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY LICENCE AND REGISTRATION FEES, AND VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES TOOK EFFECT THIS AFTERNOON UNDER PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS.
-------O----------
/24 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 24 -
CUTS IN PERSONAL TAXATION PROPOSED *****
REDUCTION IN PERSONAL TAXATION AND INCREASES IN PERSONAL ALLOWANCES, EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, WERE PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET, MR JACOBS PROPOSED A REDUCTION IN THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX, INCREASES IN PERSONAL ALLOWANCES, INCREASES IN CHILD AND DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCES, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW ALLOWANCE FOR SINGLE PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
HE PROPOSED THAT THE STANDARD RATE OF PERSONAL TAXATION BE REDUCED FROM 15. ' PER (11 TO 15 PER CENT AND THAT BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE BE INCREASED FEON $29,000 TO $32,000 FOR A SINGLE PERSON, AND FROM $60,000 TO $66,000 FOR A MARRIED COUPLE.
"TAKEN TOGETHER, THE NEW BASIC ALLOWANCE PLUS THE EXISTING ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WILL TOTAL $39,000 FOR SINGLE PERSONS AND $80,000 FOR MARRIED COUPLES; BELOW THESE INCOME LEVELS THERE WILL BE NO LIABILITY TO TAX," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"AT THEIR MAXIMUM LEVELS, THE NEW ALLOWANCES WILL BE SLIGHTLY MORE THAN EIGHT PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PRESENT COMBINED BASIC AND ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCES," MR JACOBS ADDED.
HE PROPOSED THAT THE CHILD ALLOWANCE BE INCREASED, FOR A FIRST CHILD, FROM $12,000 TO $13,000, AND FOR A SECOND CHILD FROM $8,500 TO $9,000.
AS FOR THE ALLOWANCE FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT, HE PROPOSED THAT THIS BE INCREASED FROM $10,000 TO $11,000. AND THAT THE TOTAL ALLOWANCE IN RESPECT OF A DEPENDENT PARENT WHO RESIDES WITH A TAXPAYER BE $14,000.
MR JACOBS PROPOSED THAT A NEW ALLOWANCE OF $20,000 BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE PARENTS, SUCH AS WIDOWS OR SINGLE PARENTS, WHO ARE SOLELY OR PREDOMINANTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN, BUT WHO ARE CURRENTLY INELIGIBLE FOR A PERSONAL ALLOWANCE AT THE HIGHER RATE APPLICABLE TO MARRIED PERSONS.
"I INTEND TO INTRODUCE THESE CONCESSIONS WITH EFFECT FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING APRIL 1, 1989. THEREFORE, THE FIRST OCCASION ON WHICH THEY WILL APPLY WILL BE TO PROVISIONAL AND FINAL TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR 1989-90, AND ALSO TO 1989-90 PERSONAL ASSESSMENTS.
"I ESTIMATE THAT THE COST TO THE REVENUE IN 1989-90 WILL BE ABOUT $465 MILLION, AND $650 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR," MR JACOBS SAID.
-------O---------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 25 -
REDUCTION IN PROFITS TAX TO 16.5 % PROPOSED ♦ * » ♦ *
A REDUCTION FROM 17 PER CENT TO 16.5 PER CENT IN THE RATE OF TAX ON CORPORATE PROFITS WAS PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HE ALSO PROPOSED:
» EXEMPTION FROM STAMP DUTY ON CERTAIN STOCK LENDING
TRANSACTIONS;
* INCREASING THE INITIAL ALLOWANCE FOR EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON QUALIFYING MACHINERY AND PLANT FROM 55 TO 60 PER CENT; AND
* THE NEW STANDARD RATE ALSO APPLICABLE TO UNINCORPORATED BUSINESSES AND PROPERTIES.
MR JACOBS ESTIMATED THAT THE 0.5 REDUCTION IN PROFITS TAX WOULD COST $345 MILLION IN 1989-90 AND $695 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
THE NEW CORPORATE RATE OF 16.5 PER CENT WOULD APPLY TO PROVISIONAL AND FINAL ASSESSMENTS FOR 1989-90.
ON CAPITAL ALLOWANCES, HE SAID THIS WAS LAST REVISED, TO 55 PER CENT, IN 1982.
”IN GENERAL, I HOLD THE VIEW THAT IT IS BETTER TO REDUCE THE RATE OF TAX ON BUSINESS PROFITS, LEAVING IT OPEN TO BUSINESSMEN TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS ABOUT INVESTMENTS,” HE SAID.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT A MORE GENEROUS REDUCTION THAN WHAT HE WAS PROPOSING WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME, HAVING REGARD TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES.
HE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS PREFERABLE THIS YEAR TO GIVE AN INCREASE IN CAPITAL ALLOWANCES BY WAY OF DIRECT ENCOURAGEMENT, BECAUSE MUCH OF THE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE BY BUSINESSES WAS LIKELY TO BE SPENT ON IMPORTED GOODS AND SHOULD NOT CONTRIBUTE TO INFLATIONARY PRESSURES.
HE ESTIMATED THE COST TO REVENUE TO BE ABOUT $110 MILLION IN 1989-90 AND $150 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
THE INCREASED INITIAL ALLOWANCE OF 60 PER CENT WOULD BE APPLICABLE TO PROVISIONAL AND FINAL ASSESSMENTS FOR 1989-90.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THAT THE REDUCTION IN THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX WOULD AFFECT THE AMOUNT OF PROFITS TAX TO BE PAID BY UNINCORPORATED BUSINESSES, AND REDUCE YIELDS FROM PROPERTY TAX.
/He estimated .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
26
HE ESTIMATED A $40 MILLION COST TO REVENUE IN 1989-90 AND $100 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
THE NEW STANDARD RATE, HE SAID, WOULD APPLY TO PROVISIONAL AND FINAL ASSESSMENTS ON UNINCORPORATED BUSINESSES, AND TO PROVISIONAL AND FINAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS, FOR 1989-90.
-----0------
INTEREST TAX TO BE ABOLISHED
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE PROPOSED TO COMPLETELY ABOLISH INTEREST TAX FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT STARTING APRIL 1, 1989.
MR JACOBS SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THAT EXEMPTIONS FROM INTEREST WITHHOLDING TAX WERE GIVEN IN 1982 AND 1983 TO INTEREST ON FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS AND HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WHERE THESE WERE HELD WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
"THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE YIELD FROM THIS TAX DECLINING SIGNIFICANTLY," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID HE WAS PROPOSING THE ABOLITION OF INTEREST TAX TO SIMPLIFY THE TAXATION SYSTEM BECAUSE PRESENT DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN INTEREST PAID BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INTEREST PAID BY OTHER ENTITIES WAS SAID TO HAVE INHIBITED THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
HE ESTIMATED THE OVERALL COST OF THIS CONCESSION TO BE SOME $140 MILLION IN 1989 - 90.
-------o----------
IMPLEMENTATION OF REVENUE PROPOSALS
*****
BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY LICENCE AND REGISTRATION FEES, DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, AND VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES WERE THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS WHEN PRESENTING HIS BUDGET IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/DURING THE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 27 -
DURING THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION, A BILL TO AMEND THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED, MR JACOBS SAID.
OTHER INCREASES IN FEES AND CHARGES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE YEAR WHEN THE RELEVANT COSTING REVIEWS WERE COMPLETED, HE ADDED.
-------0 ---------
PROPOSALS ON SEPARATE TAXATION EXPECTED LATER THIS YEAR * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HE HOPES TO BE ABLE TO PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS YEAR DETAILED PROPOSALS ON SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN.
ASSUMING THAT THIS TIMETABLE COULD BE MET, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSALS IN FINAL TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR 1989-90, MR JACOBS SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
HE RECALLED THAT IN HIS SPEECH CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON LAST YEAR’S BUDGET, HE UNDERTOOK TO INTRODUCE SEPARATE TAXATION AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, HOPEFULLY DURING 1990.
SINCE THEN, MUCH WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON THE NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE ANT) LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS, HE SAID.
TURNING TO OTHER TAXATION MATTERS, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THERE HAT) BEEN CALLS FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE TO ALTER THE DEFINITION OF SECURITIES SO THAT A WIDER RANGE OF PROFITS MADE BY AUTHORISED UNIT TRUSTS WAS EXCLUDED FROM PROFITS TAX.
"I HAVE ALSO RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS THAT MUTUAL FUND CORPORATIONS BE EXEMPTED FROM PROFITS TAX IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO UNIT TRUSTS,” HE SAID.
THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN CONSULTATION WITH THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY. AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS GIVING FURTHER THOUGHT TO THESE PROPOSALS, HE SAID.
ON TAXATION OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN RECENT MONTHS CONSULTED WITH THE UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES AS TO HOW THE LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY MIGHT OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS POSED BY THE 1986 U.S. TAX REFORM ACT.
"WE HAVE AGREED THAT THE BEST WAY TO RESOLVE THE PRESENT DIFFICULTIES IS TO FORMALISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RECIPROCAL TAX EXEMPTION OF INCOME DERIVED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OPERATION OF SHIPS.
/”I HOPE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
28 -
"I HOPE TO BE IN A POSITION TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN GROWING INTEREST IN HONG KONG IN THE USE OF VENTURE CAPITAL, WHICH WAS A FORM OF FINANCING WHEREBY VENTURE CAPITALISTS MADE EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN NEW BUSINESS WITH GROWTH POTENTIAL.
THE MAJOR RETURN TO THE VENTURE CAPITALIST AROSE WHEN HE DISPOSED OF HIS INVESTMENT.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT ONE OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE GROWTH OF VENTURE CAPITAL FINANCING IN HONG KONG WAS SAID TO BE THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH AT PRESENT EXISTED AS TO WHETHER PROFITS ARISING ON DISINVESTMENT WERE LIABLE TO PROFITS TAX.
IN SOME JURISDICTIONS THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN RESOLVED BY COMPLEX LEGISLATION.
"I AM ALWAYS WARY OF COMPLICATING OUR TAX SYSTEM UNNECESSARILY BUT I AM, NEVERTHELESS, GIVING THIS MATTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION IN ORDER TO ASSESS WHETHER A SUITABLE CONCESSION WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
-------0----------
BUDGET MEETS OUR CHALLENGES
* * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, BELIEVED THAT THIS YEAR’S BUDGET SUCCESSFULLY MET THE CHALLENGE OF RECONCILING THE CONFLICTING PRESSURES OF INFLATION. BUDGET SURPLUSES, AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE FOR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.
SUMMING UP HIS BUDGET SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR JACOBS SAID BECAUSE THE SITUATION WAS COMPLEX, IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER FOR HIM TO EXPLAIN THE PRECISE NATURE OF THE PROBLEMS FACED AND THE RATIONALE BEHIND HIS PROPOSALS.
ON INFLATION, HE POINTED OUT THAT INCREASED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES RAN THE RISK OF FUELLING INFLATION.
"TAX CONCESSIONS CAN HAVE THE SAME EFFECT. I COULD NOT, HOWEVER, RULE OUT ALL EXPENDITURE INCREASES. SINCE THAT COULD DAMAGE OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY.
"NEITHER COULD I RULE OUT ALL TAX CONCESSIONS, WHEN CLEARLY THE SIZE OF THE BUDGET SURPLUS LEADS TO STRONG EXPECTATIONS OF SOME REDUCTION IN TAX RATES.
/"MY PROPOSALS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 29 -
”MY PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN CONSCIOUSLY FRAMED WITH DUE REGARD TO THE RISKS INVOLVED, AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS BUDGET WILL ADD SIGNIFICANTLY TO INFLATION,” MR JACOBS SAID.
THE PROPOSED REDUCTIONS IN THE RATES OF SALARIES TAX AND PROFITS TAX WOULD RESTORE HONG KONG TO THE POSITION WHICH OBTAINED FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN THE RATES HAD TO BE RAISED IN THE FACE OF A SHARP SLOWDOWN IN THE ECONOMY. HE SAID.
’’THE RESTORATION HAS BEEN ACHIEVED STEADILY AND WITHOUT DISTURBING THE STABILITY OF OUR PUBLIC FINANCES,” MR JACOBS SAID.
ON EXPENDITURE, HE STRESSED THAT ACTIVITIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR MUST NOT BE REVENUE LED.
"WE SHOULD NOT SPEND MORE SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAVE COLLECTED MORE. THE PRINCIPAL CONSIDERATION MUST BE TO ESTABLISH AND THEN MAINTAIN A PROPER RELATIONSHIP OVER TIME BETWEEN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY.
’’THERE MAY BE OCCASIONS WHEN THE BREACHING OF OUR BUDGETARY GUIDELINES CAN BE JUSTIFIED.
’’SOME ARGUE THAT THE PUBLIC SECTOR’S SHARE OF THE ECONOMY SHOULD BE INCREASED TO PROVIDE THE KIND OF QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES THAT OUR ECONOMY NOW EXPECTS.
"BUT THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHARE OF GDP MUST NOT BE INCREASED TO THE POINT WHERE THE WEALTH-PRODUCING CAPACITY OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS SERIOUSLY IMPAIRED.
"I MENTION THIS MATTER NOT AS A PRECURSOR TO A CHANGE IN BUDGETARY POLICY, BUT AS AN INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM THAT WE FACE,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT IN ORDER TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES, IT WAS NECESSARY TO BE INCREASINGLY VIGOROUS IN ATTACKING BASELINE EXPENDITURE.
"IN OTHER WORDS, WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE MAKE MAXIMUM USE OF THE REDEPLOYMENT OF EXISTING RESOURCES IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE NATURE AND QUALITY OF SERVICES THAT ARE NEEDED TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT DIRECT TAXATION RATES WERE BACK TO WHERE THEY WERE BEFORE HONG KONG FACED A DEFICIT IN PUBLIC FINANCES.
"OUR PROGRAMME OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED, AND WE HAVE BEGUN TO SET ASIDE FUNDS TOWARDS THE CONSIDERABLE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMME THAT IS VITAL TO OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"I HAVE PROPOSED OTHER TAXATION MEASURES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT AND TO STIMULATE AND ENCOURAGE FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE AND CAPITAL MARKET.
"THIS IS A BUDGET WHICH I CAN COMMEND TO THIS COUNCIL." MR JACOBS CONCLUDED.
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/50......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
FS’S SPEECH ON TV AND RADIO *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE BUDGET SUMMARY DELIVERED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING:
"EARLIER TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL I PRESENTED MY BUDGET FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR. IN PREPARING THIS BUDGET, I HAD TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THREE KEY FACTORS. LET ME BEGIN, THEREFORE, BY SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT EACH OF THEM, AND EXPLAINING WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT AND HOW THEY INTERACT.
"FIRST, INFLATION. HONG KONG CONTINUES TO PROSPER, AND THE INFLATION WE ARE EXPERIENCING IS CAUSED BY THE VERY SUCCESS OF OUR ECONOMY. THE CURRENT STRONG DEMAND FOR OUR GOODS AND SERVICES HAS PUSHED UP PRICES. WE ARE ALL FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THIS. BUT OVER TIME, THE ECONOMY WILL ADJUST, AND INFLATION SHOULD EASE. I AM FORECASTING THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN LATER THIS YEAR. WHAT I HAVE HAD TO DO IS TO ENSURE THAT MY BUDGET PROPOSALS WILL NOT MAKE MATTERS WORSE.
"THE SECOND KEY FACTOR IS THE CONSIDERABLE BUDGET SURPLUS. SOME WILL SEE THIS SURPLUS AS PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND PUBLIC SERVICES OR REDUCE TAXATION. 1 CAN UNDERSTAND THIS POINT OF VIEW. BUT SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING OR SHARP REDUCTIONS IN TAXATION WOULD ADD TO THE INFLATIONARY PRESSURE. NEVERTHELESS, I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO MAKE SOME PROVISION NOT ONLY FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES BUT ALSO FOR MODEST REDUCTIONS IN TAX RATES.
"THIRDLY, THERE IS A NEED TO BUILD FOR OUR FUTURE. IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR ROAD AND RAIL NETWORKS, THE PORT, AND THE ENVIRONMENT ALL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED FOR IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO FORGE AHEAD IN THE 1990'S AND BEYOND. A NEW AIRPORT, TOGETHER WITH THE ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE, WOULD INVOLVE FURTHER MASSIVE EXPENDITURE. AND SO I HAVE DECIDED TO BEGIN PUTTING MONEY ASIDE NOW. THIS YEAR, AS A FIRST STEP, I AM SETTING ASIDE $7 BILLION TOWARDS THE MAJOR WORKS WHICH WE WILL NEED AS WE APPROACH THE 21ST CENTURY.
"SO MY TASK HAS BEEN TO RECOGNISE THE IMMEDIATE ASPIRATIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME SAFEGUARDING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY IN THE LONGER TERM.
"WHEN I SPOKE TO YOU AFTER MY BUDGET LAST YEAR, I EXPECTED THAT OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH WOULD BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN IN 1988. THIS PROVED TO BE THE CASE. THE GROWTH RATE FOR 1988 WAS 7.5 PER CENT. AND IN 1989 I EXPECT 6 PER CENT. EVEN SO WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY ECONOMIC GROWTH AT A RATE WHICH MANY WOULD ENVY.
/"DESPITE THE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- -
"DESPITE THE NEED TO CONTROL THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC SPENDING, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN SOME PUBLIC SERVICES. WE PLAN TO SPEND NEARLY $12 BILLION ON HEALTH AND WELFARE, AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT. EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION WILL INCREASE TO $13 BILLION AND ON HOUSING TO NEARLY $11 BILLION. SPENDING IN THESE THREE AREAS ALONE WILL REPRESENT 45 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL BUDGET. AND EXPENDITURE ON COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND ON THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND WATER SUPPLIES WILL ALL INCREASE. THIS UNDERLINES OUR CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
"FIVE YEARS AGO THE STATE OF OUR PUBLIC FINANCES OBLIGED US TO RAISE SALARIES AND PROFITS TAX RATES. TODAY OUR REVENUE REFLECTS HONG KONG’S RECENT ECONOMIC SUCCESS, AND I AM PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO TELL YOU THAT I AM NOW IN A POSITION TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS OF RESTORING THESE DIRECT TAXES TO THEIR 1983 LEVELS. THIS MEANS THAT THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX FOR SALARIES WILL BE 15 PER CENT AND FOR CORPORATE PROFITS 16.5 PER CENT.
"I HAVE ALSO INCREASED A NUMBER OF PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND HAVE PROPOSED A NEW ALLOWANCE OF $20,000 FOR THOSE PARENTS, SUCH AS WIDOWS OR SINGLE PARENTS, WHO ARE SOLELY OR PREDOMINANTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN. I CONSIDERED THAT THIS GROUP DESERVED SOME ADDITIONAL RELIEF.
"AND IN ORDER TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, I HAVE ALSO DECIDED TO ABOLISH INTEREST TAX COMPLETELY.
"ALL THE CONCESSIONS I HAVE PROPOSED, WHEN TAKEN TOGETHER, WILL REDUCE REVENUE BY $1.7 BILLION IN A FULL YEAR. PART OF THIS COST IS, HOWEVER, BEING OFFSET BY THE USUAL ADJUSTMENTS TO DUTIES, FEES AND CHARGES SO THAT THEIR REAL VALUE MAY BE RESTORED.
"LOOKING AHEAD, WE ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS WITH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN; MY AIM IS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS IN FINAL TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR 1989-90. THIS WILL IN DUE COURSE GIVE SOME ADDITIONAL RELIEF TO MANY SALARIES TAX PAYERS.
"SOME WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE LIKED ME TO REDUCE TAX RATES STILL FURTHER IN VIEW OF OUR HEALTHY FINANCIAL STATE, BUT IN OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN UNWISE TO DO SO BECAUSE THIS COULD WELL HAVE ADDED TO INFLATION.
"IN PREPARING MY BUDGET I HAVE, AS USUAL, BEEN CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED FOR PRUDENT LONG TERM PLANNING. THE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME IS BEING EXPANDED AND A SUBSTANTIAL SUM HAS BEEN SET ASIDE TOWARDS THE COST OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH HONG KONG IS GOING TO REQUIRE IN THE NEXT DECADE AND BEYOND. THE BUDGET CATERS NOT ONLY FOR THE NEEDS AND AMBITIONS OF THE COMMUNITY TODAY BUT IS ALSO DESIGNED TO FURTHER HONG KONG’S PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY FOR THE FUTURE.
"GOOD NIGHT."
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/32
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
- 32 -
BUDGET PRESS CONFERENCE » « « »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE BUDGET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR JOSEPH YAM; GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, DR ALAN MCLEAN; AND THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
-------o---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS BRIEFS MR ZHOU NAN ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT....... 1
MR ZHOU NAN SEES DEVELOPMENTS IN NT ......................... 1
GOVERNOR VISITS SHA TIN SCHOOLS ............................. 2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY PUBLISHED ................... 3
SURVEY ON EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, 3RD QUARTER.................................................. 7
PRESENTATION ON FLOATING REFUSE TO PRIVATE COMPANIES ........ 8
MORE ChRE hND ..TTENTION PLACES FOR ELDERLY ................. 8
MORE RESOURCES TO PROMOTE LABOUR RELATIONS .................. 9
EXCO IN Favour OF LIBERALISING use OF TVRO DISHES........... 10
FORUM FOR SHA TIN RC C.lNDXDaTSS ........................... 11
RC ELECTIONS FORUM FOR TUB'S MUN CANDIDATES ................ 12
URBCC ELECTIONS FORUM IN MONG KOK .......................... 12
CIVIC EDUCATION DoY IN KWUN TONG ON SATURDAY ............... 13
ROAD SAFETY C.iRNIVaL IN THEN MUN .......................... 14
DB ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLAN .............. 15
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW CHILD CnRE SERVICE ................. .15
EMPLOYMENT EXHIBITION OPENS TOMORROW IN BUTTERFLY ESTaTE ... 16
FESTIVE LIGHTING PKOTOGR. THS ON DISPLAY.................... 16
SPKEDPOCT SERVICE TO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES EXTENDED.......... 17
TEMPORARY TJUFJIC .L! .FJFMENTS IN CENTRAL ................. 17
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ..RAINGEMJNTS FOR KOWLOON CHaHlITY WaLK... 18
P..RTIAL CLOSURE CF TUEN MUN ROaD .......................... 18
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
CS BRIEFS MR ZHOU NAN ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT *******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, DESCRIBED AS "VERY ENCOURAGING" HIS MEETING WITH THE CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR ZHOU NAN, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR DAVID BRIEFED MR ZHOU ON THE CONTAINER PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, AND ON TRANSPORT.
"AND WE HAD A VERY USEFUL DISCUSSION AFTERWARDS," HE SAID.
"THERE WAS VERY GOOD AGREEMENT FROM ALL OF US ABOUT THE NEED TO DEVELOP HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
THE BRIEFING FOR THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER WAS HELD AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
ALSO ATTENDING THE MEETING WERE THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN; THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG; THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR ROBIN SAUNDERS; THE GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, DR EDWARD PRYOR; AND THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR DICK CLIFT.
LATER, ACCOMPANIED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ZHOU HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF HONG KONG DURING A HELICOPTER TOUR OVER THE TERRITORY.
EARLIER, THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER MET INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSMEN AND FINANCIERS AT A LUNCH IN CENTRAL HOSTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS.
THIS EVENING, THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER WILL ATTEND A DINNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
- - 0----------
MR ZHOU NAN SEES DEVELOPMENTS IN NT *****
THE CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR ZHOU NAN, SPENT THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING VISITING THE NEW TERRITORIES TO LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN SHA TIN, AND THE PROGRESS AND TECHNICAL ADVANCES MADE IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WITH A VISIT TO THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER FIRST WENT TO THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
/MR ZHOU
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989 '
2
MR ZHOU LEARNED THAT SHA TIN NEW TOWN IS A POPULAR PLACE FOR VISITORS AND RESIDENTS, THE LATTER NUMBERING NEARLY HALF A MILLION, BECAUSE OF THE NUMEROUS FACILITIES AND SHOPPING CENTRES.
ALTHOUGH ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, NUMEROUS HIGH-RISE PRIVATE HOUSING BLOCKS, HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS AND VILLAGE-TYPE HOUSES PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ELEMENT OF A BALANCED COMMUNITY.
MR ZHOU THEN WALKED THROUGH THE NEW TOWN PLAZA AND SAW DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE TOWN AREA FROM THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL PODIUM.
FROM THERE, THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER WENT TO HENG ON ESTATE IN MA ON SHAN WHERE HE WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR PANG YUK-LING.
DURING A TOUR OF THE ESTATE, MR ZHOU LEARNED THAT AN ESTIMATED $1.8 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT IN PROVIDING LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR A POPULATION OF 200,000 UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT OF MA ON SHAN.
HE ALSO LEARNED THAT THE POPULATION IN THE AREA HAD ALREADY GROWN RAPIDLY SINCE HENG ON ESTATE WAS OPENED IN EARLY 1987.
THE ESTATE COULD ACCOMMODATE 28,000 PEOPLE, WITH 15 PER CENT LIVING IN HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS, AND THE RECENTLY COMPLETED YIU ON ESTATE ALREADY HAS A PRESENT INTAKE OF 6,500 PEOPLE.
THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER THEN WENT TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO VISIT THE HONG KONG COMPUTER-AIDED DES IGN/COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURE SERVICES LIMITED (HK CAD/CAM) WHICH IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED AND BUILT FOR HIGH PRECISION MACHINING PRODUCTION.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR STEPHEN CHEONG.
MR ZHOU TOURED THE HIGH-TECH PLANT AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HK CAD/CAM, MR JOHN C.P. KHOO, ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CAD/CAM TECHNOLOGY IN THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF MOULDS AND DIES.
MR ZHOU WAS LATER TAKEN ON A CAR RIDE THROUGH THE TAI PO
INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
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GOVERNOR VISITS SHA TIN SCHOOLS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED TWO TYPICAL SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN, ONE A PRIMARY AND THE OTHER A SECONDARY SCHOOL.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SIR DAVID FIRST VISITED PUI YING COLLEGE IN WO CHE ESTATE.
/HE TOURED .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
HE TOURED THE SCHOOL PREMISES AND OBSERVED CLASSES IN SESSION IN THE COMPUTER ROOM, THE HOME ECONOMICS ROOM AND THE LANGUAGE ROOM.
HE NOTED THAT THE COLLEGE, LIKE OTHER SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG, PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS NOT ONLY ON CLASSROOM TEACHING BUT ALSO ON DEVELOPING STUDENTS' CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES THROUGH A WIDE RANGE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED THE BAPTIST LUI MING CHOI PRIMARY SCHOOL IN CITY ONE.
THERE, HE SAW AN EXHIBITION OF PUPILS’ WORK AND OBSERVED PUPILS LEARNING MATHEMATICS THROUGH THE CHILD-CENTRED ACTIVITY APPROACH AIMED TO DEVELOP PUPILS’ CREATIVITY AND INITIATIVE TOWARDS LEARNING.
HE ALSO CONVERSED IN PUTONGHUA WITH CHILDREN ATTENDING A CLASS IN THAT LANGUAGE.
THE GOVERNOR THEN LISTENED TO A PERFORMANCE BY THE STRING ORCHESTRA OF THE SCHOOL AND WAS MUCH IMPRESSED BY THE TALENT SHOWN BY THE YOUNG PUPILS.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO SEE HOW WELL RECENTLY ESTABLISHED NEW TOWN SCHOOLS WERE DEVELOPING.
HE INDICATED THAT PLANS TO PROVIDE MORE SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TOWNS WERE PROGRESSING WELL.
IN SHA TIN ALONE, SEVEN NEW PRIMARY AND 16 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 1991.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT A NEW DESIGN FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES, WAS TO BE ADOPTED FOR NEW SCHOOLS FROM THE EARLY 1990’S.
THIS WAS IN KEEPING WITH THE GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY PUBLISHED
*****
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED IN JANUARY 1989 COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1988, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
REFLECTING THE INCREASE IN CASH DEMAND BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY, HKSM1, RECORDED A STRONG INCREASE DURING JANUARY 1989.
/THE BROADER .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HKSM2 AND HKSM3, ALSO SHOWED CONSIDERABLE GROWTH DURING THE MONTH.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED IN JANUARY 1989 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
WHILE LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE AND OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG SHOWED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES, LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE SLIGHTLY.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR JANUARY 1989 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS GREW BY 2.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1989, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 4.4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND A ZERO GROWTH IN DECEMBER 1988.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND AND TIME DEPOSITS ROSE BY 8.4 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE SAVINGS DEPOSITS DROPPED BY 1.6 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1989, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 11.4 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS GREW BY 2.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1989. FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 5.7 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 0.1 PER CENT WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 6 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE BY 34.3 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 4.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1989, AFTER A DECLINE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND AN INCREASE OF 7.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1988.
ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND BY 19.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 2.7 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND BY 27.7 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH BANKS GREW BY 3.1 PER CENT IN JANUARY WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 3.3 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1989, THE FORMER ROSE BY 24.6 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 16 PER CENT.
/MONEY SUPPLY .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
5
MONEY SUPPLY
HKJM1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 GREW BY 10.2 PER CENT, 3.6 PER CENT AND 3.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JANUARY' 1989. THESE COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 0.7 PER CENT, 0.2 PER CENT AND 0.4 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1988.
DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1989, HK$M1, HKSM2 AND IIK.$M3 GREW BY 14.7 PER CENT, 12.9 PER CENT AND 13.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SWAP DEPOSITS, HKSM2 GREW BY 3.6 PER CENT WHILE 11K$M3 ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 21 PER CENT AND 20.9 PER CENT.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 9.2 PER CENT, 3.4 PER CENT AND 2.9 PER GENT RESPECTIVELY IN JANUARY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN DECEMBER 1988 WERE 0.4 PER CENT, 0.5 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 13.6 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 25.1 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 24.3 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1989, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 3 PER CENT AND 1.2 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 3.8 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY 2.1 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1989, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 1.1 PER CENT AND 2.9 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1988 RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 31.7 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 3.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY FOLLOWING A GROWTH RATE OF 3.3 PER CENT AND 2.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 32.2 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN JANUARY, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.3 PER CENT AND 1.6 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 23.9 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS, LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 158, 35 AND 216 RESPECTIVELY.
/Table 1 .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
6
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - JANUARY 1989
(HKSmn)
Money Supply Jan 1989 Dec 1988 (A Earlier months
change to Oct 1988 January 1989) Jan 1988
Ml - HKS 87,362 79.257 ( 10.2 A) 77,725 ( 12.4 A) 76,189 ( 14.7 A)
Foreign currency 9,608 9,577 ( 0.3 A) 9,169 ( 4.8 A) 9,190 ( 4.5 A)
Total 96,970 88,834 ( 9.2 51) 85,894 ( 11.6 A) 85,379 ( 13.6 A)
M2 - HKS 367,752 355.065 ( 3.6 A) 339.175 ( 8.4 A) 325.630 ( 12.9 A)
Foreign currency 484.985 469,583 ( 3.3 K) 443,509 ( 9.4 A) 356,252 ( 36.1 A)
Total 852,737 824,648 ( 3.4*) 782.684 ( 9.0 A) 681.881 ( 25.1 A)
M3 - HKS 401,177 389,052 ( 3.1 A) 372.052 ( 7.8 A) 353,608 ( 13.5 X)
Foreign currency 518,007 504,291 ( 2.7 A) 474.442 ( 9.2 A) 385.716 ( 34.3 *)
Total 919,184 893,342 ( 2.9 A) 845,494 ( 8.6 A) 739,324 ( 24.3 A)
Notes and coins in circulation 39.975 34,087 ( 17.3 A) 31 . 895 ( 25.3 A) 30,748 ( 30.0 A)
of which held by public 33,838 29,877 ( 13.3 A) 27,931 ( 21.1 A) 25,422 ( 33.1 A)
Total Deposits Total Demand deposits 63,132 58,958 ( 7.1 A) 58,963 ( 7.1 A) 59,958 ( 5.3 *.)
Total Savings deposits 171,225 175,529 ( -2.5 A) 167,572 ( 2.2 1) 195.781 (-12.5 <)
Total Time deposits with banks 568.984 544,502 ( 4.5 A) 513.495 ( 10.8 A) 389,041 ( 46.3 X)
Total Time deposits with dtcs 64,313 66,531 ( -3.3 A) 61.712 ( 4.2 A) 55,454 ( 16.0 A)
HKS deposits 354,856 346,744 ( 2.3 A) 332,139 ( 6.8 A) 318.402 ( 11.4 A)
USS deposits 266.761 266,561 ( 0.1 A) 250,901 ( 6.3 A) 209,208 ( 27.5 A)
Other foreign currency deposits 246,037 232,216 ( 6.0 A) 218,701 ( 12.5 A) 172,624 ( 42.5 A)
All deposits 867,654 845,520 ( 2.6 A) 801,741 ( 8.2 A) 700,234 ( 23.9 A)
Foreign currency swap deposits 45,527 43,689 ( 4.2 A) 40,920 ( 11.3 A) 15,834 (187.5 A)
Total Loans and advances To finance H.K.'s visible trade 58,239 57,022 ( 2.1 A) 54,849 ( 6.2 A) 44,224 ( 31.7 A)
To finance merchandising trade 8.988 12,344 (-27.2 A) 6,424 ( 39.9 A) 6,979 ( 28.8 A)
not touching H.K. Other loans for use in H.K. 472,311 456,487 ( 3.5 A) 431.754 ( 9.4 1) 357,264 ( 32.2 1)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 384,775 381,524 ( 0.9 A) 363,648 ( 5.8 A) 310,651 ( 23.9 A)
Other loans where the place of 56,012 54,800 ( 2.2 A) 66,820 (-16.2 1) 62,120 ( -9.8 1)
use is not known Loans in HK$ 419,770 404,572 ( 3.8 A) 381,183 ( 10.1 A) 313,247 ( 34.0 A)
Loans in foreign currencies 560,556 557,606 ( 0.5 A) 542,313 ( 3.4 A) 467,989 ( 19.8 A)
Total loans and advances 980,326 962,177 ( 1.9 A) 923,496 ( 6.2 A) 781,237 ( 25.5 A)
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/7........
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
- 7 -
SURVEY ON EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, 3RD QUARTER *****
TO INCREASE ITS 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 THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 HAVE NOW BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE RESULTS SHOW THAT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 SOME 73 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING. FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA THE FIGURE WAS 37 PER CENT. THUS, FOR OVERALL EXPORTS TO CHINA, SOME 48 PER CENT WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING.
IN VALUE TERMS, THESE PROPORTIONS IMPLY THAT SOME $7,850 MILLION OF THE $10,687 MILLION OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING. FOR RE-EXPORTS THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES WERE $9,622 MILLION OUT OF $26,007 MILLION, AND FOK TOTAL EXPORTS $17,472 MILLION OUT OF $36,694 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.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE NEW SURVEY PERMIT A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE DATA ON TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"THE TRADE FIGURES THEMSELVES ARE UNCHANGED. THEY STILL MEASURE THE VALUE OF GOODS BEING TRADED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
"WHAT HAS BEEN IMPROVED IS OUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT HAPPENS TO THESE GOODS AFTER THEY HAVE ENTERED CHINA.
"THIS IS OF CONSIDERABLE VALUE IN ANALYSING THE DETERMINANTS OF OUR TRADE WITH CHINA."
THE SURVEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE CARRIED OUT ON A QUARTERLY BASIS AND THE RESULTS PUBLISHED.
DETAILS OF THE SURVEY RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 ARE INCLUDED IN PART 1 OF THE DECEMBER 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, AT $17.50 PER COPY.
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/«........
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
8
PRESENTATION ON FLOATING REFUSE TO PRIVATE COMPANIES
******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, AT THE INVITATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, WILL GIVE A PRESENTATION ON FLOATING REFUSE AT THE HONGKONG BANK HEADQUARTERS TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WAS RECENTLY FORMED BY SOME MAJOR PRIVATE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE PRESENTATION WOULD COVER THE CAUSE AND EFFECTS OF- THE FLOATING REFUSE PROBLEM AND THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE IT.
"IT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEE SO THAT THEY CAN CONSIDER WHERE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION COULD AID THE FIGHT AGAINST POLLUTION ARISING FROM MARINE LITTERING," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 -
MORE CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES FOR ELDERLY * * * ♦ *
THE NUMBER OF CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 4,200 IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AND THIS SHOULD EASE THE ACUTE DEMAND FOR SUCH PLACES.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN OPENING THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL MRS KWOK YUK-CHEUNG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN KWAI CHUNG.
"WE ALL KNOW THAT AT PRESENT THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEMAND FOR CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES IN HONG KONG," MR CHAU SAID.
"IN ORDER TO MEET THIS DEMAND. THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY EXPANDING THE PROVISION OF THIS KIND OF SERVICE.
"APART FROM LOOKING FOR SITES FOR CONSTRUCTING MORE HOMES, CARE AND ATTENTION SECTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOMES FOR THE AGED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES."
MR CHAU NOTED THAT THE MRS KWOK YUK-CHEUNG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME HAD 246 PLACES, WHICH MADE IT THE LARGEST AMONG CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO WELFARE SERVICES.
/"THE CAPITAL
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
- 9 -
"THE CAPITAL COST FOR THE MRS KWOK YUK-CHEUNG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME AMOUNTED TO SOME $14 MILLION OF WHICH $2,450,000 WAS BORNE BY MADAM WU AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, AND THE REMAINING SOME $12 MILLION WAS MET BY THE LOTTERIES FUND," HE SAID.
MADAM WU IS THE PERMANENT ADVISER TO THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AND ALSO A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
MORE RESOURCES TO PROMOTE LABOUR RELATIONS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES WITH EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS AND TRADE UNIONS, BOTH AT THE TERRITORY-WIDE LEVEL AND THE DISTRICT LEVEL, TO PROMOTE LABOUR RELATIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A LABOUR RELATIONS SPRING RECEPTION ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION AND THE LABOUR RELATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
MR HAMMOND SAID THAT MORE STAFF WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION THIS YEAR TO ENABLE IT TO STEP UP ITS PROMOTIONAL AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
"THIS WILL RESULT IN THE PROVISION OF MORE DISTRICT SEMINARS AND TRAINING COURSES, WHICH ARE CURRENTLY IN GREAT DEMAND," HE NOTED.
MR HAMMOND ALSO CALLED ON ALL SECTORS CONCERNED TO CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS IN MAINTAINING THE PRESENT HARMONIOUS STATE OF LABOURMANAGEMENT RELATIONS, WHICH WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY.
REVIEWING THE MAJOR EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE LABOUR RELATIONS FIELD OVER THE PAST YEAR, MR HAMMOND SAID THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT WAS THE LAUNCHING OF THE TRIPARTITE EVENT "LABOUR RELATIONS ’88", WITH CONTRIBUTIONS IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS, TRADE UNION FEDERATIONS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
"A SIMILAR EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR 1990," HE NOTED.
IN THE FIELD OF LABOUR LEGISLATION, HE SAID THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ENACTMENTS LAST YEAR WERE THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.
/"THERE WILL
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989 '
- 10 -
"THERE WILL ALSO BE EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE EXISTING LEGISLATION THIS YEAR, INCLUDING THE REMOVAL OF THE PRESENT DISTINCTION BETWEEN MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THE PROTECTION TO PART-TIME EMPLOYEES WHO WORK FOR 18 HOURS A WEEK OR MORE.
"OTHER ITEMS CONCERN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME, EXTENSION OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE, AND AMENDMENTS TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE," MR HAMMOND SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SPRING RECEPTION WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS ’88 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN SUI-KAU.
DESCRIBING "LABOUR RELATIONS ’88" AS A NEW APPROACH TO LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION, MR CHAN SAID: "IT SUCCEEDED IN OPENING UP MORE CHANNELS FOR LABOUR-MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION AND MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A NEW TREND OF DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS ACHIEVING MORE HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS.”
THE SPRING RECEPTION WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 1,000 GUESTS. THEY INCLUDED MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD, CHAIRMEN OF VARIOUS EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATIONS, UNION REPRESENTATIVES, HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS PERSONNEL MANAGERS AND EMPLOYERS IN MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
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EXCO IN FAVOUR OF LIBERALISING USE OF TVRO DISHES
******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF LIBERALISING CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF SATELLITE TELEVISION RECEIVE ONLY (TVRO) DISHES. A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"CURRENTLY, ONLY CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LTD. (CWHK) IS LICENSED TO RECEIVE SATELLITE TELEVISION SIGNALS," HE SAID.
"GIVEN THAT MODERN TECHNOLOGY MAKES IT FEASIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO OPERATE THEIR OWN TVRO DISHES, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT IT IS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE FOR CWHK TO HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT OVER THIS ACTIVITY.
"MOREOVER, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS CONCLUDED THAT TVRO DISHES USED TO RECEIVE SATELLITE TELEVISION SIGNALS INTENDED FOR GENERAL RECEPTION AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING THE SIGNALS WITHIN A SINGLE PROPERTY SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM THE GENERAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS IN LINE WITH THIS CONCLUSION WOULD NOW BE DRAWN UP FOR APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PRIOR TO INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/"BROADCAST SATELLITE
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
"BROADCAST SATELLITE TELEVISION SIGNALS CURRENTLY RECEIVABLE IN HONG KONG ARE GENERALLY NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO GIVE GOOD RECEPTION WITHOUT A TVRO DISH OF BETWEEN THREE AND FIVE METRES IN DIAMETER," HE SAID.
"SMALL DOMESTIC TVRO DISH AERIALS CURRENTLY USED OVERSEAS FOR RECEIVING DIRECT BROADCASTS BY SATELLITE WILL NOT BE USEABLE IN HONG KONG IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE."
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL POLICY DECISION ON EXEMPTING TVRO DISH USE FROM LICENSING WAS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS.
- 0 - -
FORUM FOR SHA TIN RC CANDIDATES *****
SHA TIN RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A PUBLIC FORUM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 4) FOR CANDIDATES CONTESTING SHA TIN CONSTITUENCY SEATS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 9.
THE CANDIDATES WILL OUTLINE THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
THE FORUM WILL BE HELD AT THE ENTRANCE ARENA, LEVEL 1 OF THE NEW TOWN PLAZA.
IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, WITH THE FIRST, FOR THE SHA TIN EAST CONSTITUENCY, TO BE HELD FROM 10.30 AM TO 11.25 AM.
THERE ARE THREE CANDIDATES FOR THIS CONSTITUENCY - MR STANLEY SUM YIU-CHO, MR TONY KAN CHING-NIN AND MR CLAUDIUS TONY SOLEMON LOCK.
THE SECOND SECTION, FOR THE SHA TIN WEST CONSTITUENCY, WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 11.25 AM TO NOON.
THERE ARE TWO CANDIDATES - MR LAU KONG-WAH AND THE REV FUNG CH I-WOOD.
THE FORUM HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WITH THE AIM OF ENABLING RESIDENTS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE VIEWS AND PLATFORMS OF THE CANDIDATES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ELECTIONS FORUM IN SHA TIN WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 41 AT THE ENTRANCE ARENA, LEVEL 1. NEW TOWN PLAZA.
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/12
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
- 12 -
RC ELECTIONS EORUM FOR TUEN MUN CANDIDATES
*****
FOUR CANDIDATES FOR SEATS IN THE TUEN MUN CONSTITUENCIES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTION PLATFORMS TO RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TOWN’S YAN 01 SQUARE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5).
THEY ARE MADAM CHOI CHEUNG YUET-LAN AND MESSRS POON CHIN-HUNG, STEPHEN NG AND WONG KIN-HONG WHO ARE CONTESTING THE TWO SEATS IN THE TUEN MUN EAST AND TUEN MUN WEST CONSTITUENCIES.
THE CANDIDATES WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
THE FORUM WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM AND ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TUEN MUN ELECTIONS FORUM WILL BE HELD IN YAN 01 SQUARE, TUEN MUN, ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5), STARTING AT 11 AM. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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URBCO ELECTIONS FORUM IN MONG KOK *****
A FORUM FOR THE TWO CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE MONG KOK CONSTITUENCY SEAT IN THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) NIGHT.
THE CANDIDATES ARE MR CHAN KWOK-MING AND MR WONG YUEN-WEI.
ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FORUM AIMS AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CANDIDATES TO EXPLAIN THEIR PLATFORMS TO ELECTORS, WHO WOULD IN RETURN GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM, WHICH WILL START AT 8 PM AT KEI WING PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 23 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
13
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN KWUN TONG ON SATURDAY * * * * ♦
A CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL BEARING THE THEME OF "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION" WILL BE HELD IN KWUN TONG ON SATURDAY (MARCH 4).
THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON CIVIC EDUCATION UNDER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE "CIVIC EDUCATION FORTNIGHT" ORGANISED BY THE CYC.
HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS FROM ABOUT 20 LOCAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT, WHICH IS AIMED AT AROUSING THEIR CIVIC AWARENESS, AND DEVELOPING THEIR SKILLS IN PRESENTING FACTS AND CONCEPTS.
THE PROGRAMME ITEMS, PUT TOGETHER BY STUDENTS AND ALL ON THE THEME OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, WILL INCLUDE GAME STALLS, PROJECT DISPLAYS, DRAMAS, DANCING AND SINGING PERFORMANCES.
THE CARNIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM AT THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL INCORPORATION LUI KWOK PAT FONG COLLEGE IN TSUI PING ROAD.
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FROM THE VIDEO AND SLIDE PRESENTATIONS AT THE VENUE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10 AM WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MISS MONA LO, AND SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE CYC, MR LAU CHAK-BUN.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIZE-PRESENTATION FOR OUTSTANDING PROJECT DISPLAYS AND GAME STALL DESIGN AT 3.30 PM. OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 4) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM AT THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL INCORPORATION LUI KWOK PAT FONG COLLEGE AT 102 TSUI PING ROAD.
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/1U........
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
- 14
ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) IN A COLOURFUL FINALE TO ITS NINE-MONTH CAMPAIGN.
THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM IN THE TUEN MUN SPORTS GROUND AT TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND A NUMBER OF GAME STALLS.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MF? HUI CHIU-YIN; AND SENIOR POLICE TRAFFIC OFFICER/NEW TERRITORIES, MR T.A. BARNES.
THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN WITH A BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE, FOLLOWED BY THE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TO WINNERS OF THE SLOGAN AND STICKER DESIGN COMPETITIONS HELD EARLIER AND TO MODEL DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS.
THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE A MOTORCYCLE SPECTACULAR STAGED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOL OF MOTORING AND A CHILDREN FANCY DRESS PARADE.
FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE TUEN MUN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WAS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION LIGHT RAIL DIVISION, AND VARIOUS DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS.
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING ROAD REGULATIONS, EVENTS INCLUDED AN LRT VILLAGE STATIONS OPEN DAY, SELECTION OF MODEL DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS, SLOGAN AND STICKER COMPETITIONS AND SEMINARS HAVE BEEN HELD. PUBLICITY HANDBILLS, STICKERS AND POSTERS HAVE ALSO BEEN DISTRIBUTED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5). IT WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM IN THE TUEN MUN SPORTS GROUND AT TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT TO THE VENUE ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 9.30 AM AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
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/15
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
- 15 -
DB ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORK PLAN ♦ * ♦ * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS ITS 1989-90 WORK PLAN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE IS EXPECTED TO SPEND $1 MILLION ON VARIOUS MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE WORKS IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
A PROGRESS REPORT WILL BE MADE ON THE CONDITION OF JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL REVIEW THE PROGRESS OF LOCAL WORKS PROJECTS AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BEING MONITORED BY THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
0
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW CHILD CARE SERVICE
*******
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW CHILD CARE SERVICE IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN ROOM 1416. HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
16 -
EMPLOYMENT EXHIBITION OPENS TOMORROW IN BUTTERFLY ESTATE ******
A MOBILE EXHIBITION ON THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT BUTTERFLY ESTATE, TUEN MUN, WITH FACILITIES FOR JOB SEEKERS TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY WITH APPLICATION FORMALITIES.
IT IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF FOUR SUCH EXHIBITIONS BEING HELD BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND APRIL.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE ESTATE'S COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT TIP SUM HOUSE, FROM 2 PM TO 7 PM TOMORROW AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 7 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS UNTIL NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 6 ) .
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FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHS ON DISPLAY
*****
WINNING ENTRIES FOR THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE ENTRANCE ARENA OF NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN TOMORROW (MARCH 3) AND ON SATURDAY.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE 1988-89 SHA TIN DISTRICT FESTIVE LIGHTING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED TO COINCIDE WITH THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED LIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO ORGANISED TWO OTHER COMPETITIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LIGHTING PROGRAMME. THEY WERE THE FESTIVE LIGHTING SLOGAN COMPETITION AND THE DRAWING AND COLOURING COMPETITION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE JUDGING PANEL FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION COMPRISED FIVE RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHERS AND THE WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS WERE SELECTED FROM AMONG MORE THAN A HUNDRED ENTRIES.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE SHA TIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT). MISS MARGARET FONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE 1988-89 SHA TIN DISTRICT FESTIVE LIGHTING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LAU HON-KIT: AND SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG PO-MING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) AT THE ENTRANCE ARENA ON LEVEL I. NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/17.......
THURSDAY. MARCH 2. 1989
- 17 -
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES EXTENDED *****
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES WILL BE EXTENDED TO SABA AND ST. EUSTATIUS FROM MONDAY (MARCH 6), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY WHICH IS AT PRESENT AVAILABLE TO THREE CITIES WILL THEN COVER BONAIRE, CURACAO, ST. MAARTEN, SABA AND ST. EUSTATIUS.
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING DOCUMENTS. SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS. A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS ALSO AVAILABLE.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE ON 5-8683868.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FOR THE GOLDEN MILE RACE:
* CHATER ROAD BETWEEN JACKSON ROAD AND MURRAY ROAD WILL BE REROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND:
* CLUB STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND; AND
* BUSES ON CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 103 ON JOURNEYS TO POKFIELD ROAD WILL OMIT CLUB STREET AND CHATER ROAD.
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/18........
1
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON CHARITY WALK
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WONG TAI SIN ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) FOR THE "KOWLOON WALK FOR MILLIONS".
NGAU CHI WAN STREET BETWEEN JAT’S INCLINE AND FUNG SHING STREET WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND NOON.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7.30 AM TO 3.30 PM:
* SHATIN PASS ROAD BETWEEN TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND FEI NGO SHAN
ROAD;
* JAT’S INCLINE BETWEEN FEI NGO SHAN ROAD AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD; AND
* FEI NGO SHAN ROAD BETWEEN AN UNNAMED PASS AND JAT’S
INCLINE.
FROM 7 AM TO NOON, THE TERMINUS OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 16 WILL BE RELOCATED TO FUNG SUING STREET BETWEEN NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
THIS GMB SERVICE WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TRAVEL VIA FUNG SHING STREET, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND FUNG SHING STREET.
MEANWHILE, FROM 7 AM TO 3.30 PM, THE TERMINUS OF GMB ROUTES 18 AND 19 WILL BE RELOCATED TO A SITE ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE EXISTING TERMINUS IN TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD.
- - O -
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS. THE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC LANES ON TUEN MUN ROAD AT SHAM TSENG VIADUCT WILL BE CLOSED IN ROTATION BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM DAILY ON MARCH 5 AND 12.
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, ONLY ONE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC LANE WILL REMAIN OPEN.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTEING VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GUIDELINE ISSUED ON PREVENTION OF CRIMINAL USE OF BANKING SYSTEM FOR MONEY-LAUNDERING .................................... 1
CG4MIIMENT TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION .............................. 2
HK DELEGATION TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL OZONE LAYER CONFERENCE 4
EC TO INITIATE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING ON DENIM CLOTH......... 5
CS PRAISES WORK OF MOTHER’S CHOICE ............................. 6
LaDY WILSON OPENS FLOWER SHOW .................................. 7
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ........................ 8
COMMUNITY SUPPORT INDISPENSABLE FOR REHABILITATION PROJECTS . 8
PARENTS’ CO-OPERATION WITH NURSERIES ESSENTLiL.................. 9
FOUR LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION .................. 10
GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES FOR SaLE BY PUBLIC AUCTION .............. 11
AMENDMENT TO THE DRlFT KWUN TONG OZP .......................... 12
L/iND TO BE GRANTED TO SCOUT ASSOCIATION ...................... 13
AMENDMENT TO TSUEN WAN ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS.................. 1A
NEW ROADS IN CENTRAL JUNK BaY.................................. 15
M.JCIMUM PERIOD OF LEAVE EXTENDED.............................. 15
T.lXI OPERATORS REMINDED TO CO-OPERATE IN SURVEY............... 16
/NEW PARKING........
new parking charges at hk :*irport ............................. 17
PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR UC/RC ELECTIONS START TOMORROW ........ 17
UC ELECTION FORUMS FOR KLN CITY................................. 18
UC ELECTION FORUM IN WAN CHaI .................................. 19
KWUN TONG TO LAUNCH SQUaTTERS CLEaN-UP CAMPAIGN................. 19
CARNIVAL TO SPRE.D ANTI-CRIME MESSAGES IN KWhI TSING......... 20
SEMINAR FOR NORTH DISTRICT PRIMARY STUDENTS .................... 21
REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED .................................... 22
FAMILIAR Face LEAVING CGO ...................................... 22
NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 195^-56..................... 23
REHABILITATION VOLUNTEERS TO BE .^WARDED CERTIFICATES........ 2^
ILLEGiiL STRUCTURE TO BE CLOSED................................. 25
RECRUITMENT OF TEMPORARY LIFE GUARDS............................ 25
FAMILY DAY FOR 1,800 CHILDREN .................................. 26
temporary lane closures in sha tin ............................. 26
RE-OPENING OF PAK TIN STREET, SHAM SHUI PO...................... 27
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON NT CIRCULAR ROaD .................... 27
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
1
GUIDELINE ISSUED ON PREVENTION OF CRIMINAL USE OF BANKING SYSTEM FOR MONEY-LAUNDERING
» t t » *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED A GUIDELINE TO ALL AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS CONCERNING THE PREVENTION OF CRIMINAL USE OF THE BANKING SYSTEM FOR THE PURPOSES OF MONEY-LAUNDERING.
THE WORDING OF THE GUIDELINE, ISSUED UNDER SECTION 7(3) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE, FOLLOWS CLOSELY THAT OF A STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES ON THE SAME SUBJECT ISSUED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR BY THE BASLE SUPERVISORS COMMITTEE.
"THE BASLE STATEMENT HAS BEEN COMMENDED TO ALL BANKING INSTITUTIONS IN THE G-10 GROUP OF COUNTRIES, AND SUPERVISORY AGENCIES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD HAVE ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGED TO ADOPT THE SAME PRINCIPLES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE ISSUE OF THE COMMISSIONER’S GUIDELINE SHOULD THEREFORE BE SEEN AS PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVE TO COMBAT MONEY-LAUNDERING ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
THE GUIDELINE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS MAY UNWITTINGLY BE USED AS INTERMEDIARIES FOR THE TRANSFER OR DEPOSIT OF MONEY DERIVED FROM CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.
"THIS IS A MATTER OF CONCERN TO THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE MANAGEMENTS OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS. AS PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN BANKS MAY BE UNDERMINED THROUGH THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH CRIMINALS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GUIDELINE STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION. NOTING THAT REASONABLE EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE THE TRUE IDENTITY OF ALL CUSTOMERS REQUESTING AN AUTHORISED INSTITUTION’S SERVICES.
THE GUIDELINE ADDS THAT IT SHOULD BE AN EXPLICIT POLICY WITHIN INSTITUTIONS THAT SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED WITH CUSTOMERS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF THEIR IDENTITY.
THE GUIDELINE GOES ON TO SAY THAT INSTITUTIONS SHOULD CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS IN CONFORMITY WITH HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS, AND SHOULD ADHERE TO THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS.
AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS SHOULD CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO CUSTOMER CONFIDENTIALITY.
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, MARCH 3» 1989
2
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GUIDELINE SHOULD BE SEEN AS A REINFORCEMENT OF EXISTING BEST PRACTICES, AND AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO INSTITUTIONS TO CONTINUE THEIR VIGILANCE.
BEFORE ISSUING THE GUIDELINE, THE COMMISSIONER CONSULTED THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION, THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ALL OF WHOM FULLY SUPPORTED HIS INITIATIVE.
-------0--------
COMMITMENT TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION *****
THE VERY SATISFACTORY MANNER IN WHICH VARIOUS COMPLEX ISSUES RELATING TO THE TRANSITION HAVE BEEN RESOLVED SHOWS THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED MORE THAN EVER TO ENSURING THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROSPER UNDER THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" POLICY, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES, MR DONALD TSANG, HAS SAID IN THE UNITED STATES.
SPEAKING BEFORE A FULL-HOUSE JOINT MEETING OF THE ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION AND THE ASIA FOUNDATION IN SAN FRANCISCO THIS WEEK, MR TSANG SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT DRIVEN BY THEIR SHARED OBJECTIVES, BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES WOULD CONTINUE THEIR GOOD WORK IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997.
"THE EVIDENCE OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS SHOWS THAT BOTH COUNTRIES ARE COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY, THE FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE HITHERTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG WOULD BE MAINTAINED," HE SAID.
"THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION CHARTING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG BEYOND 1997 IS A VERY DETAILED DOCUMENT, AND IS ITSELF A TESTIMONY OF THE SERIOUSNESS AND PRAGMATISM WITH WHICH THE TWO GOVERNMENTS HAVE ENDEAVOURED TO RESOLVE THE QUESTION OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG."
DESPITE ITS SHORT HISTORY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AS THE MAIN MECHANISM FOR STEERING THE TWO GOVERNMENTS’ EFFORTS IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION, HAD PRODUCED AN IMPRESSIVE LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS.
THIS INCLUDED SAFEGUARDING HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO TRADE FREELY AND INDEPENDENTLY BY HONG KONG BECOMING A CONTRACTING PARTY OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, A MEMBER OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL AND CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AFTER 1997.
/IN CONSIDERING .......
FRIDAY, MARCH J, 1989
- 3 -
IN CONSIDERING THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AFFECTING HONG KONG, AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED ON HONG KONG'S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN 14 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, MR TSANG SAID.
"COLLECTIVELY THESE AGREEMENTS ARE A DEMONSTRATION OF THE GRADUAL REALISATION OF PROMISES MADE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION," HE SAID.
"NO LESS SIGNIFICANT IS THE FACT THAT INVOLVEMENT OF THIS KIND CONSTITUTES A NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL CONTINUE BEYOND 1997 AND WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, WITH ITS OWN SEPARATE SYSTEM."
MR TSANG ACKNOWLEDGED THAT ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS THE PUBLICATION BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THIS WEEK OF THE SECOND DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, AND HE REMARKED ON THE UNIQUENESS OF THE DOCUMENT WHICH WOULD EMBODY THE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS".
"THE PRESENT DRAFT WHICH REPRESENTS OVER THREE YEARS' HARD WORK BY THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING CIMMITTEE IS A COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT,” HE SAID.
"THE LATEST TEXT SHOWS THAT SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN REGARD TO THOSE ARTICLES DEALING WITH THE DIVISION OF POWER BETWEEN THE CENTRAL AUTHORITIES AND THE SAR, AND THE PROTECTION OF BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS."
MR TSANG SAID THAT HAVING FOLLOWED THE DRAFTING PROCESS CLOSELY, HE FELT PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED BY THE OPEN-MINDED ATTITUDE OF THE DRAFTERS AND THEIR READINESS TO ACCEPT PUBLIC CRITICISMS ON THE VARIOUS DRAFTS OF THE BASIC LAW.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LATEST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER AMENDMENTS IN THE LIGHT OF PUBIC COMMENTS IN THE SECOND ROUND OF CONSULTATION.
"AT THIS CRUCIAL STAGE IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW IT IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO TRY TO WORK OUT AMONGST THEMSELVES THE BASIS OF A WIDELY ACCEPTABLE POLITICAL MODEL FOR THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
"I AM HOPEFUL THAT THE CONTINUING DIALOGUE AMONG THE VARIOUS INTEREST GROUPS WILL BEAR FRUIT."
FROM SAN FRANCISCO, MR TSANG CONTINUES HIS TOUR OF NORTH AMERICA WITH VISITS TO TORONTO, BOSTON AND WASHINGTON.
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A....
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
HR DELEGATION TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL OZONE LAYER CONFERENCE ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IS LEADING A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO ATTEND A SAVING THE OZONE LAYER CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN LONDON, BETWEEN MARCH 5 AND 7.
THE CONFERENCE IS BEING HELD BY THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME.
ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN DEALING WITH THE SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS POSED BY CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFC’S), PARTICULARLY THEIR DAMAGING EFFECT ON THE OZONE LAYER AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SO-CALLED ’’GREENHOUSE EFFECT”.
THE LONDON CONFERENCE WILL ALSO FOCUS ON DISCUSSING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES TO CFC’S TO HEL? REDUCE INDUSTRY’S DEPENDENCE ON THESE OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS.
MORE THAN 50 COUNTRIES WILL BE REPRESENTED IN THE CONFERENCE AT A MINISTERIAL LEVEL.
EMINENT LEADING SCIENTISTS ON THIS SUBJECT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR CFC-PRODUCERS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS THE SCIENTIFIC, INDUSTRIAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF OZONE LAYER PROTECTION.
THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE, THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF SESSIONS WHEN DELEGATES CAN MEET AND RAISE DETAILED QUESTIONS WITH SCIENTISTS AND INDUSTRIAL EXPERTS.
HONG KONG IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE ’’MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER” VIA INCLUSION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM’S RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL.
THE PROTOCOL CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR AND THE CONTROL PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN IT REGARDING PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION OF CFC’S SHOULD BECOME OPERATIVE BY JULY THIS YEAR.
HONG KONG INTENDS TO FULFIL HER INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL BY ENACTING NEW LEGISLATION TO BAN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS AND TO RESTRICT THEIR CONSUMPTION.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE MR ROB LAW, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND MRS CLAR1E LO, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH.
THEY ARE DEPARTING HONG KONG TONIGHT (FRIDAY) AND WILL JOIN MR GRAHAM BARNES IN LONDON.
-----0------
/5........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 5 -
EC TO INITIATE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING ON DENIM CLOTH ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION WILL SOON INITIATE AN ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING ON DENIM CLOTH ORIGINATED IN HONG KONG, MACAU, TURKEY AND INDONESIA.
THE ACTION IS IN RESPONSE TO A COMPLAINT LODGED BY EUROCOTON, THE COMMITTEE OF THE COTTON AND ALLIED TEXTILE INDUSTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT IN THE COMPLAINT A TOTAL OF SIX HONG KONG COMPANIES ARE NAMED. THE DEPARTMENT IS CHECKING DETAILS OF THESE COMPANIES.
IN ANTICIPATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ARRANGED FOR ITS LEGAL CONSULTANT TO GIVE A BRIEFING FOR DENIM CLOTH PRODUCERS ON FEBRUARY 24.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ARRANGE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS A MEETING WITH THE COMPANIES KNOWN TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PRESENT PROCEEDING.
"GIVEN THAT THE EC’S COMPLAINTS USUALLY CANNOT PRODUCE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST, COMPANIES THAT ARE INVOLVED IN PRODUCING DENIM CLOTH FOR EXPORT TO THE EEC ARE INVITED TO CONTACT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT," THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE (EEC), MR FRED LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE HONG KONG/EEC TEXTILE AGREEMENT, DENIM CLOTH IS CLASSIFIED UNDER CATEGORY 2A (WOVEN COTTON FABRICS, FINISHED).
THE RESTRAINT LIMIT OF CATEGORY 2A IN 1989 AMOUNTS TO 11,514 TONNES WITH AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 0.2 PER CENT. IN 1988, THE EXPORTS OF DENIM CLOTH REPRESENTED ABOUT 67 PER CENT OF HONG KONG S EXPORTS OF CATEGORY 2A PRODUCTS.
ACCORDING TO HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS, EXPORTS OF DENIM CLOTH TO THE EEC IN 1986, 1987 AND 1988, AMOUNTED TO $148 MILLION, $187 MILLION AND $186 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
- - 0 - -
/6
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 6 -
CS PRAISES WORK OF MOTHER’S CHOICE * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED THE EFFORTS AND DEDICATION OF THE VOLUNTEERS WHO GAVE THEIR ENERGY AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE MOTHER’S CHOICE.
"JUST ONE YEAR AGO, WE SAW A FACILITY THAT REQUIRED ALMOST TOTAL RENOVATION TO BECOME HABITABLE. TODAY, WE SEE A BRIGHT, CHERRY HOME-LIKE ATMOSPHERE," SIR DAVID SAID WHEN HE ADDRESSED SOME 150 GUESTS AT AN OPEN HOUSE MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHARITY’S INCEPTION.
SINCE ITS OFFICIAL OPENING EIGHT MONTHS AGO, MOTHER’S CHOICE HAS PROVIDED A "HOME" FOR 45 YOUNG WOMEN, RANGING IN AGE FROM 13 TO 27 YEARS. COUNSELLING HAS ALSO BEEN PROVIDED FOR THE GIRLS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MOTHER’S CHOICE, MRS HELEN STEPHENS, SAID THAT A MAJOR. TASK OF THE ORGANISATION WAS TO HELP RESTORE DAMAGED FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.
"WE HAVE SEEN SO MUCH GRIEF AND HEARTACHE IN THE LIVES OF THESE PREGNANT GIRLS AND THE FAMILIES SUFFER TOO," SHE SAID.
MOTHER’S CHOICE, OF WHICH LADY FORD IS THE PATRON, IS DESIGNED TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE TO ABORTION TO YOUNG WOMEN IN HONG KONG WHO BECOME PREGNANT OUT OF WEDLOCK.
IT OPERATES IN PREMISES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, BUT IS TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ONGOING SUPPORT.
STATISTICS SHOWED THAT OVER 100 ENQUIRIES WERE RECEIVED SINCE JUNE LAST YEAR, WHEN THE FACILITY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED AND 45 GIRLS HAVE BEEN ACCOMMODATED SINCE THAT TIME.
APPROXIMATELY 40 PER CENT OF THE BABIES BORN TO THE GIRLS LIVING IN MOTHER’S CHOICE ARE KEPT IN THE FAMILY OF EITHER THE MOTHER OR THE FATHER.
THE REMAINDER ARE CARED FOR BY THE MOTHER’S CHOICE RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE UNIT UNTIL THEY ARE PLACED IN HOMES FOR ADOPTION BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
"THOUGH THE LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR LOOKS IMPRESSIVE, THERE IS STILL SO MUCH TO DO, BUT WE THOUGHT OUR ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY WAS A GOOD TIME TO THANK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR SUPPORT," MRS STEPHENS SAID.
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/7.......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 7 -
LADY WILSON OPENS FLOWER SHOW
* * * * »
LADY WILSON THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING OPENED THE 1989 HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW, THE THIRD YEAR THAT THIS SPECTACULAR SHOW HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND URBAN COUNCIL.
ON DISPLAY WERE MORE THAN A THOUSAND SPECIES OF FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS THAT SPLASHED THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AND THE SPRAWLING CENTRAL PARK IN A BRILLIANT ARRAY OF COLOURS THAT LIFTED THE GLOOM OF THE OVERCAST SKIES OF THE MORNING.
NOTING THAT THE SHOW HAD BROUGHT TOGETHER A WIDE RANGE OF FLORAL EXHIBITS FROM OVERSEAS AND LOCAL GROUPS, LADY WILSON SAID SHE WAS DELIGHTED THAT MORE THAN 20 ASSOCIATIONS IN CHINA HAD ALSO JOINED THIS YEAR.
"OTHERS ARE FROM SINGAPORE, THAILAND, NEW ZEALAND, AND EVEN AS FAR AFIELD AS THE NETHERLANDS. IT IS EXCITING TO THINK THAT MANY OF THESE GLORIOUS EXHIBITS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN BY AIR FROM SO FAR AWAY."
LADY WILSON SAID IT WAS ALSO EXCITING TO SEE THE VERY VARIED SPECIES THAT WERE ABLE TO GROW IN HONG KONG, AND THAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD MOUNTED AN EXHIBITION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS IN HONG KONG OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS.
CONGRATULATING THE TWO COUNCILS FOR THE CHOICE OF VENUE FOR ORGANISING THE EVENT JOINTLY FOR THE THIRD TIME, LADY WILSON SAID THE CENTRAL PARK SEEMS AN IDEAL PLACE, AND "IT SEEMS A MOST APPROPRIATE AND NATURAL SETTING TO LOOK AT ALL THESE LOVELY FLOWERS."
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE. CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID THE SIZE OF THE SHOW VENUE HAS ALMOST DOUBLED THAT AVAILABLE IN 1987.
"THIS YEAR WE SEE THE LARGEST EVER GARDEN COMPETITION WITH 20 ENTRIES FROM ALL DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY. I AM SURE THAT THIS MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY WILL BE A MAJOR ATTRACTION," MR CHEUNG SAID.
"OTHER HOME GROWN SPECIES OF HIGH QUALITY ADD TO THE EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF EXQUISITE DISPLAYS. THE 1989 FLOWER SHOW WILL DEFINITELY PROVE TO BE A FEAST FOR THE EYES," HE ADDED.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, LADY WILSON THEN TOURED THE SHOW GROUND, ACCOMPANIED BY MR CHEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 8 -
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ♦ ♦ * * t
THE PROVISION OF PLACES IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN EXPANDING RAPIDLY IN THE PAST TWO DECADES AND FIRM PLANS ARE IN HAND FOR FURTHER EXPANSION.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR DOMINIC WONG, SAID THIS TONIGHT (FRIDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG OFFICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME . OF AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AT HARBOUR BUILDING, WAN CHAI.
’’WHILE IN THE EARLY SIXTIES THERE WAS OPORTUNITY FOR LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP TO PURSUE DEGREE STUDIES, WE NOW PROVIDE 36,000 FULL-TIME PLACES,” HE SAID.
’’THIS ENABLES SEVEN PER CENT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENTER FOR FIRST DEGREES AND FOUR PER CENT FOR NON-DEGREE STUDIES.
’’FIRM PLANS ARE IN HAND TO EXPAND STEADILY THE NUMBER OF PLACES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SO THAT BY THE YEAR 2000 MORE THAN 14 PER CENT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER FOR FIRST DEGREE COURSES, AND SIX PER CENT FOR STUDIES AT NON-DEGREE LEVEL.
”A FURTHER INITIATIVE IN THIS AREA WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG FOR BOTH DEGREE AND NON-DEGREE STUDIES.”
NOTWITHSTANDING THESE SUSTAINED EFFORTS, MR WONG SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT IN THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO SUFFER FROM A SHORTAGE OF FULL-TIME PLACES IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
”INEVITABLY MANY OF OUR BRIGHT STUDENTS WILL BE PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION OVERSEAS, AND AUSTRALIA IS ONE OF THE POPULAR DESTINATIONS,” HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
COMMUNITY SUPPORT INDISPENSABLE FOR REHABILITATION PROJECTS ♦ * *
COMMITTlE^R^CbASR°FHErNRIE??rB;p;TAIIsN CAlS°PONNTT1^°'0RDINATING TlTnmwr REHABILITATION PROGRAMME, WHICH IS AIMED AT INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY. ai INIEGRATING
SPEAKING AT A RECENT RDCC MEETING, DR IP SATn rnMMfiMTmv SUPPORT WAS INDISPENSABLE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE SlSABLfiS
"SEVERAL RECENT INCIDENTS INDICATED THAT THE PURI IC rtti i uni n
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE DISABLED," SHE SAID H0LD
/"EDUCATION IS .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 9 -
"EDUCATION IS OBVIOUSLY NECESSARY TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISABLED WITH A VIEW TO CHANGING THE COMMUNITY'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS REHABILITATION."
RDCC MEMBERS ALSO AGREED THAT WHAT THE DISABLED WANTED WAS RESPECT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SO THAT THEY COULD RECEIVE THE NECESSARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO ENABLE THEM TO LEAD A NORMAL LIFE.
THEY HELD THE VIEW THAT DISABLED PERSONS, WITH THE SUPPORT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF, WOULD BE ABLE TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES AND POTENTIAL TO THE FULL JUST LIKE ANY NORMAL PERSON.
"THE RDCC HAS ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP ITS EFFORTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," DR IP SAID.
THE ROLE OF RDCC IS TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
AT ITS RECENT MEETING, RDCC MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE OPPOSITION BY SOME RESIDENTS AGAINST A HALF-WAY HOUSE PROJECT IN KWUN TONG HAD DELAYED THE PROVISION OF AN ESSENTIAL REHABILITATION SERVICE TO EX-MENTAL PATIENTS.
THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOME FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN CHO YIU ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG, HAD ALSO ENCOUNTERED RESISTANCE FROM SOME RESIDENTS.
-------0----------
PARENTS’ CO-OPERATION WITH NURSERIES ESSENTIAL t * » * *
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND NURSERIES IS ESSENTIAL FOR CHILDREN TO GROW UP HEALTHILY AND HAPPILY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE POK 01 HOSPITAL CHU CHEUNG SIU FONG DAY NURSERY IN YUEN LONG, MR CHUI NOTED THAT PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION WAS THE FOUNDATION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CAREFULLY-DESIGNED ACTIVITIES IN NURSERIES CATERED TO THE VARIED NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT SO THAT THEY COULD HAVE A BALANCED GROWTH PHYSICALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND SOCIALLY.
HE STRESSED THAT NO NURSERY COULD BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR A LOVING FAMILY DESPITE ALL ITS FACILITIES AND EXPERIENCED AND LOVING STAFF.
/"PARENTS' CARE ........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1982
- 10
"PARENTS’ CARE AND LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN A CHILD’S GROWTH AND IT IS THE PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THEIR CHILDREN WITH A SAFE AND WARM HOME,” MR CHUI SAID.
"PARENTS SHOULD HELP THEIR CHILDREN ADJUST TO A NEW SOCIAL LIFE AND SHARE THEIR LEARNING AND GROWING EXPERIENCES ONCE THEY ARE ADMITTED TO CHILD CARE CENTRES," HE SAID.
"THUS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR CHILDREN'S LIFE IN NURSERIES AND FOR THEM TO TAKE. PART IN THESE CENTRES' ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
MR CHUI COMMENDED THE POK 01 HOSPITAL FOR DEVELOPING A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OVER THE PAST 60 YEARS.
-----0
FOUR LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
*****
THE LAST AUCTION OF GOVERNMENT SITES FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 28 WHEN FOUR LOTS WILL BE OFFERED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE LOTS INCLUDE TWO FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE.
ONE OF THEM IS LOCATED AT LAM HING STREET IN KOWLOON BAY WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,520 SQUARE METRES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF AT LEAST 16,900 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
THE OTHER LOT FOR THE SAME PURPOSE IS LOCATED IN AREA 4B, SHEUNG SHUI.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,881 SQUARE METRES AND THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 8,643 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1992.
THE OTHER TWO LOTS ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ONE OF THEM IS LOCATED IN AREA 44B IN TAI WO TSUEN, KWAI CHUNG. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 11,100 SQUARE METRES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 13,980 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
/the other .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
11 -
THE OTHER LOT, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 22,150 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED IN AREA 22 IN TAI PO.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 56,490 SQUARE METRES BEFORE JUNE 30, 1993.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALE PLANS 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 ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND
♦ THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
IN ADDITION, CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE MARINA ROOM OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
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GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
♦ * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING SIX GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES, ALL FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE HALL OF HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, KOWLOON, ON MARCH 23 STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
THE PROPERTIES ARE LOCATED AT:
* SECOND FLOOR OF NO. 73 TAI NAN STREET, KOWLOON, WITH AN
AREA OF ABOUT 33.9 SQUARE METRES;
* FOURTH FLOOR OF NO. 141 TAI NAN STREET, KOWLOON, WITH AN
AREA OF ABOUT 34.6 SQUARE METRES;
* FIRST FLOOR OF NO. 67 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG, WITH AN
AREA OF ABOUT 64.3 SQUARE METRES;
♦ FIRST FLOOR OF NO. 69 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG, WITH AN
AREA OF ABOUT 64.3 SQUARE METRES;
/* FOURTH FLOOR.........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 12 -
* FOURTH FLOOR OF NO. 7 SHA TSUI PATH, SAI KUNG, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 64.3 SQUARE METRES; AND
♦ FOURTH FLOOR OF NO. 9 SHA TSUI PATH, SAI KUNG, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 64.3 SQUARE METRES;
THESE PROPERTIES WILL BE SOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION.
THE PROPERTIES AT TAI NAN STREET WILL BE OPEN FOR INSPECTION BETWEEN 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM ON MARCH 7 AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM ON MARCH 15.
INSPECTION OF THE PROPERTIES IN SAI KUNG MAY BE MADE BETWEEN 2 PM TO 5 PM ON MARCH 8 AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM ON MARCH 14.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET. KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE SAI KUNG, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THIRD FLOOR, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE PROPERTIES TO BE SOLD, DURING OPENING HOURS.
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AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT KWUN TONG OZP ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT KWUN TONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT THE AMENDMENT SERVED TO INCLUDE SOME OF THE USES WHICH WERE CURRENTLY PERMISSIBLE ON APPLICATION TO THE BOARD WITHIN AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE INTO COLUMN 2 OF THE NOTES OF ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” ANNOTATED "BUS DEPOT” ONLY.
THIS AMENDMENT WAS MADE BY THE BOARD, AFTER THOROUGH CONSIDERATION, IN RESPONSE TO AN OBJECTION REGARDING THE ZONING OF THE BUS DEPOT IN KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT:
* THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
» PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
/* KWUN TONG.........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3> 1989
- 13 -
* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY MARCH 24 THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP SALES COUNTER, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOUR COPY.
0
LAND TO BE GRANTED TO SCOUT ASSOCIATION * * * * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS AGREED THAT A SITE AT AUSTIN ROAD IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT SHOULD BE GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY TO THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION’S HEADQUARTERS.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A COACH AND BUS TERMINUS, A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AND A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK WITH ABOUT 530 PARKING SPACES.
THE ASSOCIATION'S NEW HEADQUARTERS WILL COMPRISE AN ASSEMBLY HALL, GYMNASIUM, HOSTEL, OFFICE, CANTEEN, ACTIVITY ROOMS AND A SCOUT SHOP.
THIS COMBINATION OF FACILITIES WILL BE HOUSED IN A SINGLE BUILDING OF ABOUT 15 STOREYS. UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, THE ASSOCIATION WILL MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT HEADQUARTERS IN COX’S ROAD.
THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ALL THE FACILITIES ON THE LAND TO BE GRANTED. IT WILL MEET THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF THE CARPARK AND THE HEADQUARTERS, AND WILL BE REIMBURSED THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF THE COACH TERMINUS AND THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.
0
/14........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 14 -
AMENDMENT TO TSUEN WAN ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS
♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND IMPROVEMENT WORKS INTENDED TO BE CARRIED OUT AT LO WAI ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.
THE WORKS AFFECT THE ACCESS ROAD FROM THE END OF LO WAI ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH HILL TOP ROAD TO THE VILLAGE AREA NEAR THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE.
A NOTICE ON THE AMENDMENT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ORIGINAL AUTHORISED WORKS WERE DESCRIBED IN THE PLAN AND SCHEME PUBLISHED IN GAZETTE ON MAY 29 AND JUNE 5 LAST YEAR.
NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION WAS PUBLISHED IN GAZETTE ON DECEMBER 4 AND 11.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS INVOLVE:
♦ REALIGNMENT OF ABOUT 150 METRES OF THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTPATH BETWEEN THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND THE PLANTER;
♦ DEMOLITION OF PART OF THE EXISTING RAISED PLANTERS;
♦ RETENTION OF EXISTING WATER TANKS AND PUMP HOUSE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED TO BE DEMOLISHED;
* RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING REFUSE COLLECTION POINT ORIGINALLY PROPOSED TO BE RESITED; AND
* ASSOCIATED REVISION OF THE EXTENT OF SLOPE WORKS.
THE AMENDED PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
t CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN MAY 2 THIS YEAR.
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/15........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
NEW ROADS IN CENTRAL JUNK BAY
* * » * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO START NEW ROAD WORKS LN CENTRAL PART OF JUNK BAY TO PROVIDE ACCESS AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREAS.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE WIDENING OF EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ACCESS ROADS, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLETRACKS. THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORK CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN MAY 2 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
MAXIMUM PERIOD OF LEAVE EXTENDED
» » » « «
THE GOVERNMENT HAS EXTENDED THE MAXIMUM PERIOD OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR TRAINING CENTRE INMATES FROM 48 HOURS TO FIVE DAYS TO ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED OUTSIDE THE TRAINING CENTRES.
THE AMENDMENT WAS CONTAINED IN THE TRAINING CENTRES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1989 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
- - 0 - -
/16
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 16 -
TAXI OPERATORS REMINDED TO CO-OPERATE IN SURVEY *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS REMINDED URBAN TAXI OPERATORS WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR A SURVEY ON THE OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND FINANCIAL SITUATION OF URBAN TAXIS TO PRESENT THEIR TAXIS FOR METER READING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S METER READING CENTRES.
THE SURVEY, WHICH IS AN ANNUAL EXERCISE, CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS: QUESTIONNAIRE AND METER READING.
TAXI OPERATORS ARE URGED TO PRESENT THEIR TAXIS TWICE FOR METER READING FROM MARCH 6 TO MARCH 10 AND FROM MARCH 13 TO MARCH 17 BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12.30 PM AND BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4.30 PM.
TEN METER READING CENTRES WHICH WILL BE OPENED FOR THE EXERCISE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* 01 KWAN ROAD OUTSIDE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL, WAN CHAI;
* TAXI STAND NEAR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER, WAN CHAI;
* CARPARK NEAR ANNE BLACK HEALTH CENTRE, HEALTHY STREET WEST, NORTH POINT;
* CARPARK OUTSIDE TIN KWONG ROAD DRIVING TEST CENTRE, TO KWA WAN;
* KAU PUI LUNG ROAD SOUTHBOUND, SECTION BETWEEN MAIDSTONE LANE AND LOK SHAN ROAD, TO KWA WAN;
* CARPARK NEAR PARIS THEATRE, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG;
* TAXI STAND AT TAI KOK TSUI FERRY CONCOURSE;
* PITT STREET, SECTION BETWEEN TUNG FONG STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD;
* TAXI STAND AT TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER, TSUEN WAN;
* TAXI STAND OUTSIDE SHATIN TOWN HALL, TAM KON PO STREET, SHA TIN.
MEANWHILE, OWNERS OF THE SELECTED SAMPLES ARE ALSO URGED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE ON THEIR OPERATIONS TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
0 -
/17 .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 17 -
NEW PARKING CHARGES AT HK AIRPORT *****
A NEW SCALE OF FEES WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC CARPARK AND SPECIAL CARPARK FACILITIES AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM APRIL 1.
THE REVISED PARKING FEES FOR THE PUBLIC CARPARK WILL BE $7 PER HOUR FOR THE FIRST TWO HOURS AND $14 PER HOUR THEREAFTER. THE PRESENT RATES ARE $6 FOR EACH OF THE FIRST TWO HOURS AND $12 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT HOUR.
THE MONTHLY FEE FOR THE USE OF SPECIAL PARKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $550 TO $650 FOR A PRIVATE CAR AND FROM $700 TO $850 FOR A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT DIVISION SAID THAT THE REVISED PARKING FEES FOR THE AIRPORT CARPARK WOULD STILL BE LESS THAN THE RATES CHARGED IN MANY PUBLIC CARPARKS.
’’THE INCREASES ARE MADE TO REFLECT CURRENT MARKET RATE, AND TO COVER HIGHER OPERATING COSTS,” HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE CURRENT RATE STRUCTURE PROVIDING FOR A DOUBLING OF THE HOURLY FEE AFTER THE FIRST TWO HOURS WOULD DISCOURAGE LONG-STAY PARKING AND MAKE AVAILABLE MORE PARKING SPACES FOR SHORT-TERM USERS.
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PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR UC/RC ELECTIONS START TOMORROW ♦ ♦ » * ♦
TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF THE ELECTION DAY ON MARCH 9.
TO MARK THE EVENT, TWO BIG BANNERS CARRYING VOTING MESSAGES WILL BE UNFOLDED AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, AND MISS SHEILA CHIN, FIRST RUNNER-UP IN THE 1988 MISS HONG KONG PAGEANT.
/after the .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 18 -
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A DECORATED VEHICLE WILL BEGIN A TOUR OF THE URBAN AREAS TO HELP PROMOTE THE VOTING MESSAGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST (BETWEEN SOUTH SEAS CENTRE AND HOTEL REGAL MERIDIEN).
--------0----------
UC ELECTION FORUMS FOR KLN CITY * * » ♦ ♦
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT THE THREE CANDIDATES STANDING CONSTITUENCIES OF THE URBAN (MARCH 5).
OFFICE HAS ORGANISED TWO FOR ELECTION IN THE
COUNCIL TO MEET VOTERS
FORUMS FOR
KOWLOON CITY ON SUNDAY
THE FORUMS WILL BE HELD AT THE MARTHA BOSS CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN, STARTING AT 5 PM.
COMMUNITY CENTRE,
THE FIRST PORUM IS FOR MR PAO PING-WING WHO IS UNOPPOSFD HAS BEEN DECLARED ELECTED IN THE KOWLOON CITY EAST CONSTITUENCY.
AND
THE SECOND FORUM HAS MR CHIANG SAI-CHEONG. THEY CITY WEST CONSTITUENCY.
BEEN ARRANGED FOR MR PETER C.K. CHAN AND ARE VYING FOR THE SEAT IN THE KOWLOON
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, SUNDAY (MARCH 5), STARTING AT 5
THE TWO FORUMS TO BE HELD AT THE CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN, ON PM.
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/19........
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 19 -
UC ELECTION FORUM IN WAN CHAI * * * * *
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD AN OPEN FORUM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO INTRODUCE TO VOTERS THE TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTION IN THE WAN CHAI CONSTITUENCY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE FORUM WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING AUDITORIUM, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE TWO CANDIDATES - MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND MR WONG HON-CHING - WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTION PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC AT THE FORUM.
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE UC ELECTION FORUM IN WAN CHAI.
-------0----------
KWUN TONG TO LAUNCH SQUATTERS CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
*******
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND KEEP KWUN TONG CLEAN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL ACT AS "CLEAN-UP AMBASSADORS" TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO HELP SPREAD THE "KEEP OUR DISTRICT CLEAN" MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS IN SQUATTER AREAS.
THEY WILL CONDUCT DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS IN THE LEI YUE MUN SQUATTER AREA AND DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY LEAFLETS TO THE RESIDENTS, REMINDING THEM TO PITCH IN AND KEEP THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
THESE ACTIVITIES WILL MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE DISTRICT’S CLEAN SQUATTERS/VILLAGES CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE KEEP KWUN TONG CLEAN ORGANISING COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WI DE "KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN".
THE DISTRICT CAMPAIGN WILL CONCLUDE ON MARCH 15.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM AT THE LEI YUE MUN ROAD REST GARDEN BEFORE THE "CLEAN-UP AMBASSADORS" BEGIN THEIR MISSION.
/OFFICIATING GUESTS .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE; CHAIRMAN OF THE KEEP KWUN TONG CLEAN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WONG PING-KUEN; AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR LAM CHAK-PIU.
THE 12-DAY-LONG CLEAN SQUATTERS/VILLAGES CAMPAIGN WILL COVER SQUATTER AREAS IN LEI YUE MUN, CHA KWO LING, FAN WAH STREET, HONG NING ROAD AND LING NAM NEW VILLAGE, YAU TONG LOWER VILLAGE, CHUK LAM NEW VILLAGE, MA YAU TONG VILLAGE, ON LOK VILLAGE, WO PING VILLAGE, SAI WO YUEN/TAI SHING VILLAGE AND SAU MING VILLAGE.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL DEPLOY ADDITIONAL STAFF TO HELP RESIDENTS CLEAN UP THE ENVIRONMENT.
TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL ALSO BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO FACILITATE DISPOSAL OF BULKY FURNITURE AND SUNDRIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG CLEAN SQUATTERS/VILLAGES CAMPAIGN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE LEI YUE MUN REST GARDEN, HOI BUN ROAD EAST.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM.
- - 0 - -
CARNIVAL TO SPREAD ANTI-CRIME MESSAGES IN KWAI TSING t * * * *
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5), BEGINNING AT 2 PM, AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND TO SPREAD ANTI-CRIME MESSAGES.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE GAME STALLS, PERFORMANCES BY A SCHOOL CYCLING TEAM AND BY THE TAEKWONDO TEAM OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY POLICE DOGS. A FIGHT CRIME VEHICLE AND FIRE-FIGHTING VEHICLES WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE VENUE.
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF A CHILDREN’S COLOURING COMPETITION, THE MODEL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CONTEST AND THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME.
/OFFICIATING AT
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOI HING-SHUN; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG; AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR E.H. EVANS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND (NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION).
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SEMINAR FOR NORTH DISTRICT PRIMARY STUDENTS * ♦ * * ♦
STUDENTS FROM THE 47 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SECONDARY SCHOOL LIFE AT A SEMINAR TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, SHEUNG SHUI.
THEIR PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE ALSO BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO HELP PRIMARY SIX STUDENTS TO ADAPT TO SECONDARY SCHOOL LIFE MORE EASILY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT AND WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AT THE SEMINAR.
AN EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY FORM 1 STUDENTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING THEIR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT THE VENUE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS), MR TIM MILNES; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (TAI PO AND NORTH), MR LIU TSO-TIM; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE, MR POON HUEN-WAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEUNG SHUI.
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/22
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
22 -
REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED ♦ * ♦ *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF FPB FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION
31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
FAMILIAR FACE LEAVING CGO ♦ ♦ * ♦
FREQUENT VISITORS TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL SOON MISS THE FAMILIAR AND FRIENDLY FACE OF MR LO CHI-WAH, A CLERICAL OFFICER WHO WORKS AT THE RECEPTION COUNTER IN THE CGO MAIN WING.
MR LO IS GOING ON LEAVE LATER THIS MONTH PRIOR TO HIS RETIREMENT IN JULY.
HE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A MESSENGER IN 1960 AND ON RETIREMENT HE WILL HAVE ABOUT 29 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEHIND HIM.
DURING HIS CAREER, HE HAS SERVED AS A CAR PARK ATTENDANT, SENIOR HALL PORTER, RECEPTIONIST AND CLERICAL OFFICER IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND HAS PROVIDED A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE TO HIS OFFICE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.
MR LO IS REGARDED BY HIS SUPERVISORS AS AN EFFICIENT AND EXPERIENCED OFFICER, WELL RESPECTED BOTH BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND BY VISITORS TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS LOYAL AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE, HE WAS AWARDED THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (CIVIL DIVISION) IN 1980.
AT A FAREWELL RECEPTION TODAY (FRIDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, PRESENTED TO HIM A RETIREMENT GIFT - AN AUTO CAMERA, AND ALSO A GOLD SHIELD - AS WELL AS A LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1954-56
» « * * «
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WOMEN BORN IN 1954, 1955 OR 1956 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM MARCH 13 TO MAY 6 THIS YEAR.
"WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW ID CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE 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 AFTERNOONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO 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, SHATIN CENTRE STREET, SHA TIN TEL. NO. 0-6059108
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 0-4771543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 0-6727191
/the SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, I989
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1957, 1958 OR 1959 WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARDS TO COME FORWARD WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AS THERE IS ONLY ONE MORE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE CLOSES ON MARCH 11,
HE POINTED OUT THAT FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF S3,000.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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REHABILITATION VOLUNTEERS TO BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT RECRUITS VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PART IN THE "VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS" EACH YEAR TO ASSIST IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.
APART FROM BEFRIENDING PROBATIONERS, THE VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP THEM DEVELOP MEANINGFUL HOBBIES AND HABITS, AND CULTIVATE HEALTHY PURSUITS. TUITION AND USEFUL GUIDANCE CAN ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE PROBATIONERS.
TO RECOGNISE THEIR EFFORTS IN WORKING WITH PROBATIONERS, CHIEF MAGISTRATE, MR RICHARD HAWKES, WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO THE VOLUNTEERS AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, WILL ALSO PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO LONG-SERVING VOLUNTEERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONER AT THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM, THIRD LOWER LEVEL, HOLIDAY INN GOLDEN MILE, TSIM SHA TSUI, TOMORROW (SATURDAY). THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/25
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 25 -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE CLOSED *****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN YUEN LONG SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURE IS AT FLAT A, THIRD FLOOR, KAM SHING BUILDING, BLOCK I, 162 - 168 ON NING ROAD.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON FEBRUARY 11 LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 4 WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURE YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS MADE.
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RECRUITMENT OF TEMPORARY LIFE GUARDS
* * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING TEMPORARY LIFE GUARDS FOR THE URBAN SERVICES AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS TO MAN GAZETTED BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS DURING THE SWIMMING SEASON THIS YEAR.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND GOOD EYESIGHT, PREFERABLY BE AGED UNDER 35, AND POSSESS A BRONZE MEDALLION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY.
THE JOB IS OPEN TO BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. IT OFFERS A MONTHLY SALARY OF $4,160 OR A DAILY WAGE OF $168.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE POST MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR TELEPHONE 5-270622, 3-695525, 3-265123 OR 0-4920154.
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/26
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
- 26 -
FAMILY DAY FOR 1,800 CHILDREN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL FAMILY DAY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) IN THE COMPOUND OF THE DEPARTMENT’S • HEADQUARTERS IN OIL STREET, NORTH POINT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT MORE THAN 1,800 CHILDREN OF ITS STAFF WILL ' BE THERE TO ENJOY THE FREE ENTERTAINMENT.
THE EVENT WILL START AT 1 PM WITH THE DOTTING OF A LION’S EYES BY THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, FOLLOWED BY A LION DANCE PERFORMED BY MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SIDE-SHOWS, GAME STALLS, FIRE ENGINE AND FIREARM DISPLAY, CHINESE WORD PUZZLE COMPETITION AND A POP SONGS PERFORMANCE. THERE WILL ALSO BE A POLICE DOG DEMONSTRATION AND A BICYCLE-RIDING DEMONSTRATION.
MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES BAND AND THE TAI TAM GIRLS’ PIPERS AND MARCHING TEAM.
'i
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND LUCKY DRAW WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THE DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT'S * ANNUAL FAMILY DAY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) IN THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPOUND, 12 OIL STREET, NORTH POINT. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL START AT 1 PM.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD • MAINTENANCE WORKS, SECTIONS OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED FROM MONDAY (MARCH 6).
THE FAST LANE OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD WESTBOUND FROM A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHUNG PAK ROAD TO A POINT ' ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED FROM MARCH 6 TO 31.
/meanwhile, the .......
4
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
MEANWHILE, THE SLOW LANE OF TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SHA TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED DAILY FROM 7 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FROM MARCH 6 FOR TWO NIGHTS.
IN ADDITION, THE FAST LANE OF THE SAME SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 7 PM AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY ON MARCH 9 AND 10.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
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RE-OPENING OF PAR TIN STREET, SHAM SHUI PO
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PAK TIN STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 6) FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF nrun unnvn
AS A RESULT, KMB ROUTES 2B, 2F, 6D, 40, 86 AND 86A, AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 42 WILL RESUME THEIR NORMAL ROUTEINGS.
IN ADDITION, THESE BUS ROUTES WILL AGAIN OBSERVE THE BUS STOP IN WOH CHAI STREET OUTSIDE BLOCK 29 OF SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM PEI HO STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON NT CIRCULAR ROAD » » ♦ ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK. SECTIONS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IN FANLING WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DURING THE FOLLOWING PERIODS :
♦ MARCH 6 - OUTER-MOST NORTHBOUND LANE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND TSUNG PAK LONG.
♦ MARCH 7 - OUTER-MOST NORTHBOUND LANE BETWEEN TSUNG PAK LONG AND KWU TUNG.
* MARCH 8 - OUTER-MOST NORTHBOUND LANE BETWEEN KWU TUNG AND PAK SHEK AU.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS TO MOVE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO INLAND REVENUE BILL 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN COMPUTER CONFERENCE ............................ 2
PROBATION OFFICERS COMMENDED .................................... 3
BIG BANNERS TO PROMOTE MC ELECTIONS ............................. 5
SHA TIN RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE ................................. 5
FORUM IN TAI PO FOR RC C.JTOID.'.TES ............................ 6
CROSS COUNTRY Hn.CE IN NORTH DISTRICT ........................... 7
CALL ON RESIDENTS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT ........................ 8
DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ON DB AGENDA ........................... 9
APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS ON ^GEND,, .............................. 10
YUEN LONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME INVITES APPLICATIONS........ 10
TRIMiNlAL REPORT ON NORTH DB’S WORK ............................ 11
LEGAL DEPT OFFICERS AWARDED LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES........ 12
SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY «T UNITED WORLD COLLEGES ................. 12
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITING CHOIR MEMBERS .......................... 13
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
1
FS TO MOVE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO INLAND REVENUE BILL *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL MOVE A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AT THE MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 8).
THE AMENDMENT, IF APPROVED, WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO MORE EFFICIENTLY ASSESS AND COLLECT PROFITS TAX DUE BY CERTAIN NON-RESIDENTS ON PROFITS DERIVED FROM HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE DRAFT AMENDMENT BILL, WHICH WAS FIRST INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, SOUGHT TO ENABLE A NON-RESIDENT TO BE CHARGEABLE TO TAX IN THE NAME OF A PERSON IN HONG KONG WHERE THAT PERSON, ALTHOUGH NOT AN AGENT OF THE NON-RESIDENT WAS NEVERTHELESS A PERSON FROM WHOM THE NON-RESIDENT WAS IN RECEIPT OF PROFITS OR INCOME ARISING IN HONG KONG.
"HOWEVER, IN THE COURSE OF CONSULTATION WITH PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONS, IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE SCOPE OF THE BILL AS DRAFTED MIGHT BE TOO WIDE AND COULD HAVE HAD UNINTENDED TAXATION IMPLICATIONS FOR THOSE PERSONS IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE BUSINESS DEALINGS WITH NON-RESIDENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE," HE ADDED.
' THESE AMENDMENTS HAVE THE EFFECT OF LIMITING THE SCOPE OF OPERATION OF THE NEW PROVISIONS IN THE BILL TO A SPECIFIED AND RESTRICTED CLASS OF NON-RESIDENT.
IN ESSENCE, THIS CLASS COMPRISES NON-RESIDENTS IN RECEIPT OF ROYALTIES AND LICENCE FEES FROM HONG KONG, AND NON-RESIDENT ENTERTAINERS AND PERFORMERS WHO PERFORM IN HONG KONG.
"THE AMENDMENTS WILL ENSURE THAT THE NEW PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF THE COLLECTION OF PROFITS TAX FROM NON-RESIDENT PERSONS WILL APPLY ONLY TO SITUATIONS WHERE PERSONS IN HONG KONG, WHO ARE NOT AGENTS, DEAL WITH THIS SPECIFIED CLASS OF NON-RESIDENT.
"THIS WOULD MEET THE CONCERN EARLIER EXPRESSED IN SOME QUARTERS OF THE LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS CLASS OF NON-RESIDENT INCLUDES THOSE CATEGORIES OF NON-HONG KONG RESIDENT FROM WHOM THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE BELIEVES TAX COLLECTION IS AT PRESENT AT GREATEST RISK.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD NOT, IN ANY WAY, ALTER THE PRESENT TAXATION SYSTEM OR ITS APPLICATION, BUT WOULD FACILITATE COLLECTION BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT OF PROFITS TAX FROM NON-RESIDENTS.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
2
GOVERNOR TO OPEN COMPUTER CONFERENCE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER CONFERENCE (HKICC) AND HONG KONG COMPUTER EXPO ’89 ON APRIL 10 AS THE CONFERENCE PATRON AND GUEST OF HONOUR.
MORE THAN 1,000 DELEGATES REPRESENTING OVER 20 COUNTRIES ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONFERENCE, LASTING UNTIL APRIL 14.
THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE, TO DE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, HOPES TO FOCUS THE WORLD’S ATTENTION ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) DEVELOPMENT IN THIS REGION AND TO ENHANCE THE INTEREST AND AWARENESS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE APPLICATIONS OF "IT” LOCALLY.
HKICC ’89 HAS ADOPTED AS ITS THEME "IT DIRECTION FOR THE 90'S". IT WILL ADDRESS FIVE SUB-THEMES, NAMELY "IT" INDUSTRY DIRECTIONS, RESEARCH DIRECTIONS, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, APPLICATIONS DIRECTIONS AND "IT" IN THE EMERGING ECONOMIES IN THE 90’S.
A FULL CONFERENCE PROGRAMME WITH ALMOST 70 SPEAKERS HAS BEEN PLANNED.
THE PROGRAMME DOES NOT ONLY CARRY SESSIONS THAT ARE TECHNICALLY ORIENTED, BUT IT ALSO COVERS SESSIONS THAT ARE MORE CONCEPTUAL IN NATURE TARGETING FOR THE MANAGEMENT CIRCLE.
SIR GEOFFREY PATTIE, UNITED KINGDOM’S FORMER MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, HAS ALREADY AGREED TO BE THE CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER.
DR KENNETH KING, PRESIDENT OF EDUCOM, WILL SPEAK ON "CAMPUS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES FOR THE 90’S". A PRESENTATION ON "TECHNOLOGY BASE FOR THE COMPUTERS AND COMMUNICATIONS REVOLUTION" WILL BE DELIVERED BY DR CHARLES KAO, VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
PROFESSOR STUART LYNN, VICE PRESIDENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CORNELL UNIVERSITY WILL ALSO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER. HE WILL SPEAK ON "INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: MANAGEMENT ISSUES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION".
NOBEL LAUREATE PROFESSOR C. N. YANG WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE BANQUET.
THE CONFERENCE HAS IDENTIFIED SOME PARTICULAR RELEVANT TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED BY LEADING EXPERTS. THEY INCLUDE THE AREAS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, EXPECT SYSTEMS SUPERCONDUCTIVITY, SUPERCOMPUTER, INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND ENGINEERING SOFTWARE PACKAGES.
/THE CONFERENCE .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
- 3 -
THE CONFERENCE WILL ALSO DEMONSTRATE THE BREADTH OF "IT" APPLICATIONS BY COVERING AREAS SUCH AS COMPUTER ART AND MUSIC, LIBRARY AUTOMATION, AS WELL AS SOCIAL ISSUES INCLUDING COCOM REGULATIONS AND SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MR ALEX TZANG (5-286136) OR MRS LORRAINE WONG (5-8256573) OF THE CONFERENCE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
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PROBATION OFFICERS COMMENDED » » * * *
THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE, MR RICHARD HAWKES, TODAY (SATURDAY) COMMENDED PROBATION OFFICERS FOR THEIR HIGH STANDARD OF WORK.
"I ALMOST NEVER FAIL TO BE IMPRESSED WITH THE THOROUGHNESS AND FAIRNESS OF PROBATION REPORTS, BUT WHAT IS PARTICULARLY APPRECIATED BY MAGISTRATES, HOWEVER, IS THE REALISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH ARE USUALLY MADE," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS QUITE REMARKABLE THAT PROBATION OFFICERS WERE ABLE TO SET CONSISTENTLY HIGH STANDARDS IN THEIR REPORTS. THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 70 PROBATION OFFICERS TO PROVIDE ABOUT 8,500 PROBATION REPORTS A YEAR AND TO COPE WITH THE NEARLY 3,000 OFFENDERS PLACED ON PROBATION EACH YEAR, HE NOTED.
MR HAWKES WAS SPEAKING AT THE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS (VSP) ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
MR HAWKES NOTED THAT THE SCHEME HELPED PROMOTE GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE REFORMATION OF OFFENDERS AS WELL AS GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND STRONGER COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST CRIME.
HE COMMENDED THE VOLUNTEERS WHO TOOK PART IN THE SCHEME FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE THEIR OWN LEISURE TIME TO SERVE OTHERS WITHOUT MONETARY REWARD.
THESE VOLUNTEERS COULD ASSIST PROBATION OFFICERS BY PROVIDING PERSONAL AND MORAL SUPPORT FOR PROBATIONERS, HE NOTED.
"THEY CAN ASSIST IN ALL SORTS OF WAYS SUCH AS SCHOOL WORK, AND ENCOURAGING THE PROBATIONERS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME BY DEVELOPING INTERESTS IN HOBBIES, SPORTS AND OTHER WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES.
/"THE MOST .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
"THE MOST VALUABLE THING THEY CAN PROVIDE IS FRIENDSHIP, WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO ALL PROBATIONERS BUT IN PARTICULAR TO THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE FAMILY SUPPORT OR DESIRABLE FRIENDS," HE SAID.
HE CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN WHOLESOME AND INTERESTING ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SPORTS SO AS TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME PROPERLY.
"I BELIEVE THAT PERSONS WHO FIND TIME TO PLAY SPORT ON A REGULAR BASIS, APART FROM BEING GENERALLY FITTER AND HEALTHIER, ARE ALSO LIKELY TO STUDY AND WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY," MR HAWKES SAID.
SPEAKING EARLIER AT THE CEREMONY, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, POINTED OUT THAT VOLUNTARY EFFORT WAS THE ESSENCE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THIS HAD BEEN THE ESTABLISHED TRADITION IN THE WELFARE SERVICE FIELD.
HE NOTED THAT VOLUNTARY EFFORTS AND ACTIONS HAD TODAY TRANSFORMED INTO A GENERAL REALISATION OF COMMUNITY MUTUAL HELP TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS. THIS COULD BE DONE BY PARTICIPATING IN SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR BY ORGANISING ONE’S OWN PROJECTS.
"PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, INCLUDING THE AVERAGE WORKER, HOUSEWIVES, PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS, HAVE INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED BY GIVING ADVICE, MORAL SUPPORT AND CONCRETE ASSISTANCE TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS AS WELL AS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BETTER COMMUNITY," MR LAW SAID.
"THE VSP, WHICH STARTED IN 1976, IS A PROJECT IN THIS DIRECTION, AND IS A MEASURE TO STRENGTHEN THE REHABILITATION ASPECT OF THE SERVICE," HE ADDED.
TWENTY-NINE VOLUNTEERS WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION OR SOUVENIRS FOR THEIR CONTINUING AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
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/5........
SATURDAY, N\RCH 4, 1989
- 5 -
BIG BANNERS TO PROMOTE MC ELECTIONS * » * *
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN , TODAY (SATURDAY) OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY TO UNFOLD TWO BIG BANNERS CARRYING VOTING MESSAGES FOR THE FORTHCOMING MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE EVENT, HELD AT THE UC CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI, WAS PART OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE COUNT-DOWN PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO REMIND ELIGIBLE ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON POLLING DAY.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A FANCY VEHICLE STARTED A TOUR IN SOME URBAN DISTRICTS INCLUDING YAU MA TEI. KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN AND EASTERN, DURING WHICH IT MADE STOPS TO BROADCAST ELECTION MESSAGES.
A SIMILAR FANCY VEHICLE TOUR TO COVER AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 7.
APART FROM THE FANCY VEHICLE TOURS, PUBLICITY FOR THE ELECTIONS ALSO INCLUDES A SERIES OF FOUR COUNT-DOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST (API’S) WHICH WILL BE BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND RADIO STARTING MARCH 6.
TO ADD TO THE ELECTION ATMOSPHERE, HELIUM BALLOONS BEARING THE VOTING MESSAGE WILL BE FLOATED OVER TSUEN WAN ON MARCH 7, OVER SHA TIN ON MARCH 8, AND OVER STATUE SQUARE ON MARCH 9.
AS A REMINDER TO ELECTORS, ADVERTISEMENTS WILL APPEAR IN NEWSPAPERS ON POLLING DAY.
PUBLICITY AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL INCLUDES SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS IN DISTRICT NEWSPAPERS, BANNERS, CINEMA SLIDES AND WINDOW DISPLAYS.
THIS YEAR, THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 53 CANDIDATES VYING FOR 27 SEATS IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS. OF THESE, SEVEN CANDIDATES -FOUR FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND THREE FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS - ARE RETURNED UNOPPOSED.
-------o---------
SHA TIN RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE *****
THE ASSISTANT SHA TIN DISTRICT MARGARET FONG, HAS CALLED ON SHA TIN REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 9.
BY DOING SO THEY WOULD SHOW THEIR WHO WERE WILLING TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT), MISS
RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN THE
SUPPORT FOR THE CANDIDATES,
/MISS FONG
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
- 6 -
MISS FONG TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE WHEN SHE SPOKE AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FESTIVE LIGHTING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO COINCIDE WITH THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED FESTIVE LIGHTING IN THE DISTRICT.
MISS FONG SAID THE FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN HAD BECOME A SIGNIFICANT FEATURE WHICH ATTRACTED NUMEROUS PEOPLE FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FESTIVE SEASONS.
SHE ATTRIBUTED THE SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVE LIGHTING PROGRAMME TO THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND THE COUNCIL'S INVOLVEMENT WAS A REASON WHY RESIDENTS SHOULD CAST THEIR VOTES IN SUPPORT OF THE CANDIDATES CONTESTING SHA TIN CONSTITUENCY SEATS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
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FORUM IN TAI PO FOR RC CANDIDATES
» * * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A FORUM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR THE TWO CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE TAI PO DISTRICT CONSTITUENCY SEAT IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE FORUM, IN THE TAI PO OLD MARKET PUBLIC SCHOOL IN ON CHEUNG ROAD, WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
THE CANDIDATES, MR MICHAEL LAI KAM-CHEUNG AND MR CHENG CHUN-PING, WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE TAI PO OLD MARKET PUBLIC SCHOOL IN ON CHEUNG ROAD, TAI PO.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 4,
1989
- 7 -
CROSS COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT
* * * » »
HUNDREDS OF RUNNERS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 60, FROM ALL PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, WILL COMPETE IN AN ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE RACE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SHEUNG SHUI DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN SPORT.
THE RACE HAS BEEN HELD SINCE 1964, AS PART OF LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES, WITH THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS RISING FROM AN INITIAL 30 TO ABOUT 500 LAST YEAR.
THERE WILL BE WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SECTIONS, WITH WOMEN COVERING EIGHT KILOMETRES AND MEN RUNNING 10 KILOMETRES.
THE WOMEN WILL START AT 3.15 PM IN HUNG LING VILLAGE, AT THE ENTRANCE TO PING CHE ROAD.
MEN WILL BEGIN 15 MINUTES LATER FROM THE SING PING PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TA KWU LING.
THEY WILL ALL FINISH AT THE SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND IN SHEUNG SHUI.
THE ASSISTANT NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS), MR TIM MILNES, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT THE FINISHING POINT, AROUND 4.45 PM.
OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; AND THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, FRONTIER, MR MICHAEL WATSON.
IN ANOTHER LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITY, A FUN DAY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW BY THE SHEK WU HUI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SHEUNG SHUI FUN DAY WILL INCLUDE A SPORTS CARNIVAL, CO-ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM IN THE BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COURTS IN TIN PING ESTATE.
GAME STALLS FOR CHILDREN WILL BE OPEN AT THE SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND AT 10.30 AM AND AT THE CHOI YUEN ESTATE COVERED PLAYGROUND AT 1.30 PM.
/THERE WILL
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
8
THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING DANCING, POPULAR SONGS AND A MAGIC SHOW AT THE SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND, BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY RACE AND THE SHEUNG SHUI FUN DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY). THE CROSS COUNTRY RACE WILL START AT 3.15 PM AND THE FUN DAY WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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CALL ON RESIDENTS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT
» » * * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO CARE FOR THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECT IT FROM FURTHER POLLUTION.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION DAY, MR WAN SAID KWUN TONG, BEING AN INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH A DENSE POPULATION, HAD LONG BEEN FACING A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, CONTINUED EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
"THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THROUGH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, ALWAYS CONSULTS, AND EXCHANGES VIEWS WITH, OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO WORK OUT A FEASIBLE AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT, AND TO ENSURE THAT DISTRICT FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS ARE WELL-BALANCED," HE ADDED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR WAN CONTINUED, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WAS ALSO PLAYING A PART IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN KWUN TONG BY MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROVIDING FUNDS.
"LAST YEAR, NEARLY $1 MILLION IN DISTRICT BOARD FUND WERE SPENT ON VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS," HE NOTED.
AT THIS AFTERNOON’S CEREMONY, PRIZES WERE AWARDED TO THE WINNING TEAMS OF THE COMPETITIONS ON THE BEST DECORATED GAME STALL AND THE BEST PROJECT DISPLAY IN THE KWUN TONG CIVIC EDUCATION DAY, WHICH CENTRED ON THE THEME OF "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION".
/THE CIVIC .......
SATURDAY, MARCH k, 1989
THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WAS OPENED THIS MORNING AT THE NEW LIFE SCHOOL INCORPORATION LUI KWOK PAT FONG COLLEGE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MISS MONA LO, AND SENIOR INSPECTOR (COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR LAU CHAK-BUN.
THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON CIVIC EDUCATION UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC), IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE "CYC CIVIC EDUCATION FORTNIGHT".
ABOUT 20 LOCAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE EVENT, WHICH INCLUDE GAME STALLS, PROJECT DISPLAYS, DRAMA, DANCING AND SINGING PERFORMANCES TO PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
- - 0 - -
DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ON DB AGENDA *****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO CHANGE ANY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7).
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE DETAILED REVIEW OF THE MASTER LAYOUT PLAN OF SHING MUN VALLEY PARK. THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WAN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS BY THE TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
/1O
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
10
APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS ON AGENDA
*****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER THREE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (MARCH 6).
TWO OF THE APPLICATIONS CONCERN A FITNESS EXERCISE CLASS FOR THE ELDERLY AND A KOWLOON CITY BADMINTON COMPETITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN, ON MONDAY (MARCH 6). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
-------o--------
YUEN LONG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME INVITES APPLICATIONS *****
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN YUEN LONG ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1989 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND ARE REMINDED TO SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS EARLIER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, FUNDS WOULD BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD VARIOUS SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES DURING THE SUMMER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
"THE CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATING FUNDS ARE THAT THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS, POTENTIAL AND HEALTHY INTERESTS; UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE INTER-HUMAN RELATIONSHIP; GET TO KNOW THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE; AND ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY.
"THE CENTRAL THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS ’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM ROOM 410, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22.
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT MRS CHENG KAN LA1-SHEUNG ON 0-4792261 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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11
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
11
TRIENNIAL REPORT ON NORTH DB ’ S WORK
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE 160-PAGE FULL-COLOUR REPORT, CONTAINING PHOTOGRAPHS AND TABLES, HAS BEEN PREPARED BY A WORKING GROUP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
IT GIVES A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORTH DISTRICT AND OUTLINES THE WORK DONE BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS FIVE COMMITTEES AND THE "MEET-THE-PUBLIC" SCHEME AS WELL AS PROVIDING DETAILS OF THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO THE DISTRICT AND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL GROUPS.
BIOGRAPHIES OF MEMBERS ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE BOARD’S STUDY TOURS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM IN OCTOBER 1985 AND TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN OCTOBER 1987 ARE ALSO COVERED.
THESE STUDY TOURS ENABLED THE PARTICIPANTS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE OPERATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OVERSEAS.
IN A FOREWORD, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG. SAID THAT DURING THE 1985-1988 TERM THE BOARD HAD PLACED EMPHASIS ON RESOLVING DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
"IT NOT ONLY DEALT WITH URGENT NEEDS, BUT ALSO PROPOSED LONG-TERM MEASURES. WITH THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THE BOARD MADE A GOOD START IN ITS WORK." MR PANG SAID.
"THIS COULD BE REVEALED IN THE HANDLING OF ISSUES SUCH AS THE FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. THE NORTH DISTRICT CENTRAL PARK, THE CULTURAL COMPLEX, NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES, THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL, IMPROVEMENT TO TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT. PROGRESS OF LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ON LOK TSUEN."
LOOKING AHEAD. THE BOOK DEPICTS THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT WITH REGARD TO HOUSING. TRANSPORT. EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE. VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES.
MR PANG’S OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD IS ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE REPORT.
COPIES OF THE BILINGUAL REPORT ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO RURAL COMMITTEES. MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS. PUBLIC LIBRARIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO READ THE REPORT AT THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING OR AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE’S SUB-OFFICES.
- - 0 -
/12
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
- 12 -
LEGAL DEPT OFFICERS AWARDED LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES
******
SIX OFFICERS WHO HAD CHALKED UP 150 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WERE AWARDED LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD DURING THE DEPARTMENT’S SPRING DINNER.
TOPPING THE LONG SERVICE LIST WAS 83-YEAR-OLD LAWYER, MR HENRY BOTELHO, WHO HAD SERVED IN THE DEPARTMENT FOR 44 YEARS.
HE FIRST JOINED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS IN 1945 AS AN ASSISTANT CROWN COUNSEL AND ROSE TO THE RANK OF PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL WHEN HE REACHED RETIREMENT AGE IN 1967.
HE WAS RE-APPOINTED CROWN COUNSEL IN 1968 TO START ANOTHER 21 YEARS OF VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPARTMENT IN UPDATING THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
DURING THE CEREMONY HELD LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JAMES FINDLAY, PRESENTED A SILVER SALVER TO BID FAREWELL TO MR BOTELHO.
FIVE OTHER OFFICERS WHO HAD EACH BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, JOINTLY SERVING A TOTAL OF 106 YEARS, WERE ALSO AWARDED WITH LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES.
THEY WERE PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL, MR BRIAN CLANCY; DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL, MR CHAN SHU-YING; SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL, MR TONY YEN; SENIOR COURT PROSECUTOR, MR TANG MING-WAI; AND LAW CLERK, MR LAU YUK-TONG.
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SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY AT UNITED WORLD COLLEGES
*****
A LIMITED NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS WILL BE OFFERED MATRICULATION COURSE LEADING TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
SCHOLARSHIPS DONATED BY LEADING TO LOCAL STUDENTS FOR A TWO-YEAR
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE IN
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE IS RECOGNISED FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES INCLUDING BRITAIN AND CANADA.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TENABLE AT ATLANTIC COLLEGE IN BRITAIN, PEARSON COLLEGE IN CANADA, AMERICAN WEST COLLEGE IN THE UNITED STATES AND ADRIATIC COLLEGE IN ITALY.
THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES COMPRISE FOUR CO-EDUCATIONAL RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH EDUCATION.
/AN INTERNATIONAL .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
DIRECTORS ARE
PLANNING AND
TEACHING STAFF
AN INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL AND BOARD OF RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE PROJECT AND FOR THE CO-ORDINATION OF NEW COLLEGES. THE STUDENT BODY AND
ARE ALSO FULLY INTERNATIONAL.
EACH SCHOLARSHIP WILL
NORMALLY COVER PART OF THE TUITION AND BOARDING FEES DURING THE TWO YEARS. THE AWARD WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COVER OTHER NECESSARY EXPENSES SUCH AS AIR FARES OF A RETURN TRIP TO THE COLLEGE, MAINTENANCE DURING LONG VACATIONS AND PERSONAL EXPENSES.
INTENDING APPLICANTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO MEET THESE EXPENSES.
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A WORLD COLLEGE WILL TAKE A MINIMUM OF SIX SUBJECTS INCLUDING ENGLISH, A MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE (SUCH AS FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN, AND CHINESE). STUDY OF MAN (SUCH AS HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMICS. POLITICS, CHINESE STUDIES), EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES (SUCH AS PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY. BIOLOGY, ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, MARINE SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES), MATHEMATICS AND ARTS OR MUSIC.
THREE OF THE SUBJECTS ARE AT THE HIGHER LEVEL WHILE THE REMAINING THREE CARE AT THE SUBSIDIARY LEVEL.
APPLICANTS MUST BE BETWEEN 16 AND 18 YEARS OLD ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1989 AND BE IN POSSESSION 01 A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION WITH AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE C OR ABOVE INCLUDING A GOOD RESULT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR GCE EQUIVALENT.
THEIR APPLICATIONS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVENUE, CAUSEWAY
ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL HEADS TO THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS. HYSAN BAY. BEFORE MARCH 21.
0
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITING CHOIR MEMBERS * * * t ♦
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR ITS CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE.
CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 12 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN CHINESE FOLK SONGS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY TO JOIN THE ENSEMBLE.
THE ENSEMBLE WAS FORMED IN 1981 TO PROMOTE CHINESE FOLK SINGING.
/IT HAS
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
14 -
IT HAS PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, INTRODUCING A GREAT VARIETY OF CHINESE FOLK SONGS TO THE PUBLIC.
RECENT MAJOR EVENTS IN WHICH THE ENSEMBLE TOOK PART INCLUDED THE 1988 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CONCERT AND THE 1989 MUSIC OFFICE ANNUAL GALA.
THE ENSEMBLE REHEARSES ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE, FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 23. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION TO BE HELD IN EARLY APRIL. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR ON MR ZHOU NAN’S VISIT.............................. 1
HCHE SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SHA TIN .................... 1
CALL TO PAY ATTENTION TO HOME SAFETY......................... 5
PLAN FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE APPROVED ....................... 4
OUTFALL BETWEEN MIDDLE BAY aND SOUTH BAY PROPOSED............ 4
INSURANCE FOR WORKERS MANDATORY ............................. 5
FIGHT CRIME CARNIV.JL IN KWxI TSING ......................... 6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FINDINGS OF SURVEY ON BUS SERVICES . 7
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MONG KOK DB FUNDS .................. 7
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME............ 8
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT ............................. 8
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TAK YaN STREET, WAN CHA I .............. $
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
1
GOVERNOR ON MR ZHOU NAN’S VISIT * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT HE WAS VERY GLAD TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH MR ZHOU NAN DURING THE CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER’S VISIT TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE COMMUNITY CHEST KOWLOON WALK, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD MET MR ZHOU MANY TIMES BEFORE.
’’THIS TIME WAS SPECIAL BECAUSE IT GAVE HIM A CHANCE TO SEE SOMETHING OF HONG KONG,” SIR DAVID SAID.
"I DO BELIEVE IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEALING WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS TO COME AND SEE HONG KONG FOR THEMSELVES, SEE HOW WE’VE DEVELOPED THINGS IN HONG KONG, AND MEET FOR THEMSELVES SOME OF THE LEADING PERSONALITIES IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
"SO I WAS VERY GLAD MR ZHOU NAN HAD THAT CHANCE TO DO IT,” HE
ADDED.
SIR DAVID HAD A BRIEF MEETING AT FANLING LODGE WITH MR ZHOU BEFORE THE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER LEFT HONG KONG FOR SHENZHEN.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID HE WILL BE GOING TO LONDON TO ATTEND THE HEARINGS OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
"THEY WILL BE HAVING HEARINGS WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND WITH ME ON THE SAME DAY WHICH IS MARCH 22," HE SAID.
"I WAS VERY ANXIOUS TO HAVE A CHANCE TO TALK TO THE COMMITTEE RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF ITS WORK IN ORDER TO SET THE SCENE FOR THEIR WORK BEFORE THEY COME TO HONG KONG," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SHA TIN
*****
ACCIDENTS IN THE HOME CLAIMED 115 LIVES IN THE TERRITORY LAST
YEAR.
THIS FIGURE WAS GIVEN BY THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU, AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE 1988-89 HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
MRS YAU NOTED THAT FALLS, BURNS AND CHOKING ON FOOD WERE THE MAIN CAUSES OF THE FATAL ACCIDENTS, AND OVER HALF THE VICTIMS . WERE SMALL CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE.
/'•MANY ACCIDENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
- 2
"MANY ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN THE HOME BECAUSE OF CARELESSNESS AND IGNORANCE," SHE SAID.
"TO AVOID THESE TRAGEDIES, WE SHOULD TRY TO GIVE MORE ATTENTION TO OUR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY AT HOME, AND PROTECT THEM FROM POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS.
"IT IS INDEED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS TO TEACH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND DOMESTIC HELPERS ABOUT HOME SAFETY MATTERS AND TO ASK THEM TO PAY ATTENTION TO HIDDEN DANGERS."
TURNING TO PUBLICITY, MRS YAU POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN MAKING A CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY IN RECENT YEARS.
"THE FOCUS OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY IS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS IN THE KITCHEN AND IN THE BATHROOM - TWO DANGER AREAS IN THE HOME," SHE SAID.
ANOTHER OFFICIATING GUEST, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR EDWARD HO, ALSO EMPHASISED THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY, ESPECIALLY ADULTS, SHOULD MAKE CONCERTED EFFORTS TO BUILD A SAFE HOME.
HE ADVISED PARENTS NOT TO LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN ALONE IN THE HOUSE OR TO LET THEM STAY IN THE KITCHEN UNATTENDED.
"ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE SLOW IN ACTION AND RESPONSE; WE SHOULD NOT LET THEM MOVE HEAVY OBJECTS," HE ADDED.
TODAY'S PROGRAMME INCLUDED A HOME SAFETY RADIO VARIETY SHOW, WHICH WAS BROADCAST LIVE ON COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 BETWEEN 4 PM AND 5 PM.
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT WAS AN EXHIBITION ON SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN. EACH VISITOR TO THE EXHIBITION WAS GIVEN A NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE HOME SAFETY HANDBOOK.
AT THE CEREMONY, MR HO PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO A REPRESENTATIVE OF KWONG SUN HONG GODOWN LTD. AND KWONG SUN FOOD PRODUCTS CO LTD. WHICH SPONSORED THE PRINTING OF THE HANDBOOK.
ALSO RECEIVING A SOUVENIR WAS A REPRESENTATIVE OF LION AND GLOBE PEANUT OIL WHICH HAD SPONSORED THE PRINTING OF HOME SAFETY "FAI CHUN" FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND DONATED PRIZES FOR THE RADIO QUIZ DURING TODAY’S VARIETY SHOW.
TO DRIVE HOME THE HOME SAFETY MESSAGE, A SERIES OF 20 FIVE-MINUTE DRAMATIC SEGMENTS WILL BE BROADCAST ON COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 AT 10.50 AM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN MARCH 6 AND 31.
TODAY'S EXHIBITION WILL BE REPEATED AT NINE DIFFERENT HOUSING ESTATES AND SHOPPING ARCADES IN THE TERRITORY ON NINE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS STARTING FROM MARCH 19.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
5
CALL TO PAY ATTENTION * * ♦ *
TO HOME SAFETY *
THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR CARLOS LEUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO HOME SAFETY.
SPEAKING AT A NEW YEAR VARIETY SHOW AND PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, MR LEUNG NOTED THAT RECENTLY THERE WERE A NUMBER OF MEDIA REPORTS ON DOMESTIC ACCIDENTS SUCH AS FIRE, FOOD POISONING AND CHILDREN FALLING FROM HEIGHTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THESE ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.
CALLED ON PARENTS AND
FAMILY MEMBERS TO PAID PARTICULAR
HE
ATTENTION--------
GRILLS, IMPROPER STORAGE OF MEDICINES AND SHARP FLOOR, FURNITURES WITH SHARP CORNERS AND BROKEN TOYS THREATS TO THE SAFETY OF THE ELDERLY AND THE YOUNG.
TO POTENTIAL DANGERS AT HOME SUCH AS
LOOSELY-FITTED
OBJECTS, WHICH
WINDOW SLIPPERY
COULD BE
MR LEUNG REFERRED TO RECENT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING YOUNG CHILDREN FALLING FROM HEIGHTS BEING INJURED OR EVEN KILLED PARTLY BECAUSE THEY WERE LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME.
”1 HOPE PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WOULD AVOID TAKING THE RISK OF LEAVING YOUNG CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
FOR A
’’THEY SHOULD SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM NEIGHBOURS OR RELATIVES THE TEMPORARY CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN IF THEY HAVE TO LEAVE HOME FOR SHORT WHILE AND SHOULD RESORT TO CHILD CARE CENTRES AS A LONS-TERM
MEASURE," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD MADE A LOT OF EFFORTS IN PROMO1ING T CONCEPT OF HOME SAFETY.
"THE DEPARTMENT WILL IN THE COMING MONTHS ORGANISE EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS AND TALENT SHOWS TO FURTHER PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THIS ISSUE," HE SAID.
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A....
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
4
PLAN FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE APPROVED *****
THE PLAN FOR A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT WOOD ROAD, WAN CHAI, WAS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE LAST DECEMBER.
IT WAS AMONG 49 PLANS APPROVED DURING THE MONTH, COMPRISING 19 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 21 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 17 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENCE AND 10 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
CONSENT TO START WORK WAS GIVEN FOR 23 PROJECTS. THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THESE PROJECTS WAS 149,986.1 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 59,421.9 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,853.6 MILLION.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS 487,776.8 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 284,449.7 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED A TOTAL OF 58 OCCUPATION PERMITS, OF WHICH 16 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 FOR KOWLOON AND 32 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 27 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 65 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 621 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 811 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 99 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 399 BUILDINGS AND ONE CLOSURE ORDER WAS OBTAINED.
- - 0 -
OUTFALL BETWEEN MIDDLE BAY AND SOUTH BAY PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT AN OUTFALL WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT TWO SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE HEADLAND BETWEEN MIDDLE BAY AND SOUTH BAY.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE FIRST AID MEASURES OF POLLUTION ABATEMENT IN STORMWATER DRAINS AT MIDDLE BAY BEACH.
/ON THE
SUNDAY, MARCH 5» 1989
- 5 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT A TENANCY TO THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 920 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT WAN CHAI FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LANDSCAPED PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE.
THE EXTENTS OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT AN OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE MAY 2.
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INSURANCE FOR WORKERS MANDATORY » » » ♦ »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMPENSATION IN CASE OF WORK ACCIDENTS.
THIS FOLLOWS A NUMBER OF RECENT COURT CONVICTIONS IN WHICH THE EMPLOYERS OF TWO GARMENT FACTORIES, TWO SHOPS AND A GOLD ORNAMENT WORKSHOP WERE FOUND TO HAVE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THEY WERE EACH FINED BETWEEN $4,000 AND $4,500.
IN ANOTHER CASE, A DECORATION CONTRACTOR WHO FAILED TO INSURE FOR HIS WORKER WHO WAS INJURED IN AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT LAST YEAR WAS FINED $5,000 EARLIER THIS MONTH.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES TO COMPENSATE THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR INJURIES OR DEATH SUSTAINED AT WORK.
"ANY EMPLOYER WHO CONTRAVENES THE REGULATION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN PROSECUTIONS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
LAST YEAR, 175 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT UNDER THE ORDINANCE COMPARED WITH 127 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
/OF THE .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
OF THE 175 PROSECUTIONS MADE LAST YEAR, 136 RELATED TO FAILURE TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES AND THE REST CONCERNED FAILURE TO DISPLAY, IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE ON THE PREMISES WHERE ANY EMPLOYEE IS EMPLOYED, A NOTICE SHOWING THE PARTICULARS OF THE INSURANCE POLICIES AND TO PRODUCE THE POLICIES FOR INSPECTIONS BY LABOUR INSPECTORS.
THE FINES IN THESE TWO CATEGORIES AMOUNTED TO $189,650 AND $37,950 RESPECTIVELY.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY MUST BEAR THE FULL COST OF THE POLICIES AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DEDUCT IT FROM THEIR EMPLOYEES' EARNINGS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATING TO EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION MAY BE MADE TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5-8524030.
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FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN KWAI TSING ♦ » » * *
THOUSANDS OF KWAI TSING RESIDENTS TODAY (SUNDAY) TOOK PART IN A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.
SPEAKING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOI HING-SHUN, SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD PLANNED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO SPREAD THE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGE AMONG RESIDENTS.
THESE INCLUDE AN ANTI-BURGLARY SEMINAR FOR OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, A "PREVENTION OF CRIMES IN LIFTS" PROGRAMME, AND THE PRODUCTION OF A FIGHT CRIME NEWSLETTER.
TODAY’S PROGRAMME INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY A SCHOOL CYCLING TEAM AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE TAEKWONDO TEAM OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND POLICE DOGS.
THERE WERE ALSO DISPLAYS ON THE FIGHT CRIME EXHIBITION BUS AND GAME STALLS.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO TWO PERSONS WHO HAD HELPED THE POLICE IN FIGHTING CRIME.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG; KWAI TSING POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER. MR E.H. EVANS; AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR CHAN KWOK-WAI AND MR SO HOI-PAN.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FINDINGS OF SURVEY ON BUS SERVICES ******
THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON PUBLIC BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7).
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF THE COMMITTEE’S WORKING GROUP ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEY, WAS ASSISTED BY MORE THAN 100 VOLUNTARY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
AT THE MEETING, SEVERAL MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK WHEN WHARF ROAD WILL BE RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WHAT MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE ITS TRAFFIC FLOW AFTER THE RESUMPTION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FOR THE ERECTION OF A CRASH-BARRIER AT THE SECTION OF YEE KING ROAD ABOVE THE LAI TAK TSUEN BUS TERMINUS.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING INCLUDE A REQUEST FOR THE PROVISION OF A SHELTERED MINIBUS STOP AT THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND GREIG ROAD AND A REPORT PRESENTED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON ROAD SAFETY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, HONG KONG.
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MONG KOK DB FUNDS
*****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD IS INVITING ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
APPLICATIONS HAVE TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ON THE SECOND FLOOR, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON, ON OR BEFORE APRIL 10.
/THE ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
8 -
THE ACTIVITIES TO BE SPONSORED SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES; TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SOCIAL COHESION; TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DEVELOP GOOD HOBBIES, INTEREST AND CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS; AND TO BE EDUCATIONAL.
THE COMMITTEE HAS SENT LETTERS TO ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT, GIVING THE DETAILS AND INVITING THEM TO APPLY FOR THE FUNDS.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-815291.
0
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME *****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS INVITING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE COMMITTEE FOR ORGANISING YOUTH ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER.
THESE ACTIVITIES CAN BE RECREATIONAL, SPORTS OR CULTURAL, CATERING FOR YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25. ALSO, THEY SHOULD CARRY THE THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN, JOIN THE COMMUNITY".
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 1 TING KOK ROAD.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE ON OR BEFORE MARCH 27.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6577111 EXT. 256.
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YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT *****
THE 75-MEMBER HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A CONCERT AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON SATURDAY, APRIL 1.
UNDER THE BATON OF ITS PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR, YIP WING-SIE, THE ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY SUCH POPULAR PIECES AS ROSSINI’S "THE THIEVING MAGPIE OVERTURE", TCHAIKOVSKY’S "SERENADE IN C MAJOR, FOR STRING ORCHESTRA, OP. 48" AND SHOSTAKOVICH’S "SYMPHONY NO. 1, OP. 10".
/THE CONCERT
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
THE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
OVER THE YEARS, THE ORCHESTRA HAS GIVEN REGULAR CONCERTS IN HONG KONG AND HAS ALSO PERFORMED IN CHINA, MACAU, AUSTRALIA, CYPRUS, FRANCE, ISRAEL AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MUSICIANS.
TICKETS AT $15 AND $10 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT URBTIX OUTLETS. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7226240.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TAK YAN STREET, WAN CHAI
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 8), TAK YAN STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN CHAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS FOR CABLE REPAIR WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WAN CHAI ROAD HEADING FOR 01 KWAN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WOOD ROAD AND WING CHEUNG STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UC AND RC ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY.............................. 1
BALLOON TO PUBLICISE MC ELECTIONS ........................... 5
EPD ANNOUNCES BATHING BEACHES WATER QUALITY REPORT .......... 3
CALL TO GUARD AGAINST PROTECTIONISM ......................... 5
SINGAPORE HOLIDAY FOR 'FIGHT CRIME' WINNERS ................. 6
KLN CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN CLOSES ON SUNDAY .......... 7
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND PLICATIONS .................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERVICES FOR MENTALLY HjiNDICAPPED ... 8
PROGRESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ON AGENDA .... 9
TWO NEW TYPE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEING BUILT IN SHa TIN ....... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................ 1*
»■
SUSPENSION OF W.-.TaR SUPPLY IN THREE DISTRICTS ............. 10
INSTALLATION of parking meters ON KCR KOWLOON STATION podium 11
SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS PERFORMANCES .................. 11
TIMPORaRY CLOSURE OF SHIP STREET, WaN CHAI .................. 12
CERTAIN KMB ROUTES CONTINUE TO BE DIVERTED................... 13
MONDAY, MARCH 6,
1989
1
UC AND RC ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY * * * *
FIFTY-THREE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY, MARCH 9.
HOWEVER, ONLY 46 CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTESTING SEATS BECAUSE SEVEN OF THE 27 ONE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES ARE UNCONTESTED.
OF THESE, 26 WILL CONTEST SEATS IN 11 URBAN COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES AND 20 IN NINE REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES,
VOTING WILL BEGIN FROM 7.30 AM UNTIL 10.30 PM AT 245 POLLING STATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO FACILITATE PRESS COVERAGE OF THE ELECTIONS.
PRESS CENTRE
A PRESS CENTRE WILL BE SET UP AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE CITY HALL LOW BLOCK. THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 AM ON MARCH 9 UNTIL ALL ELECTION RESULTS ARE KNOWN.
A WORKING AREA WITH TYPEWRITERS, AND FORMS FOR VOTER TURNOUT AND ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES. SEPARATE BOOTHS FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED AT THE PRESS CENTRE. STATIONS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED AFTER 9 AM ON MARCH 8. ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE 3 PM ON MARCH 10.
AN AREA WILL BE RESERVED AS A BRIEFING AREA.
TELEVISION SETS, PHOTO-COPIERS, FACSIMILE MACHINES AND TELEPHONES WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE CENTRE FOR USE BY THE MEDIA.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
THERE WILL BE A GIS DESK IN THE PRESS CENTRE FOR THE COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF ELECTION INFORMATION. ALL PRESS ENQUIRIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO GIS OFFICERS ON DUTY THERE ON THAT DAY. THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 5-8457561, 5-8457564 AND 5-8457567.
DISPLAY BOARDS WILL BE PUT UP INSIDE THE PRESS CENTRE TO SHOW THE HOURLY VOTER TURNOUT FIGURES.
THE COUNTING OF VOTES WILL BEGIN AFTER VOTING IS CLOSED AT 10.30 PM. ELECTION RESULTS WILL ALSO BE SHOWN ON THE DISPLAY BOARDS AT THE PRESS CENTRE.
/ALL VOTER .......
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
- 2 -
ALL VOTER TURNOUT FIGURES AND ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE ISSUED THROUGH THE GIS TELEPRINTER NETWORK AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR FILMING INSIDE POLLING STATIONS
PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OR DO FILMING INSIDE A POLLING STATION, OR TO ENTER IT OTHER THAN AS A REGISTERED VOTER OR ELECTION OFFICIAL. HOWEVER, SEPARATE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER VOTING BY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS (SEE VIP VOTING BELOW).
COUNTING CENTRES
ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR THE MEDIA TO VISIT TWO COUNTING CENTRES AFTER I' 'LLING IS CLOSED, TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE OPENING OF BALLOT BOXES. BUT THE MEDIA MUST LEAVE THE CENTRES BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF COUNTING OF VOTES.
THE FIRST COUNTING CENTRE IS AT THE QUARRY BAY INDOOR GAMES HALL, 7TH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX, 38 QUARRY BAY STREET, HONG KONG. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE CENTRE AT 10.30 PM WHEN GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
THE SECOND COUNTING CENTRE IS AT THE KIANGSU CHEKIANG COLLEGE, WO CHE ESTATE, SHA TIN. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE YMCA AT THE JUNCTION OF HANKOW ROAD AND MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 10 PM TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES THERE.
PRESS MEMBERS ENTERING THE COUNTING CENTRES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A FORM OF DECLARATION OF SECRECY, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRES.
VIP VOTING
A PRESS COACH, RC828, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON TONG KCR STATION AT 7.15 AM SHARP FOR THREE POLLING STATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
THE FIRST STOP WILL BE AT THE JUBILEE COURT SHOPPING CENTRE, LEVEL 4, JUBILEE GARDEN, SHA TIN WHERE THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL CAST HIS VOTE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL THEN BE TAKEN TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CENTRE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO COVER VOTING BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, AT 8.30 AM. THE LAST STOP WILL BE AT THE ALLIANCE PRIMARY SCHOOL-SHEUNG SHUI AT 30 LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI, SHEUNG SHUI WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WILL CAST HIS VOTE AT 9.30 AM.
/IN THE........
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
CHUT ka? ™E AFTERNOON, THE SECRETARY FOR MUNiC
WiMM " T'IE TOLL*m
OFFICERS WILL BE
SECRETARY
FOR
MUNICIPAL
AT
LOOKOUT, HONG KONG AT PRESENT TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
SERVICES, MR SWISS TOWER, 4.30 PM. GIS
A LIST OF POLLING STATIONS THE PRESS CENTRE
ALL CANDIDATES, A TABLE SHOWING IN DIFFERENT CONSTITUENCIES, AND WILL BE BOXED TODAY.
THE LOCATIONS A LAYOUT PLAN
OF OF
----------------0------- BALLOON TO PUBLICISE MC ELECTIONS * * t *
A HELIUM BALLOON CARRYING A VOTING MESSAGE WILL BE FLOATED OVER THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO REMIND ELIGIBLE ELECTORS TO CAST VOTES IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 9).
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT 11 AM TOMORROW. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE MISS ASIA PACIFIC HONG KONG, MISS LOH PUI.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A DECORATED VEHICLE WILL START OFF FROM THE VENUE TO TOUR SOME DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO PROMOTE THE ELECTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN (OPPOSITE TO TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL).
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EPI) ANNOUNCES BATHING BEACHES WATER QUALITY REPORT » » * » ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED DETAILS OF A REPORT ON MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG, 1988.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR PAUL HOLMES, SAID THE REPORT REVIEWED THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG IN THE 1988 BATHING SEASON.
/THE REPORT .......
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
4
THE REPORT EVALUATED THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY TRENDS OF THE BATHING BEACHES. IT ALSO DISCUSSED THE SOURCES OF POLLUTION OF BEACHES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS AND THE REMEDIAL ACTIONS REQUIRED.
THE REPORT RECOMMENDED THAT :
(A) THOSE BEACHES WHICH ARE AT PRESENT "CLOSED" TO SWIMMERS -NAMELY ROCKY BAY, ANGLERS’, OLD CAFETERIA, SILVERMINE BAY AND CASTLE PEAK - SHOULD REMAIN "CLOSED" UNTIL THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THEIR WATER QUALITY HAS BEEN IMPROVED.
(B) TING KAU BEACH SHOULD BE "CLOSED" TO SWIMMERS UNTIL THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1992 IS COMPLETED AND THE WATER QUALITY HAS BEEN IMPROVED.
(C) IN VIEW OF THE REMEDIAL MEASURES EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, MIDDLE BAY BEACH SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN OPEN, BUT THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THE LEVEL OF HEALTH RISK.
(D) THE STANDARD OF PROVISION OF BEACH TOILETS, AND
ESPECIALLY THEIR WASTEWATER DISPOSAL FACILITIES (SUCH AS SEPTIC TANKS AND SOAKAWAY SYSTEMS) SHOULD BE UPGRADED, AND THEY SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO NEARBY PUBLIC FOUL SEWERS.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MR HOLMES SAID THE REPORT PRESENTED A NEW ANNUAL RANKING SYSTEM BASED ON SWIMMING-ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISK LEVELS, DEVELOPED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FINDINGS OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL-MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF BEACH WATER POLLUTION UNDERTAKEN FOR NINE BEACHES IN 1987.
A SUMMARY OF THE RANKING FOR ALL THE GAZETTED BEACHES IN HONG KONG, LISTED IN THE ORDER OF INCREASING LEVELS OF FAECAL POLLUTION OR HEALTH RISK, WAS PRESENTED IN THE REPORT, HE SAID.
THE MICROBIAL WATER QUALITY TREND FOR ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WERE ALSO ANALYSED. THE PREVIOUS DECLINING TRENDS IN BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF 11 OUT OF 13 BATHING BEACHES ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY HALTED.
OF THE 30 GAZETTED BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF 10 GAZETTED BEACHES IS DECLINING.
THE MICROBIAL WATER QUALITY OF SILVERMINE BAY BEACH HAS BEEN IMPROVED RECENTLY, AS A RESULT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME. HOWEVER, THE ACCEPTABILITY CRITERION HAS STILL NOT BEEN ATTAINED BY THE END OF THE 1988 BATHING SEASON.
MUCH MORE EFFORT AND INVESTMENT IS NEEDED TO RESTORE THE QUALITY OF ALL OF THESE BEACHES.
THE BEACH WATER QUALITY REPORT CONTAINED USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PROFESSIONALS SUCH AS SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND TOWN PLANNERS WHOSE WORK IS RELATED TO BEACH WATER QUALITY.
/IT ALSO .......
MONDAY, MAUCH 6, I9B9
- *) -
IT ALSO SERVED AS REFERENCE EOR RESEARCHERS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT BEACH WATER POLLUTION.
THE REPORT, AT $22 A COPY, IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
IN ADDITION TO THIS ANNUAL REPORT, BI-WEEKLY GRADING OF THE WATER QUALITY OF ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE ANNOUNCED, STARTING FROM MARCH 30 THIS YEAR.
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CALL TO GUARD AGAINST PROTECTIONISM * * * *
THE WORD "PROTECTIONISM" MAY SOUND ALL-TOO-FAMILIAR, BUT FAMILIARITY MUST NOT BREED CONTEMPT BECAUSE THE DANGERS ARE REAL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR MACLEOD WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS.
"THE DEFEAT OF THE U.S. TEXTILE BILL IN THE LAST U.S. CONGRESS WAS A RELIEF, BUT WE NEED TO MONITOR AND FIGHT ATTEMPTS BY THE TEXTILES LOBBY TO RESURRECT THE BILL IN THE NEW CONGRESS," HE SAID.
"WE APPRECIATE THE POSITION OF THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION ON THE LAST BILL AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUED RESISTANCE BY THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO SUCH PROTECTIONIST APPEALS."
MR MACLEOD SAID THE DANGERS OF PROTECTIONISM WERE REAL AND THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO BEWARE OF PROTECTIONISM IN NEW GUISES.
"THE RECENT SPATE OF ANTI-DUMPING ACTIONS BY THE EEC (EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY) ON HONG KONG EXPORTS OF NON-TEXTILE PRODUCTS MAY EXTEND IN THE FUTURE TO TEXTILE PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
"PROHIBITIVE ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES AND THE UNCERTAINTIES OVERHANGING THE TRADE DURING INVESTIGATIONS CAN ALSO EFFECTIVELY DAMAGE OUR CLOTHING EXPORTS AND ACHIEVE THE EFFECTS OF QUOTA RESTRICTIONS."
MR MACLEOD SAID IT DID NOT MAKE ECONOMIC SENSE TO SUPPOSE THAT OUR TRADERS CARRIED OUT DUMPING.
"AS A GOVERNMENT, WE ARE A SIGNATORY TO THE GATT (GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE) ANTI-DUMPING CODE WHICH OUTLAWS DUMPING BY SIGNATORIES," HE SAID.
/ON THE
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
6
ON THE PRESENT URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS, MR MACLEOD SAID THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC LINKAGE TO THE MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT BUT THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE FORMER WOULD AFFECT THE LATTER.
’’PROGRESS SO FAR HAS NOT BEEN ENCOURAGING. DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, IN PARTICULAR THE U.S. AND THE EEC, HAVE PLAYED A DEFENSIVE ROLE AND SUBSTANTIAL NEGOTIATIONS HAVE YET TO COMMENCE.
"THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE URUGUAY ROUND IN MONTREAL FAILED TO PRODUCE A CONSENSUS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, PARTLY DUE TO THE DEADLOCK OVER NEGOTIATIONS IN AGRICULTURE."
HOWEVER, HONG KONG WAS WORKING HARD TO FORGE AN AGREEMENT ON THE WAY FORWARD BEFORE THE REVIEW WAS RECONVENED IN APRIL, HE SAID. AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT WOULD BE TO STRENGTHEN GATT RULES AND DISCIPLINES AND THERE SHOULD BE AGREEMENT THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO NEW RESTRICTIVE MEASURES.
"WE ARE NOT UNDERESTIMATING THE DIFFICULTIES AND OBSTRUCTIONS TO BE ENCOUNTERED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS, BUT WE MAINTAIN OUR FAITH IN THE GATT AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH ALLIES IN BOTH THE MULTILATERAL FORUM AND IN OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS FOR A MORE LIBERALISED REGIME," HE SAID.
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SINGAPORE HOLIDAY FOR * FIGHT CRIME’ WINNERS
*****
TWO STUDENTS AND TWO RESIDENTS FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WERE EACH AWARDED A FIVE-DAY TRIP TO SINGAPORE AT THE DISTRICT’S GOOD STUDENT/GOOD CITIZEN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
ANOTHER 16 STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS WERE PRESENTED WITH BOOK COUPONS AND CASH PRIZES.
THE RECIPIENTS WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) FOR HAVING SACRIFICED THEIR TIME AND EFFORT IN ORGANISING FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITIES.
A MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, DR HO KAM-FAI, SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE THAT THE PRIZES WENT TO THE YOUNG AS WELL AS SENIOR RESIDENTS.
"THIS SHOWS THAT ALL CITIZENS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR AGE, PLAY AN IMPORTANT AND MEANINGFUL ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME," HE ADDED.
/DR HO .......
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 19^9
DR HO SUGGESTED THAT MORE ANTI-CRIME PUBLICITY SHOULD BE TARGETED AT YOUNG PEOPLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING LURED INTO THEFT AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
THE GOOD STUDENT/GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DFCC WAS HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1 AND DECEMBER 15 LAST YEAR.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN POLICE DISTRICTS, THE SCHEME WAS AIMED AT AROUSING RESIDENTS' AWARENESS OF THE DFCC'S WORK THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS ANTI-CRIME ACTIVITIES.
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KLN CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN CLOSES ON SUNDAY
THE FIVE-MONTH-LONG KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL CONCLUDE AMID SONGS AND DANCES ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12).
THE ACTIVITIES DAY TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND FROM 2 PM TO 7 PM.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A CIVIC EDUCATION SONG CONTEST AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES BY ARTISTES AND THE DISTRICT'S DANCE GROUPS AND CHILDREN’S CHORUS. THERE WILL ALSO BE GAME STALLS, EXHIBITIONS, VIDEO SHOWS AND A LUCKY DRAW.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CAMPAIGN’S CLOSING CEREMONY. HE WILL BE JOINED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; AND MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT'S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
STARTING TOMORROW (TUESDAY), FREE TICKETS FOR THE EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE AT 81 BULKELEY STREET, HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE AT BLOCK 8, HO MAN TIN ESTATE, AND LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICE AT 68 JUNCTION ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN'S CLOSING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12).
/8........
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
8
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ♦ * * ♦ *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO FINANCE VARIOUS PROJECTS TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE INCLUDE PLACING ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER; PUBLICATION OF A DISTRICT BOARD BULLETIN FOR STUDENTS; PRODUCING A "GOOD CHILDREN" AUDIO-VISUAL PROGRAMME; HOLDING A FAMILY GAMES DAY, POP CONCERTS, A CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL AND A STUDY CAMP ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS WORKING GROUPS IN THE PAST YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
- - - - 0 ----------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERVICES FOK MENTALLY HANDICAPPED t ♦ t * *
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
TWO MEMBERS WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE PLANS OF THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
/THE COMMITTEE .......
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 19^9
9
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM OF UNDERSTAFFING OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S ELECTRICAL FAULTS STANDBY TEAM AND CONSIDER THE CLOSURE OF THE GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE CENTRE AT FUNG KAI NO. 1 SECONDARY SCHOOL, SHEUNG SHUI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF i’HE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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PROGRESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ON AGENDA
*****
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF THE 23 MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN IN THE PRESENT FINANCIAL YEAR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
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 TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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TWO NEW TYPE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEING BUILT IN SHA TIN *****
WORK HAS JUST STARTED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO NEW TYPE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LUNG HANG ESTATE, SHA TIN.
THE NEW DESIGN WILL PROVIDE MORE FACILITIES THAN THE EXISTING STANDARD SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
/THE TWO .......
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
10
THE TWO SCHOOLS WILL BE BUILT ADJACENT TO EACH OTHER. EACH WILL HAVE A GENERAL CLASSROOM BLOCK WITH 26 CLASSROOMS AND THREE REMEDIAL TEACHING ROOMS, AND A SPECIAL BLOCK WITH 14 SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL AND A BASKETBALL COURT.
IN THE EXISTING STANDARD SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE GENERAL SCHOOL BLOCK PROVIDES ONLY 24 CLASSROOMS WHILE THE SPECIAL BLOCK HOUSES ONLY 13 SPECIAL ROOMS.
THE NEW SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
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II WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * ♦ t
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 36.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 217.723 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 297.298 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 50.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY IN THREE DISTRICTS * ♦ ♦ ♦ *
YI
THE
BOTH FRESH AND
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES ON TSING
ISLAND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 8) TO 8 NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
AM
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT TAI WONG HA VILLAGE, SUN UK VILLAGE, TIN VILLAGE, YIM TIN KOK VILLAGE, LIU TO VILLAGE, FUNG TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TSING FAI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TSING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TSING YI ESTATE, CHEUNG ON ESTATE PHASES AND TWO, CHING TAI COURT, TSING YI GARDEN, TSING YI NORTH SHIPYARDS AND NGA YING CHAU OIL DEPOT.
LAM
SHUE
WO KIN ONE
ALSO PREMISES IN TO 8 AM THE
THE
LAI CHI KOK
TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN SHAM SHU1 PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 PM ON THE SAME DAY NEXT DAY.
AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY POPLAR STREET, FUK WA STREET, ROAD AND MAPLE STREET INCLUDING 12-23 BOUNDARY STREET.
MEANWHILE, FROM 11 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AN AREA BOUNDED BY KWAI LUEN ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCKS 12-14, KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE AND BLOCKS 6-1U, KWAI SHING WEST ESTATE.
0
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS ON KCR KOWLOON STATION PODIUM
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT 18 PARKING METERS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE COACH PARK ON THE KCR KOWLOON STATION PODIUM FROM NOON ON THURSDAY (MARCH 9) TO REGULATE THE UTILISATION OF THE PARKING SPACES.
THE HALF-HOUR PARKING METERS FOR COACHES WILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE PARKING FEE WILL BE $2 PER 30 MINUTES.
IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS, THE COACH PARK WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO NOON ON THAT DAY (THURSDAY).
MOTORISTS MAY USE THE COACH PARKING FACILITY OFF SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
------o ------
SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS PERFORMANCES * * * *
A TOTAL OF 367 WINNING TEAMS OF THE 25TH SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AND SHOW THEIR SKILLS AT EIGHT WINNERS PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH 9 AND APRIL 2.
A GOOD COMBINATION OF CHINESE, ORIENTAL, CREATIVE AND WESTERN DANCES WILL BE PRESENTED AT EACH PERFORMANCE.
THE SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
A TOTAL OF 4,093 STUDENTS FROM 271 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE FESTIVAL. OF THESE, 1,545 STUDENTS WERE FROM 92 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 2,417 STUDENTS WERE FROM 162 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 131 STUDENTS WERE FROM 17 SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
THE WINNERS INCLUDED 20 TEAMS IN THE HONOUR CATEGORY, AND 125 TEAMS IN THE HIGH COMMENDATION AND 207 TEAMS IN THE COMMENDATION LISTS RESPECTIVELY. ANOTHER 15 TEAMS RECEIVED CHOREOGRAPHY AWARDS.
THE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION WENT TO THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL WITH SKH BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDARY SCHOOL AND SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE IN SECOND AND THIRD PLACES. THE PRIZE OF THE MOST PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL WAS AWARDED 10 THE CHUEN YUEN COLLEGE.
/IN THE .......
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
12 -
IN THE PRIMARY SECTION, ST PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL WON THE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP. THE SECOND AND THIRD PLACES WENT TO TACK CHING PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SAM SHUI NATIVE ASSOCIATION PRIMARY AM SCHOOL RESPECTIVELY. SKH KEI HIN PRIMARY PM SCHOOL WAS AWARDED THE MOST PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL PRIZE.
THE FIRST FOUR PRIZE PRESENTATION AND WINNERS PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CITY HALL CONCERT HALL FROM MARCH 9 TO 12.
ANOTHER PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD AT THE LYRIC THEATRE OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS IN WAN CHAI ON MARCH 21, WHILE THE REMAINING THREE PERFORMANCES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL FROM MARCH 31 TO APRIL 2.
ALL EIGHT PERFORMANCES WILL COMMENCE AT 7.30 PM.
TICKETS AT $10, $15 AND $20 FOR THE CITY HALL AND SHA TIN TOWN HALL PERFORMANCES AND AT $40 (ADULTS) AND $15 (STUDENTS) FOR THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMANCE ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION AND WINNERS PERFORMANCES HELD AT THE VARIOUS VENUES.
DETAILS OF EACH PERFORMANCE ARE OBTAINABLE FROM EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AT THE BACK STAGE OF EACH VENUE BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF EACH SHOW.
------0-------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHIP STREET, WAN CHAI
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SHIP STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 9) BECAUSE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON JOHNSTON ROAD HEADING FOR QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LI CHIT STREET OR LEE TUNG STREET.
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/13........
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1989
15
CERTAIN KMB ROUTES *
CONTINUE TO BE DIVERTED ♦ * ♦ ♦
THEIR
TO BE
AT THE
A NUMBER OF KMB ROUTES, WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO RESUME NORMAL ROUTEINGS FROM 10 AM TODAY (MONDAY), WILL CONTINUE DIVERTED UNTIL 10 AM ON MARCH 13 BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS JUNCTION OF PAK TIN STREET AND WOH CHAI STREET.
THE AFFECTED BUS ROUTES ARE: 2B, 2F, 6D, 40, 86 AND 86A.
THEY’ ARE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO RESUME NORMAL ROUTEINGS IN CONNECTION WITH THE RE-OPENING OF PAK TIN STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT STUDYING COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY’S FINAL REPORT............ 1
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY.................. 1
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS JUNK BAY.............................. 4
PROPER REGULATION OF INSURANCE INDUSTRY EMPHASISED .......... 5
SHIPPING REGISTER GROUP COMPLETES FIRST REPORT .............. 7
12 QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA ................................ 7
BALLOON TO REMIND ELECTORS TO VOTE........................... 8
FEBRUARY A VERY DRY MONTH ................................... 9
INTEREST ON TjJC RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED................ 11
POLICE FORCE DONATES TO COMMUNITY CHEST ..................... 13
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY SCHEME...... 13
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DEEDS OF MUTUaL COVENANT............. 14
SURVEY ON STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN SIL J! SHUI PO............ 14
YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA RECRUITS MEMBERS .................... 15
TENDERS INVITED FOR PUBLIC CaRPaRKS ......................... 16
SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY IN FIVE AREAS..................... 16
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEK WAI KOK, TSUEN WAN ... 17
LEFT-TURN BAN ON WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR ...................... 19
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
GOVT STUDYING COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY’S FINAL REPORT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW STUDYING THE FINAL REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THAT THE REPORT, WHICH HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, CONTAINED RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PAY TREND SURVEY METHODOLOGY AND THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY OF THE NON-D[RECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE.
’’THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL’S ADVICE ON THEM WILL BE SOUGHT IN DUE COURSE,” HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY WAS APPOINTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR TO CONSIDER THE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS STAFF ON THE 1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT AND RELATED MATTERS. ITS INTERIM REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, DATA COLLECTION FOR THE 1989 PAY TREND SURVEY WAS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IS TO REACH A DECISION ON THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT IN TIME FOR PAYMENT TO BE MADE AT THE END OF JUNE,” HE SAID.
’’THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ADJUSTMENT WOULD BE APRIL 1, 1989.”
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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ******
THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE 1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT AND RELATED MATTERS, IN ITS FINAL REPORT RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY), HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY DO NOT PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT BASIS FOR MAKING SPECIFIC ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PAY EITHER NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.
THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY WAS APPOINTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR BY THE GOVERNOR TO INQUIRE INTO A DISPUTE BETWEEN THE STAFF SIDE AND OFFICIAL SIDE OF THE SENIOR ('I VIL SERVICE COUNCIL OVER CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY SYSTEM. THE COMMITTEE STARTED WORK IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND AN INTERIM REPORT, WHICH DEALT WITH THE ISSUE OF THE 1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT, WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN NOVEMBER 1988. THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THAT REPORT WHICH INCLUDE ONE FOR AN UPWARD ADJUSTMENT TO THE 1988 PAY AWARD, WERE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/Releasing the
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 2 -
RELEASING THE FINAL REPORT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN, MR GORDON BURRETT, SAID THAT THE REPORT CONTAINED THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ISSUES OF THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY, FUTURE PAY DETERMINATION AND THE METHODOLOGY FOR PAY TREND SURVEYS.
"IN RELATION TO THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY, THE COMMITTEE HAD REACHED THE VIEW THAT THE METHODOLOGY USED BY THE CONSULTANTS FOR THE PAY COMPARISONS IS SOUND AND REPUTABLE BUT JOB-FOR-JOB COMPARISONS WOULD HAVE BEEN PREFERABLE. AS REGARDS FRINGE BENEFITS THE METHODOLOGY USED TENDED TO OVERVALUE CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS ESPECIALLY HOUSING. THERE ARE NEVERTHELESS NO CONVINCING GROUNDS FOR DISPUTING THE GENERAL TENOR OF THE 1986 SURVEY’S RESULTS THOUGH THE DEGREES OF DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE CIVIL SERVICE MUST BE IN DOUBT," HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT WHEN HAY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS WERE COMMISSIONED TO CONDUCT THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY, THEY WERE SPECIFICALLY ASKED TO PROVIDE THE STANDING COMMISSION WITH INFORMATION WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CURRENT REMUNERATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS BROADLY IN LINE WITH THAT OF EMPLOYEES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR UNDERTAKING COMPARABLE WORK.
"HOWEVER, SINCE THE METHODOLOGY USED BY HAY PLACED THE MAIN EMPHASIS ON POINTS/FACTOR COMPARISONS AND THEY WERE EXPRESSLY PRECLUDED FROM LOOKING AT INDIVIDUAL JOBS, TO THIS EXTENT THE RESULTING REPORT MAY BE SAID TO HAVE FALLEN SHORT PERFORCE OF FULLY ACHIEVING THE 'COMPARABLE WORK’ OBJECTIVE," MR BURRETT SAID.
"HAY HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT IN THEIR VIEW A SURVEY OF PAY LEVELS DOES NOT AND SHOULD NOT DETERMINE REMUNERATION POLICY. WE SHARE THIS VIEW AND BELIEVE OTHER FACTORS NEED TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DETERMINING PAY APART FROM THOSE ARISING DIRECTLY FROM A PARTICULAR PAY LEVEL SURVEY, E.G. MORALE, BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS, JOB SATISFACTION, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROBLEMS, SECURITY OF TENURE, PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND INTERNAL RELATIVITIES. WE THINK THAT THE HAY RESERVATIONS CAST SERIOUS DOUBT ON THE VALIDITY OF THE SURVEY RESULTS AS AN EXACT INDICATOR OF WHAT CIVIL SERVICE PAY LEVELS SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN 1986.
"THE EVIDENCE GIVEN TO THE COMMITTEE ALSO SUGGESTS THAT SINCE THE 1986 SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED THE EMPLOYMENT AND REMUNERATION SCENE HAD ALTERED RADICALLY. MOREOVER, WE CONSIDER THAT IF A PAY LEVEL SURVEY IS TO BEAR THE WEIGHT OF DETERMINING THE RATES AT WHICH CIVIL SERVANTS ARE TO BE PAID IT MUST HAVE THE CONFIDENCE OF THE STAFF AND
THIS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT ADEQUATE CONSULTATION.
"WE THINK THAT IN 1986 POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF THE TIME FACTOR, NOT ENOUGH HAD BEEN DONE TO WIN THAT CONFIDENCE. OUR CONCLUSION THEREFORE IS THAT THE 1986 SURVEY’S FINDINGS DO NOT PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT BASIS FOR MAKING SPECIFIC ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PAY EITHER NOW OR IN THE FUTURE."
/FOR FUTURE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 3
FOR FUTURE PAY DETERMINATION, THE COMMITTEE PROPOSES A SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES A COMBINATION OF BOTH PAY LEVEL SURVEYS AND PAY TREND SURVEYS. UNDER THIS PROPOSAL, PAY LEVEL SURVEYS WOULD BE THE FOUNDATION OF THE PAY SYSTEM AND WOULD BE CONDUCTED AT INTERVALS OF ABOUT EVERY THREE YEARS, WITH PAY TREND SURVEYS PROVIDING THE BASIS FOR PAY ADJUSTMENTS IN THE YEARS BETWEEN PAY LEVEL SURVEYS.
"THE PAY LEVEL SURVEYS SHOULD BE BASED ON JOB-FOR-JOB COMPARISONS. A NUMBER OF MARKER GRADES WITH IDENTIFIABLE FUNCTIONAL COUNTERPARTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD BE USED AS COMPARATORS. THE SURVEY INDICATORS FOR THE MARKER GRADES SHOULD THEN BE USED TO EXTRAPOLATE RATES FOR GROUPS OF STAFF NOT COVERED BY THE SURVEY ON THE BASIS OF INTERNAL RELATIVITIES," MR BURRETT EXPLAINED.
IN VALUING FRINGE BENEFITS, THE COMMITTEE FULLY ENDORSED THE VIEW THAT PAY LEVEL SURVEYS SHOULD INVOLVE A COMPARISON OF CIVIL SERVICE AND PRIVATE SECTOR TOTAL PAY PACKAGES.
"BUT WE THINK THAT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE ASSESSMENT OF FRINGE BENEFITS SHOULD BE BASED ON THE REPLACEMENT COST TO THE EMPLOYEE AND ON ACTUAL UTILISATION."
"FOR EXAMPLE, HOUSING BENEFITS FOR BOTH THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD BE VALUED EITHER ON THE BASIS OF THE REPLACEMENT VALUE OF ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED OR, IN THE CASE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, BY REFERENCE TO THE BENEFITS THEY WOULD DERIVE FROM THE NEW HOME PURCHASE SCHEME, THE LATTER BEING OUR PREFERRED METHOD," HE SAID.
"CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS SHOULD BE ASSESSED AT THEIR ACTUARIAL VALUE, BUT DUE WEIGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE ARGUMENTS FOR DISCOUNTING THEM IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PAY LEVEL SURVEY FINDINGS," HE ADDED.
ACCORDING TO THE PROPOSALS, THE FIRST PAY LEVEL SURVEY WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THE 1990-91 SURVEY YEAR FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1991.
"THERE SHOULD BE FULL CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE OFFICIAL AND STAFF SIDES TO ENSURE CONFIDENCE IN THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY METHODOLOGY AND ITS EXECUTION," MR BURRETT STRESSED.
AS REGARDS PAY TREND SURVEYS, THE FORMULA RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR CALCULATING FUTURE CIVIL SERVICE ANNUAL PAY ADJUSTMENTS WAS TO INCLUDE THE PERCENTAGE VALUES OF PRIVATE SECTOR MERIT PAY AND INCREMENTS IN THE PAY TREND INDICATORS, FROM WHICH THE VALUES OF CIVIL SERVICE INCREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL SALARY BANDS WOULD BE DEDUCTED AT THEIR PAYROLL COST.
"WHERE THE RESULTING INDICATOR FOR THE LOWER PAY BAND IS BELOW THAT FOR THE MIDDLE BAND, IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT UP TO THE SAME LEVEL," MR BURRETT SAID.
/"PAY INCREASES .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7> 1989
’’PAY INCREASES RELATING TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIVITIES AND PROMOTION AND TRANSFER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE CALCULATION OF PAY TREND INDICATORS.
’’THE PRESENT PRACTICE OF APPLYING INDUSTRIAL WEIGHTINGS TO PAY TREND INDICATORS SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED," HE ADDED.
THE COMMITTEE HAS MET ON 26 OCCASIONS SINCE IT FIRST CONVENED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR. IT HAS CONSIDERED WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND TAKEN ORAL EVIDENCE FROM BOTH THE OFFICIAL AND STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, AND THE STAFF SIDE OF THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.
"WE ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE STANDING COMMISSION OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE CONTROLLER OF THE PAY SURVEY AND RESEARCH UNIT, A PAST CONTROLLER OF THE FORMER PAY INVESTIGATION UNIT AND HAY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS," HE SAID.
MR BURRETT POINTED OUT THAT RESPONSE TO THE COMMITTEE'S INTERIM REPORT AND SUBMISSIONS FROM CIVIL SERVICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVANTS AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED IN PREPARING THE FINAL REPORT.
THE TWO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, MR BRIAN BARRETT, AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR PETER POON WING-CHEUNG, ALSO TOOK PART IN TODAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE.
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CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS JUNK BAY * * * * *
JUNK BAY NEW TOWN ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF KWUN TONG WILL EVENTUALLY BE THE HOME OF ABOUT 440,000 PEOPLE UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, WHO TOOK TIME OFF TO SEE FOR HIMSELF PROGRESS DEVELOPMENT IN JUNK BAY, SPENT OVER TWO HOURS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITING VARIOUS PROJECTS.
SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTOR, MR KWOK WAI-KAI, AND PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERRITOR1ES/SOUTH), MR CHOW CHE-KING.
AT A VANTAGE POINT IN SIU CHIK SHA, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AND ON THE PROPOSED THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BY MR CHOW.
/CONSTRUCTION JORK .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 5
CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE NEW TOWN STARTED IN 1982 AND RESIDENTS STARTED MOVING IN EARLY LAST YEAR. THE CURRENT POPULATION STANDS AT 33,000.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES NOW AVAILABLE INCLUDE FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS, A COMMUNITY CENTRE, AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, AND A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT.
ON THE WORKS PROGRAMME THIS YEAR ARE TWO MORE PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, A CLINIC AS WELL AS A POLICE STATION, A NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE AND A HOST OF OTHER FACILITIES LATER AS JUNK BAY DEVELOPS.
LATER, SIR DAVID WENT TO THE ROOF OF A BLOCK AT YING MING COURT ADJOINING PO LAM ESTATE WHERE HE HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF JUNK BAY AND WAS BRIEFED BY STAFF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS.
HE WAS TOLD THAT PHASES ONE AND TWO OF PO LAM ESTATE, TSUI LAM ESTATE AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME KING MING COURT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND ARE TAKING IN RESIDENTS.
OTHER PROJECTS IN PROGRESS INCLUDE THE REMAINING PHASES OF PO LAM ESTATE, KING LAM ESTATE, THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME YING MING COURT AND YAN MING COURT, AND TWO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAW THE SITE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND THE EASTERN PORTAL OF THE JUNK BAY ROAD TUNNEL BEFORE HE ENDED HIS VISIT.
-------Q----------
PROPER REGULATION OF INSURANCE INDUSTRY EMPHASISED
* t t ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT LAYS GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE PROPER REGULATION OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY OF MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF "INSURANCE 90’S”.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE MARKET AND TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO EXISTING AND FUTURE POLICYHOLDERS, GIVEN THE ECONOMIC FUNCTION OF INSURANCE, THE SIZE OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY AND ITS GROWING IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE.
MR NENDICK SAID A FRAMEWORK OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION WAS ENSHRINED IN THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1983.
/’’THE ORDINANCE.......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
"THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO AUTHORISE AND MONITOR THE ACTIVITIES OF INSURANCE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG AND GRANTS HIM POWERS TO INTERVENE TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF POLICYHOLDERS.
"THE THRUST OF SUPERVISION IS ON THE OVERALL FINANCIAL HEALTH OF INSURERS," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE ORDINANCE WAS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW AND WAS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.
"AN AMENDMENT BILL HAS RECENTLY BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO UPDATE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO AT PRESENT EXAMINING WITH THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WAYS TO IMPROVE CONTROL OVER THE ACTIVITIES OF INSURANCE INTERMEDIARIES, THAT IS AGENTS AND BROKERS.
"THE SYSTEM OF CONTROL WE HAVE IN MIND IS LARGELY ONE OF SELF-REGULATION WITHIN A FRAMEWORK OF SUPPORTIVE LEGISLATION.
"AGENTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO AN INSURER OR GROUP OF INSURERS AND BROKERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO THEIR SELF-REGULATORY ORGANISATIONS.
"THE LAW WILL DISTINGUISH BETWEEN AGENTS AND BROKERS AND WILL LAY DOWN MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO LOOKING AT THE QUESTION OF INSURANCE CONTRACT LAW WHICH SOME MIGHT REGARD AS TOO HEAVILY WEIGHTED IN FAVOUR OF THE INSURERS.
"WE ACCEPT IN PRINCIPLE THE INDUSTRY’S VIEW THAT THE BEST SOLUTION LIES IN EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATION. WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS THIS END WITH THE INDUSTRY AND INTEND TO HAVE IN PLACE WORKABLE PROPOSALS BY THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
"WE HOPE THAT THE VARIOUS INITIATIVES NOW IN TRAIN WILL SERVE TO PROMOTE THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INSURING PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
MR NENDICK SAID THERE WAS A STRONG INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"OF THE 275 AUTHORISED INSURERS IN HONG KONG, 148 (OR OVER 50 PER CENT) ARE INCORPORATED OVERSEAS.
"HONG KONG IS ALSO BECOMING AN IMPORTANT BASE FOR REINSURANCE OPERATIONS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION," HE SAID.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1989
SHIPPING REGISTER GROUP COMPLETES FIRST REPORT
THE STEERING GROUP ON THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER HAS COMPLETED THE FIRST PART OF ITS REPORT ON THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS IT RECOMMENDS FOR THE NEW HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
AT A MEETING THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, THE STEERING GROUP COMPLETED ITS DELIBERATIONS ON MANY OF THE TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WILL FORM THE BASIS OF THE NEW REGISTER.
THE STEERING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MR RAPHAEL HUI, SAID: "WE PLAN TO INAUGURATE THE NEW REGISTER ON TARGET IN LATE 1990. WE MUST, THEREFORE, PUT IN PLACE BY THAT DATE COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION AND THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED OF THE SHIP AND ITS CREW.
"PART 1 OF OUR REPORT LARGELY COVERS PROCEDURES AND IS KEY TO THE LEGISLATION SURROUNDING THE REGISTER," HE ADDED.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE STEERING GROUP, ITS COMMITTEES AND THE VERY MANY TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS, MR HUI SAID: "WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG SOME OF THE BEST TALENT AND EXPERTISE IN EVERY FIELD OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY.
"THAT TALENT AND EXPERTISE WILL ENABLE US TO DEVELOP A TECHNICALLY SOUND REGISTER WHICH SHOULD PROVE ATTRACTIVE TO ALL SIDES OF THE INDUSTRY."
THE STEERING GROUP'S REPORT COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REGISTER, PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION, THE USE OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES AND MARITIME LIENS AND MORTGAGES.
IT WILL SHORTLY BE FORMALLY SUBMITTED TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND FORM THE BASIS OF GOVERNMENT POLICY FOR THE OPERATION OF THE REGISTER.
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12 QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA ♦ » ♦ » »
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 12 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FIVE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL'S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) BILL 1989 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
/SECOND READING .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
8
SECOND READING DEBATES ON FOUR BILLS WILL BE RESUMED, AFTER WHICH EACH BILL IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THESE ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
THERE WILL BE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON "MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS". THE DEBATE WILL BE LED OFF BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT THE END OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
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BALLOON TO REMIND ELECTORS TO VOTE *****
A HELIUM BALLOON CARRYING A VOTING MESSAGE WAS FLOATED OVER THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN TODAY (TUESDAY) TO REMIND ELIGIBLE ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE 1989 URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 9).
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY TO HOIST THE BALLOON,
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A FANCY VEHICLE STARTED OFF FROM THE PLAYGROUND FOR A TOUR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO PROMOTE THE ELECTIONS.
IN THE PAST MONTH, VARIOUS ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN HELD TO HELP SPREAD THE ELECTION MESSAGE. THESE INCLUDE THE DISPLAY OF POSTERS AND BANNERS AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS, FANCY VEHICLE TOURS AND THE BROADCAST OF ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST (API) ON TELEVISION AND RADIO.
STARTING TOMORROW, THE ELECTION MESSAGE WILL BE BROADCAST THROUGH THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM OF KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TRAIN STATIONS. AN API WILL ALSO BE SHOWN ON THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB'S DIAMOND VISION TOMORROW TO REMIND RACE-GOERS OF THE ELECTION DAY.
THE HELIUM BALLOON CARRYING THE VOTING MESSAGE WILL BE FLOATED OVER YUEN WO PLAYGROUND IN SHA TIN TOMORROW AND OVER STATUE SQUARE ON THURSDAY.
ADVERTISEMENTS WILL APPEAR IN MAJOR NEWSPAPERS ON THURSDAY TO REMIND ELIGIBLE ELECTORS TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND POLL CARDS TO CAST THEIR VOTES AT THE DESIGNATED POLLING STATIONS.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 9 -
FEBRUARY A VERY DRY MONTH *****
FEBRUARY WAS A VERY DRY MONTH. THE MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL WAS ONLY 2.7 MILLIMETRES AGAINST THE NORMAL FEBRUARY RAINFALL OF 41.9 MILLIMETRES AND IS THE EIGHTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR FEBRUARY, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID IN ITS MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT TODAY (TUESDAY).
FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1989, THE TOTAL RAINFALL WAS 26.6 MILLIMETRES WHICH IS 61 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 68.8 MILLIMETRES.
WEATHER WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY TO OVERCAST FOR THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF FEBRUARY. A WEAK SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON EARLY ON FEBRUARY 5 BROUGHT SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES. ALTHOUGH THE SKY CLEARED UP DURING THE DAY, CLOUDY WEATHER RETURNED THAT EVENING AND CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
ON FEBRUARY 8, MISTY CONDITIONS PREVAILED THROUGHOUT THE DAY. EARLY ON FEBRUARY 9, A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST, BRINGING OVERCAST SKIES AND PERIODS OF LIGHT RAIN.
THEN, MUCH DRIER AIR FROM THE NORTH CLEARED THE SKY EARLY ON FEBRUARY 10. THE TEMPERATURE THAT MORNING ALSO DROPPED TO 8.7 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
FINE WEATHER CONTINUED UNTIL FEBRUARY 14. WITH INCREASE IN MOISTURE FROM THE EAST, CLOUDY CONDITIONS RETURNED THAT EVENING.
EARLY ON FEBRUARY 16, WINDS TURNED SOUTHEASTERLY, BRINGING WARMER AND EVEN MORE MOIST AIR. AS A RESULT, IT WAS FOGGY THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND IN THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 17.
DURING THIS PERIOD, VISIBILITY AT WAGLAN ISLAND AND AROUND THE HARBOUR DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 100 METRES AND 900 METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THE FOGGY CONDITIONS RESULTED IN THE SUSPENSION OF FERRY SERVICES TO SOME OUTLYING ISLANDS AND THE DELAY OF JETFOIL SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU.
WITH SOUTHERLY WINDS ON FEBRUARY 17, TEMPERATURES REACHED A MAXIMUM OF 24.9 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.
WEATHER REMAINED FOGGY ON FEBRUARY 18, WITH VISIBILITY WITHIN THE HARBOUR REDUCED TO 500 METRES. FERRY SERVICES TO SOME OUTLYING ISLANDS WERE AGAIN INTERRUPTED AND AIR TRAFFIC IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG WAS ALSO AFFECTED.
/A SURGE
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 19^9
10 -
A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST EARLY ON FEBRUARY 19, BRINGING OVERCAST SKIES AND DRIZZLE TO THE TERRITORY. ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER BECAME MAINLY FINE DURING THE DAY ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 21, IT REMAINED CLOUDY WITH A FEW LIGHT RAIN PATCHES AT NIGHT.
WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST AND WERE STRONG OFFSHORE ON FEBRUARY 22. WIND SPEEDS OF OVER 60 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WERE RECORDED AT WAGLAN ISLAND. CLOUDY CONDITIONS PREVAILED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
WINDS GRADUALLY SUBSIDED DURING THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 23 AND THE WEATHER BECAME MAINLY FINE.
THE FINE WEATHER PERSISTED UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 26 WHEN THE NORTHEAST MONSOON SET IN AND BROUGHT BACK CLOUDY SKIES.
A FEW LIGHT RAIN PATCHES ALSO OCCURRED EARLY ON FEBRUARY 27. WITH THE WEAKENING OF THE EASTERLIES DURING THE DAY, THE WEATHER TURNED FINE AGAIN AND PERSISTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, NO TROPICAL CYCLONE OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC OR THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 4, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 27, AND 28.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 10 TO 13, AND ON 26 AND 27.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL
DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING
DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEB. 22 4 AM FEB. 23 8 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEB. 25 2. 4 5 AM FEB. 25 •8 .40 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEB. 26 11 PM FEB. 27 7 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 149.3 HOURS ; 40.6 HOURS ABOVE
NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
12.96 MJ/SQ. METRE
2.7 MM
62 PER CENT
1.87 MJ/SQ. METRE ABOVE NORMAL
39.2 MM BELOW NORMAL
9 PER CENT LESS THAN NORMAL
/MEAN RELATIVE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 71 19^9
- 11
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM
AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM
AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
74 PER CENT
19.1 DEGREES CELSIUS
16.6 DEGREES CELSIUS
14.8 DEGREES CELSIUS
11.7 DEGREES CELSIUS
78.4 MM
; 4 PER CENT LOWER
THAN NORMAL
; 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS
ABOVE NORMAL
; 0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS
ABOVE NORMAL
; 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS
ABOVE NORMAL
; NORMAL
; 3.5 MM BELOW NORMAL
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED ♦ * * * *
A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 7.80 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 7.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.65 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE LN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER TOMORROW.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE TOMORROW WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS -
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 28, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, 1987;
3.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 30. 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987;
/3.00 PER
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 12
3.00 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 9, 1987;
2.04 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 9, 1987 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 20, 1988;
2.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 20, 1988 AND BEFORE APRIL 13, 1988;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 13, 1988 AND BEFORE MAY 11, 1988;
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 11, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 16, 1988;
4.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 16, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 29, 1988;
5.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 29, 1988 AND BEFORE JULY 27, 1988;
5.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 27, 1988 AND BEFORE AUGUST 17, 1988;
6.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 17, 1988 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 1988;
6.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 7, 1988 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 15, 1989; AND
7.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 8, 1989;
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE
AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MARCH 8, 1989, APRIL 8, 1989 AND MAY 8, 1989 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN
PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JUNE 7, 1989 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000, MARCH 8, 1989 TO JUNE 7, 1989 = $19.50
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.50 PER MONTH
ON $1,000, APRIL 8, 1989 TO JUNE 7, 1989 = $13.00
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.50 PER MONTH
ON $1,000, MAY 8, 1989 TO JUNE 7, 1989 = $ 6.50
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $6.50 PER MONTH
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$39.00
/13........
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 13 -/
POLICE FORCE DONATES TO COMMUNITY CHEST t * ♦ ♦ *
THE POLICE FORCE, WITH THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF ALL RANKS OF OFFICERS, RESPONDED FAVOURABLY LAST DECEMBER TO A WEEK-LONG FORCEWIDE COLLECTION EXERCISE IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, RECENTLY PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $52,500 TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME, MR MALCOLM MATTHEWS, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS.
THANKING THE FORCE FOR ITS GENEROSITY, MR MATTHEWS SAID THE DONATION WOULD GO TO THEIR 100 MEMBER AGENCIES TO PROVIDE BETTER COMMUNITY SERVICES TO THE LESS FORTUNATE.
THE TOTAL CONTRIBUTION FROM THE POLICE FORCE TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME HAS REACHED $153,000 AFTER THREE YEARS.
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DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY SCHEME
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY SCHEME AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO REVIEW THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE IN THE PAST YEAR AND CONSIDER SEVERAL APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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/14
TUESDAY, MARCH 7,
1989
14
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
A MEMBER WILL RAISE QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF POK 01 HOSPITAL AND THE FUTURE STATUS OF THE HOSPITAL’S STAFF FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
ANOTHER MEMBER WILL ASK ABOUT THE PROVISION OF CHILD CARE SERVICES IN YUEN LONG AND THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
- - 0---------
SURVEY ON STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN SHAM SHUI PO
*****
A SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SHAM SHUI PO THIS MONTH TO COLLECT STUDENTS’ VIEWS ON STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORED SURVEY IS TO OBTAIN DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE DEMAND AND ADEQUACY OF STUDY ROOMS IN THE DISTRICT AND HOW THE SERVICE COULD BE IMPROVED.
A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE HAS COMMISSIONED A PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH COMPANY TO CONDUCT THE SURVEY WHICH WILL COST MORE THAN $30,000.
INFORMATION WILL BE OBTAINED BY RANDOM TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH 800 YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WHO ARE EITHER STUDYING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OR STUDYING ON THEIR OWN.
AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY, A REPORT WILL BE PRODUCED AND PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE DATA COLLECTED WILL SERVE AS USEFUL REFERENCE FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER CONCERNED INSTITUTIONS.
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/15........
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 15 -
YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA RECRUITS MEMBERS
*****
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE RECRUITING MEMBERS FOR THE 1989-90
ORCHESTRA OF THE TERM.
MUSIC OFFICE
IS
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1978, THE ORCHESTRA HAS TAKEN PART IN CONCERTS, DISTRICT ART FESTIVALS AND OVERSEAS MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES.
THE FORTHCOMING MAJOR EVENTS IN WHICH THE ORCHESTRA WILL TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE INCLUDE THE YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, ANNUAL TRAINEES GALA, AND AN OVERSEAS TOUR IN 1990.
AN INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE DRAWN UP TO EMBRACE MASTERCLASSES AND REHEARSALS CONDUCTED BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS.
IN THE TRAINING SCHEDULE, ALL REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY EVENINGS.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRA WOULD BE RECRUITED EACH YEAR BY OPEN AUDITION AND CURRENT MEMBERS WERE NO EXCEPTION.
FULL ATTENDANCE BY ALL MEMBERS AT REHEARSALS AND TRAINING SESSIONS WOULD BE EXPECTED, HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OLD, HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE VI IN THE MUSIC OFFICE’S INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OR EQUIVALENT IN ONE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AND HAVE ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION ON APRIL 1 AND 2.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6065753. ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, FOURTH FLOOR, BY MARCH 20.
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/16........
TUESDAY. MARCH 7, 1989
16
TENDERS INVITED FOR PUBLIC CARPARKS
* * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO LOTS FOR FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREAS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE KOWLOON LOT IS AT SAM KA TSUEN, LEI YUE MUN AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,110 SQUARE METRES. IT IS USED FOR THE PARKING OF ANY MOTOR VEHICLES CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED.
THE LEASE IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER LOT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS FOR THE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS ONLY. MEASURING ABOUT 4,310 SQUARE METRES IN AREA, IT IS LOCATED IN AREA 17, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN .
THE LEASE IS FOR TWO YEARS AND AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 17 THIS YEAR.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 1 OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET* KOWLOON; AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE TUEN MUN LOT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN.
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SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY
*****
IN FIVE AREAS
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN SAI KUNG PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 9) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AN AREA BOUNDED BY PAK SHA WAN PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI O AND NEAR. THE END OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
/ALLO, FRESH ........
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 19$9
- 17 -
ALSO, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN NGAU TAU KOK PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AN AREA BOUNDED BY NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD AND CHOI HA ROAD.
ON THE OTHER HAND, CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL SUFFER WEAK PRESSURE TO FRESH WATER SUPPLY AS WATER WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT BETWEEN 8 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY WING KEI ROAD, WING KIN ROAD, WING LAP STREET AND WING HAU STREET.
BOTH POTABLE AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 10) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE PREMISES ALONG TING KOK ROAD FROM HA HANG TO TAI MEI TUK.
ALSO TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS, BOTH FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HOUSE 2-24 BEACON HILL ROAD, CORNWALL STREET TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ CHANG MING THIEN COLLEGE, CHAK YAN CENTRE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON KITCHEN.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEK WAI KOK, TSUEN WAN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 5, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEK WAI KOK, TSUEN WAN, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 10) FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC :
♦ SHEK WAI KOK ROAD BETWEEN CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO SHEK TSUI HOUSE;
* WAI TSUEN ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN SHEK WAI KOK ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO LUK YEUNG SUN TSUEN; AND
* THE UNNAMED LINK ROAD BETWEEN TEXACO ROAD NORTH AND WAI TSUEN ROAD.
/AT THE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
- 18
AT THE SAME TIME, SHEK WAI KOK ROAD BETWEEN WAI TSUEN RAOD AND SHEK ON STREET WILL BE OPENED TO EASTBOUND TRAFFIC HEADING FOR SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE. THIS ROAD SECTION WILL ALSO BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
MEANWHILE, TEXACO ROAD NORTH BETWEEN TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE AND SHING MUN ROAD WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
SHEK WAI KOK ROAD BETWEEN THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO SHEK TSUI HOUSE AND SHEK ON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
FOLLOWING THE ROAD CLOSURES, VEHICLES TRAVELLING TO AND FROM TSUEN WAN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TEXACO ROAD NORTH.
IN ADDITION, VEHICLES HEADING FOR LUK YEUNG SUN TSUEN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE AND WAI TSUEN ROAD.
VEHICLES GOING TO SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, WAI TSUEN ROAD AND SHEK WAI KOK ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE FOLLOWING TWO SECTIONS OF CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WILL BECOME URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK :
* CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE AND SHEK WAI KOK ROAD; AND
t CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST AND SHEK WAJ KOK ROAD.
REGARDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, KMB ROUTES 32B AND 32M AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 81, 81M, 82 AND 82M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TEXACO ROAD NORTH ON JOURNEYS TO AND FROM TSUEN WAN.
IN ADDITION, ON JOURNEYS TO TSUEN WAN, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 81, 81M, 82 AND 82M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, WAI TSUEN ROAD, SHEK WAI KOK ROAD, SHEK ON STREET, SHEK KWAI STREET, CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE BEFORE JOINING TEXACO ROAD NORTH.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 94 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, WAI TSUEN ROAD, SHEK WAI KOK ROAD AND SHEK ON STREET ON JOURNEYS TO SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE.
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/19........
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
19
LEFT-TURN BAN ON WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR
* » * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 10), VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM WESTBOUND WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR TO THE SOUTHBOUND UNNAMED ROAD LEADING TO HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THE LEFT-TURN BAN WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO YEN CHOW STREET, YEE KUK STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
.......... WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989 CONTENTS..PaGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING : --------------——■ ■. - •.
TOP PRIORITY GIVEN TO SOLVING PROBLEMS.: CS ............. 1
GOVT DOCTORS INVITED’ TO JOIN HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE....... J
SINCERITY OF GOVT' CHALLENGED : ...................... 10
GOVT HAS TAKEN PROBLEMS GN BOARD SQUARELY ............... 12
SUPPORT FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES .......................... 12
TRADE UNION TACTICS COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE .................. 14
Task FORCE TO REVIEW SERVICES ADVOCATED ................. 15
PUBLICITY ON INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS .................... 16
RESTRICTION ON EATING, DRINKING <.T BEACHES RULED OUT.... 17
NO DISCREPANCY IN APPLICATION OF POLICY ................. 17
STUDY ON IMPROVING LEFT CAR SECURITY..................... 18
ARRESTS MADE IN MAJORITY OF CASES ....................... 18
CONTINUED VIGILANCE aGaINST PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO TAPES .... 19
LAW PROVIDES REMEDIES FOR EMPLOYEES ..................... 20
BENEFITS OF 'TRADING FUND’ SYSTEM BEING EXAMINED......... 22
fire safety at tha's, rental units satisfactory.......... 23
TRUST FUNDS ACHIEVE REMaRKaBLE GROWTH ................... 24
Major campaign to enhance child c.xRe ................... 25
OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOUND FOR MILDLY KANDICi.PPED PERSONS.... 26
BILL AIMS AT CONFISCATION OF DRUG MONEY ................. 27
MOTION ON FUTURES EXCEiNGE MEETING PASSED................ 30
COUNCILLORS SUPPORT BILL TO PLUG TAX LOOPHOLE ........... 31
four bills passed........................................ 32
'BELT UP' MESSAGE IN CHINESE ,iND ENGLISH ONLY .......... 33
FIXED R..TES OF HONOR.RI.. FOR MEDICAL STAFF jJ’PROVED..... J4
NEW RADIO CH.J'.'NEL FOR TRAFFIC, WEATHER NEWS ............ 35
ELECTORS URGED TO C^ST VOTES TOMORROW ,.................... 36
12TH JLG MEETING TO BE HELD IN PEKING ..................... 37
CP TO SERVE UNTIL END OF NOVEMBER ......................... 37
/LADY WILSON.......
LnDY wILmGN PRaISEL WORK OP F.J-1ILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION. 38
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD.i.................. 38
PLOICE OFFICERS HONOURED FOR BRaVERY .4.* ................ 39
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLND.................. 39
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR KW..I FUNG CRESCENT INDUSTRIAL
aREA •»1*•*»4i»i.*n. AO
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SQUATTER aREA IMPROVEMENT .. 40
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG, WaN CHaI .............. M
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
1989
TOP PRIORITY GIVEN TO SOLVING PROBLEMS: CS ♦ t t * ♦
THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY ARE TAKING A CLOSE PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICE AND TOP PRIORITY IS BEING GIVEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO SOLVING THE CURRENT PROBLEMS.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMENTS BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, IN THE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS URGENTLY.
HE ALSO DISPUTED SOME STAFF'S BELIEF THAT THE FORMATION OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS BEING USED AS AN EXCUSE FOR DELAY. ’’THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID CLEARLY MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE TO IMPROVE NOT ONLY THE QUANTITY BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE.
"IF WE ARE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE WE MUST LOOK FOR A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS IN OUR HOSPITALS.
"A SOLUTION WHICH ADDRESSES HOW OUR HOSPITAL SERVICE SHOULD BE ORGANISED AND MANAGED. HOW WE CAN IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STAFF MANAGEMENT AND, ABOVE ALL, HOW WE ENSURE THAT WE HAVE HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND CONTENTED HOSPITAL STAFF,”zHE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID WHEN EMOTIONS WERE RUNNING HIGH AS THEY WERE AT PRESENT AMONGST SOME HOSPITAL STAFF, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO RETAIN A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THAT CONFRONTED US.
“OUR RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH CARE OVER THE PERIOD OF THE LAST TWO DECADES ARE CONSIDERABLE AND HONG KONG CAN DERIVE SATISFACTION FROM THE FACT THAT THE STANDARD OF HEALTH OF THIS COMMUNITY IS VERY GOOD IN COMPARISON WITH MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
“FOR EXAMPLE. OUR INFANT MORTALITY RATE IS LOWER THAN THAT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, LIFE EXPECTANCY IS LONGER THAN THAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS, POLIOMYELITIS AND EPIDEMICS WHICH WERE OF SUCH CONCERN TWO DECADES AGO, ARE NO LONGER A WORRY,” HE SAID.
HE AGREED THAT ALL THESE OWED MUCH TO THE DEDICATION OF THE DOCTORS AND NURSES, BUT ADDED THAT THE HIGH PRIORITY GIVEN TO THE HEALTH SERVICE AND THE EFFORTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN BIG FACTORS ALSO.
“OF COURSE WE SHARE THE CONCERN OF DOCTORS AND NURSES ABOUT THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THEY WORK AND THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE,' HE SAID.
/"BUT I
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
2
"BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ANY REASONABLE PERSONS COULD EXPECT US TO COME UP WITH A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION OVERNIGHT TO THESE LONG TERM PROBLEMS."
SIR DAVID SAID A NEW ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICE AND REVISED CONDITIONS FOR STAFF MUST BE A MATTER FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID AS HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE HE WAS CONCERNED BY THE RECENT ACTION TAKEN BY DOCTORS AND MORE RECENTLY BY NURSES, TO QUOTE THEIR WORDS, "TO EMBARRASS THE ADMINISTRATION BY TAKING INDUSTRIAL ACTION".
"WE HAVE A LONG TRADITION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE OF RESOLVING OUR PROBLEMS BY CAREFUL AND PATIENT DISCUSSION.
"THAT PRINCIPLE HAS SERVED BOTH SIDES WELL AND IN MOST CASES HAS ENSURED THAT THE SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WHICH IS AFTER ALL WHAT BEING A CIVIL SERVANT IS ALL ABOUT, HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED.
"IN OUR RECENT DEALINGS WITH BOTH THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES OVER RECENT WEEKS I BELIEVE THE ADMINISTRATION HAS SHOWN GREAT SINCERITY IN RESPONDING TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH US," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE SUBSTANTIAL MEASURES EXPLAINED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WERE CLEAR EVIDENCE OF GOOD FAITH ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
"WE HAVE EXPLAINED THAT NOT ALL THE PROBLEMS CAN BE TACKLED IN THE SHORT TERM AND I DO NOT THINK IT IS IN ANY WAY HELPFUL FOR IMPOSSIBLE DEADLINES, TWO WEEKS FOR EXAMPLE, TO BE SET BY THE STAFF SIDE FOR US TO COME UP WITH COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS SUCH AS OVERCROWDING."
SIR DAVID SAID AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND HE WAS SURPRISED TO FIND THE OMELCO STANDING PANEL ON HEALTH SERVICES WAS REPORTED YESTERDAY AS BEING IN SUPPORT OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION TAKEN BY THE NURSES.
"INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHOULD BE A MATTER OF LA&T RESORT WHEN NEGOTIATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS HAVE BROKEN DOWN. CLEARLY THIS IS N0T THE CASE.
"WE HAVE MADE POSITIVE PROPOSALS TO THE DOCTORS AND THE NURSES WHICH WE EXPECTED THEM TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY, WE STAND READY AND WILLING TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID INDUSTRIAL ACTION, HOWEVER CAREFULLY DEVISED, COULD HAVE AN EFFECT UPON THE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF HOSPITAL SERVICE. INDEED IT WAS INTENDED TO DO JUST THAT.
"THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELARE HAS ANNOUNCED A NEW HIGH-POWERED GROUP TO TAKE UP THE DIALOGUE WITH DOCTORS. TALKS WITH NURSES WILL CONTINUE.
IN THESE
I
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
3
"IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES I AM SURE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL EXPECT BOTH SIDES TO TALK OVER THE PROBLEMS AND NOT PUT PATIENTS' CARE AT RISK BY TAKING INDUSTRIAL ACTION OF ANY SORT.
"OUR HOSPITALS ARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF
ELSE.
PATIENTS AND NO ONE
"CLEARLY, WE AS A COMMUNITY WOULD NOT WISH THEM TO BE PUT UNDER ANY ADDITIONAL STRESS OR STRAIN AS A RESULT OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE HOSPITAL STAFF HAD JOINED THEIR PROFESSION BECAUSE THEY WERE DEDICATED PEOPLE WHO ABOVE ALL WISHED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG.
"THEY HAVE A FINE REPUTATION IN THIS REGARD," HE SAID, AND APPEALED TO BOTH DOCTORS AND NURSES TO CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY ALL THAT HAD BEEN SAID THIS AFTERNOON, THE COMMITMENT THAT HAD BEEN GIVEN TO RESOLVING THEIR PROBLEMS AND, ABOVE ALL, THEIR FIRST DUTY TO PATIENTS UNDER CARE.
0------------
GOVT DOCTORS INVITED TO JOIN HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE * » t » *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE HAS WRITTEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION TO INVITE THEM FORMALLY TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO PARTICIPATE IN A HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SET UP TO ADDRESS THE PRACTICAL AND STAFFING PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE CHAIRED BY HIM PERSONALLY AND WOULD INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, FINANCE BRANCH AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND, SUBJECT TO THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION'S AGREEMENT, REPRESENTATIVES OF THAT ASSOCIATION.
"IT IS MY MOST SINCERE WISH THAT THROUGH THIS DIRECT DIALOGUE, EFFECTIVE MEASURES CAN BE IDENTIFIED AND INTRODUCED IN THE SHORT TERM TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE EXISTED FOR SO MANY YEARS," MR CHAU SAID WHEN SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS.
ON THE HIGH WASTAGE RATE OF DOCTORS IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE, MR CHAU SAID THE ISSUE WAS ANOTHER MAJOR CONCERN.
/"IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
"IT IS CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, INCLUDING PROMOTION PROSPECTS, WHICH ARE ATTRACTIVE ENOUGH TO RETAIN IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE THOSE DOCTORS WHO FIND SERVICE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR MORE REWARDING PROFESSIONALLY AND MORE SATISFYING PERSONALLY THAN PRIVATE PRACTICE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU OUTLINED THE PROGRESS MADE SO FAR LN IMPLEMENTING THE PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS REGARD WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANNOUNCED THREE MONTHS AGO:
(A) 74 SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER POSTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN
CREATED WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 1, 1989; THIS IS IN
ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL 316 POSTS;
(B) A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE AN HONORARIUM FOR DOCTORS WHO CONSISTENTLY WORK UNUSUALLY LONG HOURS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL LATER IN THE AFTERNOON;
(C) ACTION IS PROCEEDING WITH THE CREATION OF 32 CONSULTANT POSTS, ON TOP OF THE PRESENT 82 POSTS; THE NECESSARY APPROVAL BY THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES INCLUDING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE SOUGHT IN THREE BATCHES BETWEEN JUNE AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
MR CHAU SAID HE DISAGREED WITH A VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN MOVING AT A SNAIL'S PACE.
"WE ARE EQUALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WASTAGE OF GOVERNMENT NURSES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS AND THE RECENT RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES," MR CHAU CONTINUED.
"OUR NURSES ARE WORKING UNDER GREAT PRESSURE AND THE DEMANDS PLACED UPON THEM ARE HEAVY INDEED."
TO ADDRESS THESE AND OTHER RELATED PROBLEMS, A NURSING AND ALLIED GRADES REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS SET UP LAST DECEMBER BETWEEN THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE NURSING STAFF.
"SO FAR THE REVIEW HAS IDENTIFIED THE NEED TO CREATE 205 NURSING OFFICER II POSTS AND 591 REGISTERED NURSE POSTS," MR CHAU SAID.
IT HAD ALSO RECOMMENDED INCREASING THE STARTING PAY OF STUDENT NURSES IN ORDER TO ATTRACT MORE RECRUITS.
"A PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE FINALISED IN TWO MONTHS’ TIME AND, WHERE NECESSARY, PUT TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
5
TURNING TO DOCTORS IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, MR CHAU SAID CONTRARY TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY SEVERAL MEMBERS, IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROVIDE SIMILAR RESOURCES OF MANPOWER AND EQUIPMENT TO BOTH GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WHICH PROVIDED SIMILAR SERVICES.
"THUS, RESOURCES ARE ALLOCATED ON THE BASIS OF THE TYPE OF FUNCTION WHICH EACH HOSPITAL PERFORMS, HAVING PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE RATIO OF ACUTE TO CONVALESCENT BEDS, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY ARE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED SECTOR.
"IT THUS FOLLOWS THAT SIMILAR TREATMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO BOTH SECTORS IN RESPECT OF EFFORTS TO RETAIN EXPERIENCED DOCTORS," MR CHAU SAID.
"ACCORDINGLY, THE DOCTORS IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE HONORARIUM, TO WHICH I REFERRED EARLIER, ON THE SAME TERMS AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE."
HE ADDED THAT SINCE JANUARY, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ALL THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS TO IDENTIFY AREAS OF SERVICE WHICH REQUIRED MORE SENIOR POSTS.
THE EXERCISE WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS.
MR CHAU SAID SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HAD RECENTLY BEEN HIGHLIGHTED BY MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF OF THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
"I CAN ASSURE THEM AND MEMBERS THAT I HAVE HEARD THEIR COMPLAINTS AND THAT I AM DETERMINED TO ADDRESS THEM AND TO FIND SOLUTIONS WHICH ARE CAPABLE OF BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THE SHORT TERM," HE SAID.
HE ALSO GAVE EXAMPLES OF SHORT-TERM MEASURES WHICH HE HAD ALREADY ASKED THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO IMPLEMENT:
(A) OUT-PATENT SERVICE:
"A BLOCK APPOINTMENT" SYSTEM IS ALREADY IN FORCE IN A NUMBER OF OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.
THE INTENTION IS TO EXTEND THIS SYSTEM TO THE OTHER CLINICS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS WILL CONSIDERABLY SHORTEN THE WAITING TIME FOR PATIENTS.
IN ADDITION, A SYSTEM FOR KEEPING PATIENTS’ RECORDS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON A TRIAL BASIS IN A FEW GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS NEXT MONTH. SUCH A SYSTEM ALREADY EXISTS IN THE SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.
(B) SUPPLY .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
6
(B) SUPPLY OF LINEN:
ACTION IS BEING TAKEN TO INCREASE THE STOCK OF HOSPITAL LINEN TO ALLEVIATE THE IMMEDIATE SHORTAGES WHILE LONGER-TERM SOLUTIONS ARE BEING WORKED OUT TO OVERCOME THE LONG-STANDING HIGH-WASTAGE AND CIRCULATION DIFFICULTIES.
(C) PHARMACY SERVICE IN REGIONAL HOSPITALS:
AS A START, THE CLOSING HOUR OF THE PHARMACY IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL BE EXTENDED FROM 5 PM TO 10 PM WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS.
(D) CLERICAL AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DOCTORS:
TWENTY-TWO ADDITIONAL SECRETARIAL AND CLERICAL POSTS WILL BE CREATED IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL THIS MONTH AND ANOTHER 47 POSTS WILL BE CREATED SHORTLY AFTERWARDS FOR THE OTHER THREE REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
WHERE OVERCROWDING WAS CONCERNED, MR CHAU SAID OBVIOUSLY ONE OF THE LONGER-TERM SOLUTIONS WAS THE PROVISION OF MORE HOSPITAL BEDS.
"IN THIS REGARD, AN ADDITIONAL 5,000 BEDS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN NEW OR EXTENDED GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS OVER THE NEXT THREE TO FOUR YEARS.
"THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE IN THE MEDIUM TERM OF 23 PER CENT OVER THE CURRENT NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL BEDS AND SHOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS REDUCING THE OVERCROWDING IN OUR MAJOR HOSPITALS," MR CHAU SAID.
FOR THE MORE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, MR CHAU SAID HE WOULD MAKE A DETERMINED EFFORT TO SEE IF SHORTER-TERM SOLUTIONS COULD BE FOUND TO REDUCE SOME OF THE EXISTING OVERCROWDING.
"IT OUGHT TO BE CLEAR FROM WHAT I HAVE SAID ALREADY THAT WHERE SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND AND IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN THE SHORT TERM, WE ARE TAKING ACTION," HE SAID.
"BUT, 1 REPEAT, THERE ARE NO INSTANT SOLUTIONS TO THE MANY PROBLEMS OF OUR HOSPITALS."
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT IN 1984, THE GOVERNMENT ENGAGED OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS TO EXAMINE THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALL TOO CONSCIOUS OF THESE PROBLEMS.
/THE DECISION .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
- 7 -
THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, WITH OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES IN ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MR CHAU SAID, WAS A BOLD INITIATIVE TO ATTACK THE ROOT CAUSES OF THESE PROBLEMS.
IT WAS NOT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO "PASS THE BUCK”.
NOR WOULD IT PROVIDE THE PANACEA TO ALL ILLS, HE SAID.
"BUT IT IS A CRUCIAL FIRST STEP TOWARDS TACKLING THOSE PROBLEMS WHICH WE HAVE NOT MANAGED TO OVERCOME WITHIN THE PRESENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROVIDING SERVICES.”
MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, WERE WORKING ENERGETICALLY AND WITH GREAT COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVE THE TARGET OF SETTING UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN APRIL 1990, MR CHAU SAID.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE EXPERTISE AND BREADTH OF VISION WHICH MEMBERS WERE BRINGING TO THE TASK WOULD ENSURE THAT A FIRM FRAMEWORK WAS ESTABLISHED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM OF WHICH HONG KONG COULD BE TRULY PROUD IN THE YEARS TO COME.
"THE PROBLEMS WHICH CONFRONT US SHOULD NOT BLIND US TO THE ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE NOW ENJOYED A STANDARD OF HEALTH WHICH WAS IMPRESSIVE BY COMPARISON WITH MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
THE OVERALL DEATH RATE AND THE RATE OF MATERNAL MORTALITY HAD FALLEN STEADILY OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS.
THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE, ONE OF THE MOST SENSITIVE INDICATORS OF GENERAL HEALTH IN THE COMMUNITY, HAD DROPPED FROM 17.4 PER THOUSAND LIVE BIRTHS LN 1974 TO 7.6 IN 1988.
OVER THE LAST DECADE. THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN LIFE EXPECTANCY FROM 70 TO 74 YEARS FOR MEN AND FROM 76 TO 80 YEARS FOR WOMEN.
"THOSE ACHIEVEMENTS OWE MUCH TO THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEM WHICH HAS ENSURED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES ARE WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION." MR CHAU SAID.
"SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 1974 GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER 'THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG’. WE HAVE INVESTED HUGE SUMS IN THE BUILDING OF NEW HOSPITALS AND THE EXTENSION OF EXISTING ONES."
THE NUMBER OF BEDS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAD INCREASED FROM 11,900 TO Till' 1‘RESEN’l 22,1 70 AND Till BED TO POPULATION RATIO IMPROVED FROM 3.9 TO 1.5 PER. THOUSAND POPULATION OVER THE SAME PERIOD, HE SAID.
/” THE EXPANSION .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
8
"THE EXPANSION OF OUR HOSPITAL SYSTEM, BEFORE 1974 AND SINCE, HAD TO TAKE PLACE OVER A PERIOD DURING WHICH THERE WERE SEVERAL MAJOR AND UNEXPECTED INFLUXES OF PEOPLE, WHICH HAVE LED HONG KONG’S ' "'TON TO INCREASE FROM TWO MILLION IN 1951 TO THE PRESENT 5.7 t 1: ■ I , ’ MR CHAU SAID.
THE MOST RECENT SUCH INFLUX WAS THAT WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE ]A'■■ i970’S, WHEN SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE ENTERED HONG KONG >N 'HIE SPACE OF A FEW YEARS.
IS IT AH WONDER THEN THAT THE HOSPITAL BUILDING PROGRAMME LAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP PACE WITH THE EVER-INCREASING DEMANDS PLACED UPON IT?" HE SAID.
IR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THE DAUNTING PROBLEMS THE PUBLIC LOSPiTAI. SYSTEM HAD HAD TO FACE HAD CERTAINLY NOT COME ABOUT BECAUSE 3 HE GOVERNMENT HAD HELD BACK SPENDING ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAD GROWN BY 1064 PER CENT SINCE 1974, WHEN THE WHITE PAPER WAS ISSUED, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE IN REAL TERMS OF 388 PER CENT.
MR CHAU SAID IT WOULD CONSTITUTE 8.9 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE PROPORTION OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ALLOCATED TO MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WAS EXPECTED TO RISE FURTHER TO OVER 11 PER CENT IN 1992/93.
ON TRAINING, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD INVESTED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO INVEST HEAVILY IN THE TRAINING OF THE WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONALS VITAL TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 1974 WHITE PAPER, A SECOND MEDICAL SCHOOL HAD OPENED AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, TWO NEW SCHOOLS OF GENERAL NURSING HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET AND PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITALS AND THE TRAINING OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSES HAD BEEN EXPANDED AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC NOW PROVIDED COURSES LOCALLY FOR THE TRAINING OF A WIDE RANGE OF PARAMEDICAL STAFF.
FOR THE FUTURE, THE RECENT REPORT BY THE WORKING PARTY ON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL. EDUCATION AND TRAINING RECOMMENDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT ALSO IN THE FURTHER TRAINING OF DOCTORS TO SPECIALIST LEVEL.
MR CHAU SAID HE DISAGREED WITH THOSE ALLEGATIONS THAT PATIENTS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS WERE BEING VICTIMISED OR EXPLOITED. "BUT I DO .BELIEVE THAT THEY MUST BE PLACED IN THEIR PROPER CONTEXT," HE SAID.
/"ALL THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
9
’’ALL THAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES HAS BEEN ACHIEVED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A LOW TAX ECONOMY, AND AT MINIMAL EXPENSE TO THE LARGE SECTOR OF THE POPULATION WHICH DEPENDS ON HEAVILY SUBSIDISED MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES,” MR CHAU NOTED.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, I SHOULD POINT OUT THAT ANY HONG KONG RESIDENT WHO REQUIRES HOSPITALISATION IS ADMITTED ON DEMAND TO OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS AT THE COST OF ONLY $26 PER DAY, WHEN THE AVERAGE COST OF AN ACUTE HOSPITAL BED IS $1,050 PER DAY."
THERE MUST BE FEW PLACES IN THE WORLD WHERE SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS AVAILABLE TO THE BULK OF THE POPULATION AT SUCH LOW COST, HE SAID.
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED FIRMLY COMMITTED TO A POLICY WHICH ENSURED THAT NO ONE WAS DEPRIVED, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, OF THE MEDICAL TREATMENT HE REQUIRED, MR CHAU SAID WE MUST RECOGNISE THE CHALLENGES THIS POLICY PRESENTED.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NATURAL AND PROPER THAT THE DEDICATED AND HARDWORKING STAFF OF OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS SHOULD SEEK TO PROVIDE AN EVER IMPROVING STANDARD OF CARE TO THEIR PATIENTS AND THAT THEY SHOULD, AT TIMES, FEEL FRUSTRATED AT THE APPARENT INABILITY OF THE SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE THESE IMPROVEMENTS.
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS INDEED SINCERE IN ITS EFFORTS TO MEET THEIR CONCERNS.
"THE COMING MONTHS WILL PRELUDE MAJOR CHANGES TO THE WAY THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM IS MANAGED AND OPERATED.
"WORRIES AND UNCERTAINTIES ABOUT THE FUTURE ARE INEVITABLE AND ENTIRELY UNDERSTANDABLE.
"BUT WE MUST ENSURE, AT ALL COST, THAT STANDARDS OF PATIENT CARE DO NOT SUFFER AND THAT THE PRESENT HIGH LEVEL OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM, AND THE PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY AND DEDICATION OF OUR STAFF, IS MAINTAINED," MR CHAU CONCLUDED.
/10 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
10 SINCERITY OE GOVT CHALLENGED *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S SINCERITY IN IMPROVING MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WAS CHALLENGED BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), AND HE ALSO CRITICISED ADMINISTRATORS AS BEING INSENSITIVE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEEDY.
DR LEONG WAS LEADING OFF THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON "MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS".
HE QUERIED HOW SERVICES COULD POSSIBLY BE IMPROVED WHEN THE TOTAL BUDGET ALLOCATED TO MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE COMING YEAR WAS REDUCED FROM 9.3 PER CENT TO 8.7 PER CENT AND YET THERE WERE TO BE EXPANDING MEDICAL PROJECTS WITHIN THE SAME PERIOD.
DR LEONG REFERRED TO SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF AN "AILING MEDICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEM WHICH DESERVES A COMPLETE OVERHAUL".
THESE INCLUDED THE "DETESTED" STATE OF CONGESTION IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS; THE COMMON MATTER OF THE SICK HAVING TO WAIT AS LONG AS ONE YEAR TO OBTAIN AN APPOINTMENT FOR A SPECIALIST CONSULTATION; AND THE ABSENCE OF A 24-HOUR PHARMACY SERVICE.
IN CRITICISING THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM, DR LEONG SAID THAT HE WAS NOT SPEAKING AS A DOCTOR BUT AS SOMEONE WHO HAD BEEN A VICTIM, HAVING WORKED IN THAT SYSTEM AND REPEATEDLY SEEN PATIENTS BEING VICTIMISED BY IT.
THE PATIENTS’ MISFORTUNE WITH THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS REFLECTED THE LACK OF PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE EXISTING MEDICAL AND HEALTH DELIVERY SERVICES, HE SAID.
PATIENTS IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WERE EVEN WORSE OFF THAN THOSE IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
"WITH THE SAME HEAVY WORKLOAD ON PATIENT CARE, SUBVENTED HOSPITALS ARE AFFORDED A MUCH LOWER RUNNING SUM PER HOSPITAL BED WHILST THEIR STAFF ARE ENTITLED TO MUCH REDUCED STAFF BENEFITS," HE SAID.
ON THE SITUATION OF PUBLIC DOCTORS AND NURSES, DR LEONG DESCRIBED THE FORMER’S DECISION TO PURSUE GRADED INDUSTRIAL ACTION AS AN EXPLOSION AFTER YEARS OF FRUSTRATION AND YEARS OF NEGLECT.
"THE WARNING SIGNS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ALL TO SEE, BUT HAVE SIMPLY BEEN IGNORED BY THOSE IN CHARGE. THE CONDITION DETERIORATES, BUT TREATMENT, THOUGH ASKED FOR, HAS NEVER BEEN FORTHCOM ING," IIE S AID .
CITING EXAMPLES TO ILLUSTRATE THE FRUSTRATIONS OF DOCTORS IN BOTH GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, DR LEONG NOTED THAT IT WAS NOT UNUSUAL FOR A PUBLIC DOCTOR TO WORK 70 HOURS A WEEK.
/"WHAT SORT .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8,1989
11
"WHAT SORT OF PERFORMANCE COULD ONE EXPECT FROM THE DOCTOR WHO IS COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED AFTER 36 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS STRUGGLE. WHAT KIND OF CARE AND DEVOTION CAN ONE EXPECT OF HIM?" HE ASKED.
SALARY WAS ALSO A BONE OF CONTENTION, DR LEONG SAID. THE DOCTORS AND NURSES HAD MADE REPEATED REQUESTS FOR A SEPARATE PAY SCALE BUT WERE DENIED. YET THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE LEGAL AND SECURITY DEPARTMENTS WERE GIVEN SUCH FLEXIBILITY.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER SINCERELY AN INDEPENDENT PAY SCALE AND ACROSS-THE-BOARD PROFESSIONAL ALLOWANCES FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES.
DR LEONG ASKED FOR IMMEDIATE POSITIVE ACTION FROM THE ADMINISTRATION, AND SAID THAT WHATEVER SHRED OF CONFIDENCE THAT THE STAFF HAD IN THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE LOST IF IT CONTINUED TO HIDE BEHIND THE NOT YET MATERIALISED HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
DR LEONG ALSO REFERRED TO A LACK OF JOB SATISFACTION AMONG GOVERNMENT DOCTORS.
"REPEATED REQUESTS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF WORKING ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS OFFICE SPACE, BETTER CALL ROOMS AND AVAILABILITY OF CLERICAL HELP HAVE FALLEN ON DEAF EARS," HE SAID.
"ALL IS STILL NOT LOST IF THE DOCTORS FEEL THAT THINGS WILL AND CAN IMPROVE IN THE FUTURE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE LACK OF MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE IN HOSPITALS MAKES IMPROVEMENT A MOCKERY."
DR LEONG SAID THE LACK OF A CHANNEL FOR MEDICAL OFFICERS TO AIR THEIR GRIEVANCES WAS ANOTHER FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO FRUSTRATION.
HE BELIEVED THAT GRADED INDUSTRIAL ACTION WAS ONLY ONE FACET OF THEIR EXPRESSION OF DISGUST.
"PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT IS THE STREAM OF WASTAGE OF STAFF INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR," HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT IN THE CASE OF DOCTORS, THE WASTAGE HAD REACHED A CRITICAL RATE OF 10 PER CENT FOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND 23 PER CENT FOR SUBVERTED HOSPITALS, AND MOST OF THE LOSSES OCCURRED AT THE SENIOR LEVEL.
"URGENT MOVES MUST BE MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO CURB THIS WASTAGE WHICH, GIVEN TIME, WILL UNDERMINE THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY," HE CONCLUDED.
/12 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
12
GOVT HAS TAKEN PROBLEMS ON BOARD SQUARELY
******
GOVERNMENT MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL STAFF OUGHT TO HAVE NO FEAR THAT THEIR PLIGHT WOULD BE FORGOTTEN IF THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION WAS CALLED OFF, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"I DO BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE PROBLEMS ON BOARD SQUARELY AND IS SINCERE IN TACKLING THEM," DR IP SAID IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS.
SHE SAID SHE WOULD BE PATIENT, AND URGED THE MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL STAFF ALSO TO BE PATIENT AS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION WOULD TAKE TIME.
HOWEVER, DR IP SAID SHE WAS SAD THAT IT REQUIRED A STRIKE BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ADMIT TO AND REMEDY THE PROBLEMS.
IN RETROSPECT, IT SEEMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD LISTENED TO THE WRONG ADVISERS, HAD PLAYED DOWN THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE IN RELATION TO OTHER SERVICES, OR HAD LACKED ADEQUATE MEDICAL AND HEALTH LEADERSHIP.
DR IP ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST SPLITTING UP THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS. SHE SAID THE TWO WERE INSEPARABLE.
IF THE SPLIT WAS INEVITABLE, SHE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT DOWNGRADE THE POSTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES AND THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH.
SHE ADDED THAT IMPROVING MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO MEET THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE AND TO ACHIEVE A MODERN STANDARD UNDER THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EXISTING LOW FEES WITHOUT DEVELOPING A SYSTEM OF MEDICAL INSURANCE WOULD, IN 10 YEARS, STRAIN THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
--------0 - - _
SUPPORT FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES
*****
GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND NURSES ARE NOT IRRESPONSIBLE IN TAKING INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN THE WAY THEY DO, BEARING IN MIND THE VERY LIMITED SCOPE OF THEIR ACTION AND THE REASONABLE DEMANDS THEY ARE MAKING, THE HON MARTIN LEE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS.
/EXPRESSING FULL .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
13
EXPRESSING FULL SUPPORT FOR THE DOCTORS AND NURSES, MR LEE SAID THAT HE DID NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE VIEW THAT SINCE THE GRIEVANCES THEY RAISED DATED BACK MORE THAN 10 YEARS THEY SHOULD WAIT PATIENTLY FOR ANOTHER YEAR FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO COME UP WITH ITS PROPOSALS FOR REFORM.
"FOR IF ONE V,WI TO APPLY THIS CHOP LOGIC TO A HOSPITAL, IT WOULD MEAN THAT A PATIENT WHO HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM PAIN FOR 10 HOURS SHOULD NO'l BE GIVEN IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BECAUSE HE CAN PROBABLY BEAR IT FOR ANOTHER P OR SO," HE SAID.
MR LEE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION (GDA) HAD OUTLINED SIX PRESSING PROBLEMS IN THEIR EARLIER LETTER TO THE CONVENER OF THE OMELCO HEALTH SERVICES PANEL.
THESE i: Hl' ' OR OUT-PATIENT SERVICES, SHORTAGE IN THE SUPPLY OF LI EN, ' i SHORTAGE OF HOSPITAL BEDS, LACK OF AIR-CONDITIONING IM I' \1. WARDS, A 24-HOUR PHARMACY SERVICE IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS OTHER THAN REGIONAL HOSPITALS, AND WASTING DOCTORS’ TIME BY REQUIRING THEM TO DO CLERICAL WORK.
NOT ONLY WERE ALL THESE CRITICISMS FAIR AND VALID, BUT THE GDA HAD ALSO PROPOSED CLEAR AND SIMPLE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS, MR LEE SAID.
MR LEE SAID HE FAILED TO SEE WHY THESE PROBLEMS WERE STILL THERE.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE OVER THE YEARS HAD BEEN TO PROVIDE MINIMAL SERVICE AT THE MINIMAL COST, AND AS THE PUBLIC HAD GROWN UP WITH THE SYSTEM, THEY HAD ACCEPTED IT AS CHARITY BESTOWED UPON THEM BY THEIR GOVERNMENT.
"I INSIST THAT THIS PHILOSOPHY MUST NOW BE REJECTED. FOR THIS IS THE AGE OF CONSUMER RIGHTS AND HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED INTO A STAGE WHEN ITS PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIFE IMPROVED," MR LEE SAID.
"IT IS THEREFORE THE GOVERNMENT’S UNDOUBTED DUTY TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE COMMENSURATE WITH THE NEEDS OF A MODERN SOCIETY AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ALL PATIENTS HAVE CERTAIN BASIC
RIGHTS."
THESE INCLUDED THE RIGHT TO PROMPT TREATMENT, THE RIGHT TO CONSIDERATE AND RESPECTFUL CARE, THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY, THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND TO MAKE A DECISION IN THE LIGHT OF SUCH INFORMATION,
AND THE RIGHT TO COMPLAIN.
MR LEE SAID THAT HE ACCEPTED THAT IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO OVERHAUL THE WHOLE STRUCTURE Ol GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, AND THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY NEEDED TIME TO DO SO.
HE ALSO ACCEPTED THAT THE PRESENT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE HAD BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING ABOUT SOME IMPROVEMENTS.
/MR LEE ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989 .
14
MR LEE SAID HE WISHED TO THANK GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND NURSES FOR HAVING DRAWN THE PUBLIC'S ATTENTION TO THESE PROBLEMS AND HE SALUTED THEM FOR HAVING DONE SO MUCH FOR THEIR PATIENTS UNDER SUCH TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES AND FOR STILL REMAINING IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
HE REGRETTED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL COULD NOT GIVE ITS SUPPORT BECAUSE IT HAD NO JURISDICTION OVER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE.
------------------0--------- TRADE UNION TACTICS COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE *****
THE TRADE UNION TACTICS ADOPTED BY GOVERNMENT DOCTORS CAN ONLY BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE, AND ARE CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT OF THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH, THE HON JAMES TIEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS, MR TIEN SAID THAT WHILE HE AGREED CONDITIONS IN HOSPITALS WERE INADEQUATE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY THREATS OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION.
THE QUESTION OF A SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES IN THE MEDICAL FIELD WAS A QUESTION OF MEDICAL POLICY, HE SAID.
"WHILE ON MEDICAL QUESTIONS MEDICAL PEOPLE ARE THE PROFESSIONALS, ON HIGH POLICY QUESTIONS THEY MAY BE RATHER TOO SELF-INTERESTED," HE COMMENTED.
MR TIEN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S PROVISIONAL SOLUTIONS INCLUDED THE CREATION OF 74 SENIOR POSTS AND 32 CONSULTANT POSTS, AND A FURTHER 5,000 BEDS IN FOUR YEARS WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF.
HE SUGGESTED THAT, GIVEN THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FIRSTLY TRAIN MORE DOCTORS FROM THE UNIVERSITIES OVER AND ABOVE THE 290 PRODUCED ANNUALLY NOW.
"WITHOUT TAKING THE WASTAGE FACTOR INTO CONSIDERATION, WE SHALL NEED UP TO 1,000 MORE DOCTORS TO ATTEND TO THE EXTRA 5,000 BEDS DUE BY 1992," HE SAID.
MR TIEN SUGGESTED THAT SECONDLY, IF EXPANSION IN THE UNIVERSITIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE WAS IMPOSSIBLE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER "BUYING PLACES" AT OVERSEAS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOLS.
"SUBJECT TO ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS WE COULD, WITH LOANS AND GRANTS, SEND YOUNG PEOPLE FOR TRAINING AS DOCTORS, ON CONDITION THEY RETURNED TO HONG KONG ON COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES," HE SAID.
/MR TIEN .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
15
MR TIEN SAID THAT TO REDUCE THE BURDEN ON AND TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE, THE GOVERNMENT RECRUIT SEVERAL HUNDRED DOCTORS FROM COMMONWEALTH UNITED STATES.
OVERWORKED DOCTORS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY COUNTRIES AND THE
ENHANCED OPORTUNITIES SHOULD ALSO BE CREATED FOR POST-GRADUATE STUDY, SO THAT DOCTORS’ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS COULD BE KEPT UP-TO-DATE.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MOUNT A MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE INTO THE NURSING PROFESSION, HE ADDED.
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TASK FORCE TO REVIEW SERVICES ADVOCATED » » » ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY APPOINT A HIGH POWERED TASK FORCE WHICH SHOULD COME UP WITH A COMPREHENSIVE LONG TERM PACKAGE TO IMPROVE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, THE HON DAVID CHEUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS HOPEFUL THAT SUCH A MOVE WOULD HEAD OFF INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY DOCTORS AND NURSES, MR CHEUNG SAID IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
"THE TASK FORCE SHOULD COMPRISE HIGH LEVEL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REPRESENTING THE ADMINISTRATION, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL PERSONNEL CHOSEN BY THE DOCTORS AND NURSES THEMSELVES AS THEIR RIGHTFUL REPRESENTATIVES AND A THIRD ELEMENT OF NON CIVIL SERVANTS AND NON MEDICAL PERSONNEL BUT PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE WORK, FINANCE AND LABOUR RELATIONS," HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE CHAIRMAN SHOULD COME FROM THE THIRD ELEMENT. THE THIRD ELEMENT WOULD ENSURE GREATER OBJECTIVITY AND SERVE AS A MEANS OF CHECKS AND BALANCES, AND ARBITRATION.
MR CHEUNG URGED GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND NURSES TO STOP THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION.
HE URGED THEM TO BE PATIENT FOR A LITTLE TIME LONGER.
HONG KONG’S OVER-POPULATION HAD RESULTED IN A CONSTANT STRAIN BEING PLACED ON EXISTING RESOURCES, HE SAID.
THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS WERE THE ONLY SOURCE OF MEDICAL CARE FOR THE MANY LESS WELL-OFF PEOPLE.
INDUSTRIAL ACTIONS WOULD, IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, AFFECT THE QUALITY OF SERVICE.
/MR CHEUNG .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
16
MR CHEUNG SAID THAT BASED ON HIS PAST EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH THE GOVERNMENT AS A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, HE COULD SAY WITHOUT HESITATION AND RESERVATION THAT IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN MOST DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO GET THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE ON THINGS BECAUSE GOVERNMENT WAS A HUGE BUREAUCRACY WITH IMPENETRABLE LAYERS.
"THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT PROCRASTINATE. ACT NOW. MEDICAL PERSONNEL MUST NOT START OR PROLONG THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION. STOP NOW," HE URGED.
---------0--------------
PUBLICITY ON INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE ADMINISTRATION IS CURRENTLY MAKING FURTHER EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF TWO INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TWO COVENANTS ARE THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS.
REPLYING TO /X QUESTION FROM THE HON SZETO WAH, SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION PLANNED TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THE TWO COVENANTS AS WELL AS INFORMATION LEAFLETS, ESPECIALLY TO SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
"WE ARE CONSULTING THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE ON WHAT OTHER MEASURES WE MAY TAKE TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CIVIL, POLITICAL. ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS.
"A COMMITTEE ON PROMOTING LEGAL AWARENESS HAS ALSO BEEN FORMED BY THE LAW SOCIETY, TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND OTHER LAWYERS.
THIS COMMITTEE WILL BE DEVISING WAYS TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF LEGAL AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS WORK, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE MAKING SUGGESTION TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS TO AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THEIR ('I VIL RIGHTS AND AWARENESS OF THE TWO COVENANTS.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT SINCE THE MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, THE PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S REPORTS TO THAT COMMITTEE RELATING TO HONG KONG HAD BIEN TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND PLACED IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR THE INFORMATION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
"THESE DOCUMENTS REPORT ON THE MEASURES ADOPTED IN HONG KONG WHICH GIVE EFFECT ’1’0 THE RIGHTS RECOGNISED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS," HR ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
17
RESTRICTION ON EATING, DRINKING AT BEACHES RULED OUT »♦♦♦*»
LITTERING WAS A RELATIVELY INSIGNIFICANT FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE POLLUTION OF WATERS OFF REPULSE BAY AND OTHER BEACHES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT EXISTING BATHING BEACH BY-LAWS DID NOT PROVIDE FOR PROHIBITION OR RESTRICTION OF EATING AND DRINKING ON BEACHES.
HE ADDED THAT ANY ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE STRICTER MEASURES IN THIS REGARD WOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN INFRINGEMENT UPON PEOPLE’S PERSONAL LIBERTIES, AND WOULD BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ENFORCE.
THE PROBLEM OF LITTERING WOULD MORE APPROPRIATELY BE TACKLED BY ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-LITTERING BY-LAWS RATHER THAN CONFINEMENT OF EATING AND DRINKING, HE SAID.
MR LIAO ALSO SAID THAT STRENUOUS EFFORTS WERE MADE BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS TO KEEP BEACHES CLEAN.
THESE EFFORTS INCLUDED THE PROHIBITION OF COOKING OF FOOD EXCEPT IN DESIGNATED SITES, DAILY CLEANSING OPERATIONS, DEPLOYMENT OF ANTI-LITTER SQUADS TO ENFORCE ANTI-LITTERING BY-LAWS, AND THE ANNUAL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
"IN FACT, BEACH-GOERS ARE NOWADAYS MUCH MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN AND IN GENERAL THEY DO BEHAVE THEMSELVES," HE ADDED.
- - - - 0 - - - -
NO DISCREPANCY IN APPLICATION OF POLICY *****
THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTS A GENERAL POLICY WHICH ALLOWS ENTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG WHERE A PERSON POSSESSES A SPECIAL SKILL, KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE OF VALUE TO AND NOT READILY AVAILABLE LOCALLY.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON NELLIE FONG.
FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WERE ADMITTED UNDER TH IS POLICY GOVERNING THE ENTRY OF PERSONS FROM OVERSEAS TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT, MR ASPREY SAID.
"THERE IS NO DISCREPANCY IN THE APPLICATION OF POLICY AS BETWEEN DOMESTIC HELPERS AND OTHER WORKERS.
"OTHER WORKERS FROM OVERSEAS WHO MEET THE ADMISSION CRITERIA CAN BE AND ARE ADMITTED FOR EMPLOYMENT," HF SAID.
0
/18
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
18
STUDY ON IMPROVING LIFT CAR SECURITY
*****
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS INITIATED DISCUSSIONS WITH THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU, THE ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS' ASSOCIATION AND LIFT CONTRACTORS TO STUDY THE BEST WAY OF IMPROVING THE SECURITY IN LIFT CARS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MICHAEL CHENG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID THE STUDY INCLUDED HOW BEST TO MAKE TRAP DOORS AND THE ALARM SYSTEM IN THE LIFT LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO INTERFERENCE.
“ON JANUARY 31, 1989, THE POLICE ARRESTED A FIVE-MEMBER GANG IN CONNECTION WITH 42 ROBBERIES AND TWO RAPE CASES COMMITTED IN LIFT CARS OVER THE LAST 13 MONTHS.
“ONE OF THE MEMBERS, A FORMER LIFT TECHNICIAN, IS BELIEVED TO BE THE PERSON WITH THE SPECIAL SKILL REQUIRED TO OPEN THE TRAP DOOR WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE ALARM,'' MR LIAO SAID.
WITH THE ARREST OF THE GANG AND THE INTRODUCTION OF MEASURES ARISING FROM THE STUDY, IT WAS HOPED THAT SECURITY IN LIFT CARS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WOULD BE IMPROVED, HE ADDED.
ARRESTS MADE IN MAJORITY OF CASES ♦ * * *
THE POLICE MADE AN ARREST IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES OF REPORTED INTIMIDATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WHERE AN ARREST! CANNOT BE MADE, AND WHERE THE PERSON REPORTING THE INCIDENT APPEARS TO BE AT RISK, PROTECTION WILL BE OFFERED BY THE POLICE,' MR ASPREY SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT.
HE SAID 502 CASES OF CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION HAD BEEN REPORTED LAST YEAR, 527 IN 1987 AND 500 IN 1986.
NO DETAILS WERE AVAILABLE OF THE NUMBER OF CASES OF SUBSEQUENT ASSAULTS ON PERSONS WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY REPORTED INTIMIDATION TO THE POLICE.
"THE NUMBER OF SuJh CASES, HOWEVER, IS BELIEVED TO BE VERY SMALL," HE SAID. <1
/MR HUI ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
19
MR HUI HAD REFERRED TO PRESS REPORTS THAT TWO EMPLOYEES OF A MAGAZINE WHO WERE CRIMINALLY WOUNDED HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN INTIMIDATED.
MR ASPREY SAID THAT IN THE CASE THAT HAD GIVEN RISE TO THE QUESTION THE POLICE HAD TWICE OFFERED PROTECTION BUT THE OFFER HAD BEEN DECLINED.
"THE PROTECTION GIVEN BY THE POLICE VARIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE. INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION IS OFFERED WHERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT IT.
"CERTAINLY, ANY ASSAULT ON, OR INTERFERENCE WITH, A PERSON WHO HAD MADE A REPORT OF INTIMIDATION WOULD LEAD TO AN IMMEDIATE OFFER OF INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION," HE ADDED.
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT PROTECTION MIGHT INCLUDE SPECIAL ATTENTION BEING PAID BY POLICE PATROLS TO THE VICTIMS’ PROPERTIES OR PREMISES, OR PROVISION OF A POLICE ESCORT.
WHERE THE RISK TO A PERSON WAS ASSESSED AS SERIOUS, A SAFE HOUSE MIGHT BE PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT NO APPROACH WAS MADE BY SUSPECTS TO TIJE VICTIM OR HIS FAMILY.
"IN CASES WHERE A REPORT HAS LED TO AN ARREST, A ONE-WAY GLASS MIGHT BE USED IN IDENTIFICATION PARADES SO THAT THE SUSPECT COULD NOT SEE THE VICTIM.
"AND THE POLICE WILL, WHERE APPROPRIATE, OPPOSE BAIL FOR A SUSPECT, OR APPLY TO THE COURT FOR AN ORDER THAT THE SUSPECT WHILE ON BAIL KEEP AWAY FROM THE ALLEGED VICTIM," MR ASPREY ADDED.
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CONTINUED VIGILANCE AGAINST PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO TAPES
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAINTAIN FOR SOME TIME ITS PRESENT LEVELS OF VIGILANCE AGAINST PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS.
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID CHEUNG.
MR TSAO SAID SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL IN SEPTEMBER 1987, 956 VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED AS OBSCENE AND 11 AS INDECENT.
ELEVEN OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 978 VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED AS NEITHER OBSCENE NOR INDECENT.
/"I ASSURE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
20
"I ASSURE MEMBERS THAT IF THE NUMBER OF SEIZURES INCREASES, ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR DETECTION WILL BE INTRODUCED," MR TSAO SAID.
"IT IS NOT A MATTER FOR SATISFACTION THAT NEARLY 1,000 PORNOGRAPHIC TITLES SHOULD COME TO LIGHT IN A PERIOD OF SOME 15 MONTHS.
"BUT DURING THIS PERIOD 48 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SENT TO PRISON FOR DEALING IN THEM," HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT REGULARLY SEIZED ITEMS AND TOOK OUT PROSECUTION ACTION OVER OBSCENE AND INDECENT VIDEO TAPES AND DISCS.
THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) ALSO HAD AN INSPECTION TEAM OF FIVE TO LOOK OUT FOR PORNOGRAPHIC OR VIOLENT VIDEO TAPES AND LASER DISCS DISPLAYED IN SHOPS.
SUCH ACTION HAD RESULTED IN 212 PROSECUTIONS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 1987 AND THE END OF 1988, INVOLVING 3,700 VIDEO TAPES.
"OUR STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF VIDEO RENTAL OUTLETS WORK ON A MEMBERSHIP BASIS AND ONLY ACCEPT PERSONS OVER 18 AS MEMBERS," MR TSAO SAID.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN EVIDENCE TO TAKE OUT A PROSECUTION AGAINST ANY VIDEO RENTAL OUTLET FOR RENTING INDECENT MATERIALS TO A JUVENILE.
"PROSECUTIONS HAVE THEREFORE HAD TO BE BASED ON POSSESSION OF OBSCENE ITEMS PRESUMED TO BE FOR SALE OR RENTAL," HE SAID.
REGARDING AMUSEMENT GAMES MACHINES, MR TSAO SAID THAT NINE OUT OF 207 PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS OF AMUSEMENT GAME MACHINES SUBMITTED TO THE TELA HAD BEEN DISAPPROVED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 1987, BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE AND SEX IN THEIR CONTENT.
HE ADDED THAT 744 PROSECUTIONS HAD BEEN INSTITUTED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1987 FOR INSTALLATION OF UNAPPROVED PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS.
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LAW PROVIDES REMEDIES FOR EMPLOYEES
* * * ♦ ♦
LEGISLATION PROVIDES REMEDIES FOR EMPLOYEES IN CASES WHERE EMPLOYERS DELIBERATELY ATTEMPT TO EVADE PAYMENT OF WAGES OR SEVERANCE PAY, WHETHER OR NOT BECAUSE OF A MOVE OF OPERATIONS.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SO CHAU YIM-PING.
/MRS SO ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
21
MRS SO HAD ASKED WHETHER EXISTING LEGISLATION WAS ADEQUATE TO ENABLE EMPLOYEES IN HONG KONG TO RECOVER ARREARS OF WAGES OR SEVERANCE PAY IN CASES WHERE EMPLOYERS DELIBERATELY ATTEMPTED TO EVADE SUCH PAYMENTS WHEN MOVING THEIR FACTORY OPERATIONS INTO CHINA.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE LEGISLATION PROVIDED FIVE REMEDIES. THEY' WERE:
» IF THE EMPLOYER WAS STILL SOLVENT BUT DID NOT PAY THE WAGES, HE COULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER SECTION 63A(1) OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
» ANY EMPLOYEE WHO WAS OWED MONEY BY HIS EMPLOYER AND WHO HAD GOOD GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT HIS EMPLOYER WAS ABOUT TO ABSCOND OR TRANSFER HIS ASSETS ELSEWHERE, COULD APPLY TO THE COURT FOR A WARRANT OF ARREST UNDER SECTION 67 OF THE , EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
1
* IF THE EMPLOYER WAS AN INSOLVENT LIMITED COMPANY SUBJECT TO WINDING UP, HE WAS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 271 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO DELIVER UP ALL THE PROPERTIES OF THE COMPANY IN HIS CUSTODY OR UNDER HIS CONTROL FOR DISPOSAL BY THE COURT.
» IF A COMPANY WAS BEING WOUND UP AND THE LIQUIDATOR OBTAINED FROM THE COURT A DECLARATION THAT THERE HAD BEEN A BREACH OF TRUST OF MISFEASANCE INVOLVING ASSETS OF THE COMPANY, THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE WAS LIABLE TO REPAY OR RESTORE THE VALUE-OF THE ASSETS OR PROPERTY UNDER SECTION 276 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THESE ASSETS COULD BE SOLD BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PREFERENTIAL AND ORDINARY CLAIMS TO EMPLOYEES.
» SECTION 224 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE COURT TO ORDER THE ARREST OF ANY RESPONSIBLE PERSON OF A COMPANY WHO HAD ABSCONDED OR WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG TO EVADE PAYMENT OF PERSONAL DEBTS DUE BY HIM TO THE COMPANY, OR OF AVOIDING EXAMINATION RESPECTING THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY.
THESE POWERS DID NOT APPLY IN RESPECT OF THE GENERAL DEBTS OWING OR OTHER LIABILITIES OF THE COMPANY TO ITS CREDITORS.
MR BRIDGE SAID THAT IN PRACTICE EMPLOYEES SO AFFECTED WENT TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND LODGED THEIR CLAIMS UNDER THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
"THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT ARRANGES CONCILIATION IN THE FIRST INSTANCE," HE SAID.
/"IF CONCILIATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989 '
22
"IF CONCILIATION DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE CASE IS REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL.
"IF THE EMPLOYERS ARE INSOLVENT, WAGES IN ARREARS, WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS OWED TO EMPLOYEES ARE PREFERENTIAL DEBTS UNDER THE COMPANIES AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IF THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE, APPROPRIATE ACTION COULD BE TAKEN UNDER THE CRIMINAL LAW.
"IN ALL CASES, THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT IS AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES WHO MAY WISH TO PURSUE ANY CLAIMS AGAINST A DEFAULTING EMPLOYER," HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE SAID EMPLOYEES MIGHT ALSO RECEIVE HELP UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE, WHICH AT PRESENT COVERED WAGES IN ARREARS AND WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE.
"WITHIN THE CURRENT SESSION 1 HOPE TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE A BILL INTO THIS COUNCIL TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE TO COVER SEVERANCE PAY," HE ADDED.
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BENEFITS OF ’TRADING FUND’ SYSTEM BEING EXAMINED
*****
IT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT TO SEEK CONTINUOUSLY TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE SO THAT WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT IN THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE MANNER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO PUT SOME DEPARTMENTS UNDER A "TRADING FUND" ACCOUNTING SYSTEM WHEREBY SUCH DEPARTMENTS WOULD IMPOSE CHARGES ON SERVICES PROVIDED TO OTHER USER DEPARTMENTS.
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING THE BENEFITS OF INTRODUCING A TRADING FUND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM IN SOME OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS.
TRADING FUNDS, IF INTRODUCED, SHOULD HELP RAISE THE COST CONSCIOUSNESS OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN SECURING SERVICES FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"ALTHOUGH DEPARTMENTS WITH TRADING FUND ACCOUNTS SHOULD HAVE GREATER FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY THAN TRADITIONAL DEPARTMENTS, THEIR STAFF WOULD REMAIN PART OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND SUBJECT TO ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS," HE POINTED OUT.
"THERE IS STILL A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF WORK TO BE DONE BEFORE WE ARE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER TRADING FUNDS ARE APPROPRIATE FOR OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WE WILL NOT EMBARK UPON ANY MAJOR CHANGE BEFORE THE ISSUES CONCERNED HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY CONSIDERED."
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FIRE SAFETY AT THA’S, RENTAL UNITS SATISFACTORY ******
FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND ANNUAL CHECKS BY A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUI YIN-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FIRE SERVICES (INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS OF THE FIRE SERVICE ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, MR LIAO SAID, THERE WERE FREQUENT INSPECTIONS BY MANAGEMENT STAFF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE EQUIPMENT CONTINUED TO BE SERVICEABLE.
"THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE PROVED TO BE SATISFACTORY," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR LIAO DID CONCEDE THAT A PROBLEM HAD ARISEN RECENTLY IN A FIRE WHICH OCCURRED AT YICK YUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN YUEN LONG LAST DECEMBER.
"IN THIS CASE, A FAULT IN AN AUTOMATIC ELECTRICAL SWITCH AFFECTED THE OPERATION OF A FIRE PUMP AND A FIRE ALARM.
"THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THE SWITCH HAS SINCE BEEN REPAIRED," HE SAID.
MR LIAO ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES AGREED WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF THE CLEARANCE OF FIRE SITES.
"ONCE A FIRE HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TEMPORARY BARRIERS TO PREVENT UNAUTHORISED ENTRY ARE ERECTED AROUND THE SITE IMMEDIATELY, WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL HOARDINGS PROVIDED WITHIN 10 DAYS.
"MOREOVER, THE SITE IS KEPT DAMP BY SPRAYING WATER, AND CLEARANCE IS ARRANGED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, NORMALLY WITHIN 14 DAYS," HE SAID.
AND IN CASE ASBESTOS DEBRIS WAS FOUND, AN APPROVED SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR WOULD BE ENGAGED TO HANDLE ITS REMOVAL.
MR LIAO DESCRIBED THESE MEASURES AS HAVING PROVED SATISFACTORY IN KEEPING THE PUBLIC AWAY FROM FIRE SITES UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE AREAS HAD BEEN CLEARED.
"IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE IN PUBLIC RENTAL UNITS, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL LOCK UP OR SEAL OFF THE AFFECTED UNITS AS APPROPRIATE UNTIL REPAIRS ARE CARRIED OUT," HE ADDED.
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TRUST FUNDS ACHIEVE REMARKABLE GROWTH
*«**»»
STATUTORY TRUST FUNDS HAD ACHIEVED REMARKABLE GROWTH DESPITE FOUR PREVIOUS STOCK MARKET FALLS.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ROSANNA TAM.
MR LIAO SAID THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE TRUST FUNDS AND THE JUDICIOUS ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUNDS BY STATUTORY COMMITTEES PROVIDED THE BEST SAFEGUARD AGAINST UNDUE SPECULATION AND IMPROPER INVESTMENT.
THE OPERATION OF THE EIGHT STATUTORY TRUST FUNDS UNDER THE TRUSTEESHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION INCORPORATED WAS OVERSEEN BY THE STATUTORY COMMITTEES WHICH MADE DECISIONS ON INVESTMENT MATTERS, HE SAID.
THE INVESTMENTS OF TWO OF THE FUNDS - SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TRUST FUND AND THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND, WERE HANDLED BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE STATUTORY COMMITTEES CONCERNED.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WAS MONITORED CLOSELY BY THE COMMITTEES WHICH ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS TO THEM FROM TIME TO TIME.
AS FOR THE OTHER TRUST FUNDS, THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS WERE ADMINISTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADVICE OF THE STATUTORY COMMITTEES AND CHANGES WERE MADE WHEN NECESSARY UPON PERIODICAL REVIEWS.
MR LIAO SAID ALL THE TRUST FUNDS OPERATED ON THE BASIS THAT ONLY THEIR RECURRENT INCOME WAS USED FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE PURPOSES IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THEIR CAPITAL FOR POSTERITY.
EACH FUND MAINTAINED A BALANCED INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO COMPRISING EQUITIES, BONDS AND BANK DEPOSITS.
WHILST BONDS AND BANK DEPOSITS WERE LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO MARKET PRICE FLUCTUATIONS, THEY GENERALLY DID NOT APPRECIATE IN CAPITAL VALUE.
INCOME FROM THESE INVESTMENTS REMAINED HROADLY THE SAME IN MONETARY TERMS YEAR AFTER YEAR, AND ITS PURCHASING POWER WAS LIKELY TO BE ERODED BY INFLATION.
A SUITABLE PROPORTION OF EACH PORTFOLIO WAS THUS INVESTED IN QUALITY EQUITIES OF PROVEN TRACK RECORDS AND GOOD PROSPECTS TO ACHIEVE LONG-TERM GROWTH IN BOTH CAPITAL AND INCOME, MR LIAO SAID.
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MAJOR CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE CHILD CARE
*«»«*»
THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH IS NOW PLANNING A MAJOR CAMPAIGN, TO BE LAUNCHED THIS SUMMER, WHICH WILL AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CHILD NEGLECT, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN SUPPORTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE CHILD.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, STATED THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ROSANNA TAM.
MRS TAM HAD ASKED WHETHER ANY MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROPER SUPERVISION OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THEIR CARE AND TO THEIR LIABILITY UNDER THE JUVENILE OFFENDERS ORDINANCE.
"WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING WHETHER IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO INCLUDE IN THE CAMPAIGN REFERENCE TO PARENTS' LIABILITY UNDER THE JUVENILE OFFENDERS ORDINANCE," MR ASPREY SAID.
APART FROM THE MAJOR CAMPAIGN, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HAD IN RECENT YEARS LAUNCHED A NUMBER OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS.
THESE CAMPAIGNS WERE ALL DESIGNED WITH RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP AS THE MAIN THEMES.
"BOOKLETS, POSTERS AND CALENDARS HAVE BEEN WIDELY DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC; NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, TELEVISION AND RADIO HAVE BEEN USED," HE SAID.
EXHIBITIONS, COMPETITIONS AND FAMILY CAMPS HAD ALSO BEEN ORGANISED TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES.
IN ADDITION, SOCIAL WORKERS, AS WELL AS COUNSELLING CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS, ALSO COUNSELLED THEIR PARENTS.
THIS WAS TO HELP THEM TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THEIR PARENTAL ROLE, AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROPER CARE AND SUPERVISION OF THEIR CHILDREN.
FURTHERMORE, THE FIGHT CRIME PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS ON TRIAD INVOLVEMENT, DRUGS AND SHOPLIFTING, WHILST AIMING PRIMARILY TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC TO THESE CRIMES, ALSO HAD THE EFFECT OF DRAWING THE ATTENTION OF PARENTS TO THIS ENI), MR ASPREY SAID.
SEPARATELY, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, A TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMME ON JUVENILE CRIME, WHICH WOULD EMPHASISE THE DANGERS OF PARENTAL NEGLECT, WAS UNDER PREPARATION AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE SCREENED SHORTLY. HE ADDED.
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OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOUND FOR
* t
MILDLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS » » *
THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY PLACED 181 MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 30 PER CENT OVER THE COMPARABLE FIGURE FOR 1987.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, STATED THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS OVER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS WHO WISHED TO BE EMPLOYED BUT HAD NOT YET FOUND JOBS.
HOWEVER, THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION WAS CURRENTLY ASSISTING ANOTHER 171 MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS TO FIND SUITABLE JOBS, HE ADDED.
MR CHAU SAID THE EMPLOYMENT OF THESE MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS IN VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES HELPED, TO A VERY LIMITED EXTENT, TO ALLEVIATE THE CURRENT LABOUR SHORTAGE.
HE SAID THE PLACEMENTS ACHIEVED BY THE DIVISION WERE MAINLY THE RESULT OF ITS PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS TO ENHANCE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS OF VARIOUS CATEGORIES.
LAST YEAR, THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, AND AN EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
TWO DISTRICT-BASED EXHIBITIONS ON THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED AND A PRESENTATION OF SOUVENIRS TO OUTSTANDING EMPLOYERS OF DISABLED PERSONS HAD ALSO BEEN HELD DURING THE YEAR.
FURTHERMORE, OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION MADE REGULAR VISITS TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO EMPLOY DISABLED PERSONS, HE EXPLAINED.
THEY ALSO GAVE TALKS TO DISABLED STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS AND TO OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND TRAINING CENTRES.
THESE EFFORTS WERE MADE TO PROVIDE THE STUDENTS WITH ADEQUATE EMPLOYMENT MARKET INFORMATION AND TO INTRODUCE THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ASSIST THEM.
ON THE QUESTION OF SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT, MR CHAU SAID THIS WAS PROVIDED TO THOSE DISABLED PERSONS WHO COULD NOT ENTER INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF 1'IIEIR DISABILITY.
/SHELTERED WORKSHOP .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
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’’SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES ARE PROVIDED FOR ALL DISABLED GROUPS AND NOT JUST MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS ALTHOUGH IN PRACTICE OVER 60 PER CENT OF SHELTERED WORKERS BELONG TO THIS GROUP,” HE POINTED OUT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE CURRENT ANNUAL COST FOR A PLACE IN A SHELTERED WORKSHOP AMOUNTED TO $14,849, OF WHICH PER CAPITA COST ACCOUNTED FOR $12,869 AND INCENTIVE PAYMENTS, CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF 22 WORKING DAYS PER MONTH, MADE UP THE REMAINDER.
"DISABILITY ALLOWANCE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CALCULATION BECAUSE IT IS GRANTED ON ACCOUNT OF A PERSON’S DISABILITY BUT NOT HIS STATUS AS A WORKER IN A SHELTERED WORKSHOP,” MR CHAU SAID.
ON THE ESTIMATED DEMAND FOR SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, MR CHAU SAID THE 1987 REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN ESTIMATED THE NUMBER OF PLACES NEEDED FROM THE YEAR 1989-90 ONWARDS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD RESPECTIVELY BE 5,299, 5,366, 5,431, 5,492 AND 5,550.
"IF HALF OF THESE PLACES WERE TO BE MET THROUGH SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENT, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL SAVING WOULD BE $40.3 MILLION, ALTHOUGH SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WOULD BE REQUIRED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION.
"HOWEVER, ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF SHELTERED WORKERS ARE SUITABLE FOR OPEN EMPLOYMENT, AND IT IS UNLIKELY THAT AS MANY AS HALF OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS COULD BE SO PLACED,” HE SAID.
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BILL AIMS AT CONFISCATION OF DRUG MONEY ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO COMBAT ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING IS TO DEPRIVE THE TRAFFICKERS OF THEIR ILL-GOTTEN GAINS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) BILL 1989, MR ASPREY SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO EMPOWER THE COURTS TO FREEZE AND CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
MR ASPREY SAID THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED NEW POWERS OF INVESTIGATION TO PERMIT THE IDENTIFICATION OF SUCH PROCEEDS.
IN ADDITION, IT WOULD CREATE NEW OFFENCES OF ASSISTING A PERSON TO RETAIN OR CONCEAL THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND WOULD ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF CONFISCATION ORDERS MADE BY THE COURTS OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
/"AT PRESENT .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989 28
"AT PRESENT THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE HAS PROVISION FOR THE FORFEITURE OF MONEY OR PROPERTY RECEIVED BY ANY PERSON AS A RESULT OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCE," MR ASPREY SAID.
"HOWEVER, THIS APPLIES ONLY WHERE THE MONEY OR PROPERTY CAN BE /’ROVED TO BE RELATED DIRECTLY TO THE SPECIFIC OFFENCE FOR WHICH A PERSON HAS BEEN CHARGED.
"THE WEALTH ACCUMULATED BY A TRAFFICKER FROM HIS PAST ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES CAN THUS REMAIN LARGELY INTACT AND AVAILABLE TO HIM, DESPITE HIS CONVICTION ON A SPECIFIC OFFENCE," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE HIGH COURT OR DISTRICT COURT, BEFORE SENTENCING A CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKER, TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE OFFENDER HAD BENEFITTED FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING.
IT WOULD BE DONE IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER OR NOT THIS BENEFIT HAD RESULTED FROM THE OFFENCE OF WHICH HE HAD BEEN CONVICTED.
"IF HE HAS SO BENEFITTED, THE COURT WILL ASSESS HIS PROCEEDS AND IMPOSE A CONFISCATION ORDER," MR ASPREY SAID.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS ASSESSMENT, THE COURT MIGHT MAKE CERTAIN REBUTTABLE ASSUMPTIONS UNDER CLAUSE 4.
THE COURT MIGHT ASSUME THAT THE WHOLE OF THE TRAFFICKER’S PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF HIS CONVICTION, TOGETHER WITH ANY PROPERTY WHICH HAD PASSED THROUGH HIS HANDS DURING THE PREVIOUS SIX YEARS, REPRESENTED THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
THE COURT MIGHT ALSO ASSUME THAT ALL HIS EXPENDITURE IN THAT SIX YEAR PERIOD WAS PAID OUT OF SUCH PROCEEDS.
REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF CONFISCATION ORDERS, THE COURTS WOULD HAVE THE POWER UNDER CLAUSES 10 AND 11 TO FREEZE A PERSON'S PROPERTY BY IMPOSING RESTRAINT AND CHARGING ORDERS, MR ASPREY SAID.
THE COURTS WOULD ALSO HAVE THE POWER TO FIX AN ADDITIONAL TERM OF IMPRISONMENT, UNDER CLAUSE 8, TO BE SERVED BY THE OFFENDER IN THE EVENT THAT HE FAILED TO COMPLY X SUCH ORDERS, HE SAID.
A NEW OFFENCE OF ASSISTING A PERSON TO RETAIN OR CONCEAL PROCEEDS FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING WOULD BE CREATED UNDER CLAUSE 25, MR ASPREY SAID.
THE PURPOSE WAS TO COUNTERACT DRUG TRAFFICKERS’ ATTEMPTS TO RETAIN THEIR ILLEGAL PROFITS, OFTEN BY DISGUISING THEIR ASSETS BY WHAT WAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "LAUNDERING” OF MONEY.
"THE OFFENCE WILL CARRY A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF 14 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
/"HOWEVER, NO ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
29
"HOWEVER, NO OFFENCE WILL BE COMMITTED IF A TRANSACTION WHICH IS BELIEVED OR SUSPECTED TO HAVE THIS PURPOSE IS REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE AUTHORITIES," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID THAT BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN PARTICULAR WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS OBLIGATION TO REPORT KNOWLEDGE OR SUSPICION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
TO ASSIST THEM TO COMPLY WITH THIS NEW REQUIREMENT, MR ASPREY SAID THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE HONG KONG DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION HAD DRAW UP MODEL GUIDELINES FOR THEIR MEMBERS.
THESE WOULD ENSURE THAT PROPER INTERNAL PROCEDURES WERE IN PLACE FOR INDIVIDUAL STAFF TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS TO A DESIGNATED MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT, WHO WOULD IN TURN REPORT SUCH TRANSACTIONS TO THE AUTHORITIES WHERE HE SHARED THE SUSPICIONS, HE SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WOULD BE PROVIDED THE POWER, UNDER CLAUSES 28 AND 29, TO DESIGNATE BY ORDER COUNTRIES OR TERRIXORIES WHOSE CONFISCATION ORDERS, AND ORDERS FOR RESTRAINT OF PROPERTY LIABLE TO CONFISCATION, WOULD BE ENFORCEABLE IN HONG KONG.
"WE INTEND THAT THIS BE DONE ON THE BASIS OF RECIPROCITY,” HE SAID.
"IT WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO CO-OPERATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS IN EFFORTS TO PREVENT CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS FROM RETAINING THEIR ILLEGAL PROFITS BY TRANSFERRING THEM OVERSEAS."
MR ASPREY SAID THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL WOULD REQUIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AND THE JUDICIARY.
"THE COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $21 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION OF THE LEGISLATION, RISING TO APPROXIMATELY $28 MILLION IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME AND THEREAFTER," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO APPOINT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE TO ASSIST IN INVESTIGATIONS AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF CONFISCATION ORDERS.
"THIS IS ESTIMATED TO COST AN ADDITIONAL $10 MILLION PER YEAR.”
MR ASPREY SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO GENERATE REVENUE.
IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO FORECAST ACCURATELY HOW MUCH THIS WOULD BE, BUT EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS INDICATED THAT THE AMOUNT WAS LIKELY TO BE CONSIDERABLE.
IT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE GENERATED WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY EXCEED THE RECURRENT COSTS OF ENFORCING THE LEGISLATION, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/30 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
30 MOTION ON FUTURES EXCHANGE MEETING PASSED * ♦ » » »
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED A MOTION WHICH WILL ALLOW THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LIMITED TO POSTPONE HOLDING ITS THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING BY A FURTHER THREE MONTHS TO JULY 1.
THE MOTION WAS MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LIMITED (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT TO FACILITATE THE SELF-INITIATED REFORMS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE ALONG THE LINES PROPOSED BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE, THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN ENACTED ON JULY 14 LAST YEAR.
THIS EFFECTIVELY POSTPONED THE HOLDING OF THE THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LIMITED DUE TO BE HELD ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30 LAST YEAR BY A PERIOD OF UP TO SIX MONTHS TO APRIL 1.
SECTION 5 OF THE ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR A FURTHER POSTPONEMENT OF THREE MONTHS BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE HAD HELD AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 23 TO SEEK SHAREHOLDERS’ ENDORSEMENT OF ITS RECONSTITUTION PACKAGE.
THIS PACKAGE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE STRUCTURE, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND RISK MANAGEMENT OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE ALONG THE LINES RECOMMENDED BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE.
’’THREE RESOLUTIONS WHICH CONCERNED REVISIONS TO CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND THE MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE WERE PASSED WITHOUT DIFFICULTY,” MR JACOBS SAID.
"A FOURTH RESOLUTION WHICH CONCERNED RECONSTITUTION OF THE BOARD AND THE PROPOSED DISENFRANCHISEMENT IN DUE COURSE OF NON-MEMBER SHAREHOLDERS AND THOSE MEMBERS IN DEFAULT OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS WAS ENDORSED BY JUST OVER 74 PER CENT OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE MEETING.”
THE RESOLUTION THUS NARROWLY MISSED THE 75 PER CENT MAJORITY VOTE REQUIRED FOR ITS ADOPTION AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION.
’’THE FACT THAT THE RECONSTITUTION PROPOSALS WERE SUPPORTED BY ALMOST ALL ACTIVE MEMBER-SHAREHOLDERS WHO ATTENDED THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING INDICATES GENERAL SUPPORT OF MARKET USERS FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS PUT FORTH BY THE BOARD OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE,” MR JACOBS SAID.
"IN VIEW OF THESE ENCOURAGING SIGNS, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PRESENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS, INCLUDING THOSE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WHO HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN PROPOSING THESE REFORMS, TO RETAIN THEIR POSITIONS FOR A FEW MORE MONTHS TO ASSIST TN SEEING THROUGH A FULL RECONSTITUTION OF THE EXCHANGE.”
/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
31 COUNCILLORS SUPPORT BILL TO PLUG TAX LOOPHOLE * * ♦ ♦ *
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, WHICH SOUGHT TO PLUG A LOOPHOLE IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WAS SUPPORTED BY THE HON PETER POON AND THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR POON NOTED THAT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE NON-RESIDENTS OPERATING IN HONG KONG EARNING ASSESSABLE INCOME OR PROFITS HERE WERE TAXED THROUGH THEIR AGENTS IN HONG KONG.
A RECENT COURT CASE DECIDED THAT IF THE PARTIES WERE DEALING DIRECTLY ON A PRINCIPAL TO PRINCIPAL BASIS, TAX DUE BY THE NON-RESIDENT WAS NOT RECOVERABLE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE THROUGH THE PARTY WHO PAID SUCH A NON-RESIDENT.
THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT BILL WAS MAINLY TO PLUG THIS LOOPHOLE.
MR POON ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL BILL, CONCERN HAI) BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE SCOPE OF SOME PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WAS TOO WIDE AND COULD CAUSE HARDSHIP AND UNCERTAINTY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE SAID A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP, OF WHICH HE WAS CONVENER, HAD BEEN SET UP TO STUDY THE BILL AND HAD CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE VARIOUS REPRESENTATIONS MADE.
IT HAD AGREED WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON A NUMBER OF COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS WHICH, IN THE VIEW OF THE AD HOC GROUP, WOULD ALLEVIATE THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BUT WOULD NEVERTHELESS ENABLE THE AUTHORITIES TO COLLECT TAX DUE BY NON-RESIDENTS.
MR WONG SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE AMENDED BILL HAD BEEN FOUND ACCEPTABLE TO TAX PRACTITIONERS WHILE CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS, HOWEVER, DISAPPOINTED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE DID NOT SEE FIT TO RELEASE HIS ’’PRACTICE NOTES" AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE AMENDMENT WAS BEING ENACTED.
THE "PRACTICE NOTES" WOULD GIVE THE FULL DETAILS OF HOW THE COMMISSIONER INTENDED TO APPLY THE LAW IN PRACTICE, MR WONG SAID.
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL TO MR POON AND MR WONG FOR THEIR SUPPORT, AND HE ALSO THANKED MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THE CAREFUL AND DETAILED CONSIDERATION THAT THEY HAD GIVEN TO THE MEASURE.
/"WITH REGARD ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989 '
32
"WITH REGARD TO THE COMMENTS OF MR WONG ON THE TIMING OF THE RELEASE OF PRACTICE NOTES, IT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND THAT PRACTICE NOTES ARE NO MORE THAN A STATEMENT OF DEPARTMENTAL PRACTICE ISSUED FOR THE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE OF TAXPAYERS," MR JACOBS SAID.
"THEY HAVE NO BINDING FORCE AND DO NOT AFFECT A PERSON’S RIGHT OF OBJECTION OR APPEAL UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE."
IN MANY CASES AMENDMENTS COULD BE MADE TO THE ORDINANCE WITHOUT THE NEED TO ISSUE A PRACTICE NOTE.
AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND HE CONSIDERED THAT THE CORRECT TIME FOR THE ISSUE OF A PRACTICE NOTE SHOULD BE SHORTLY AFTER THE LAW HAD BEEN ENACTED.
"IN THE PRESENT CASE THE DATE FOR THE NEW PROVISION TO COME INTO OPERATION IS APRIL 1, 1989," HE SAID.
"THE COMMISSIONER HAS ADVISED ME THAT THE PRACTICE NOTE WILL BE ISSUED BEFORE THEN.
"I CAN, HOWEVER, GIVE THE ASSURANCE SOUGHT BY MR WONG THAT A PRACTICE DOES EXIST OF ALLOWING A DEDUCTION TO NON-RESIDENT ENTERTAINERS AND SPORTSMEN OF AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO ONE-THIRD OF THE INCOME DERIVED."
----------0-------------
FOUR BILLS PASSED t * »
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
IN ADDITION, THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) BILL 1989 WAS INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE WAS HELD ON THE MATTER OF "MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS."
THE DEBATE WAS LED OFF BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. ('HAU, REPLIED FOR THE ADMINISTRATION.
0
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
33
'BELT UP’ MESSAGE IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH ONLY * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS SO THAT THE NOTICE TO BE DISPLAYED IN TAXIS INFORMING FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS THAT THEY MUST WEAR A SAFETY SEAT BELT WILL BE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ONLY.
THE MOTION AFFECTS THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1989.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE HON RONALD ARCULLI SAID UNDER REGULATION 7 OF THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, IT WAS PROVIDED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR A NOTICE IN CHINESE, ENGLISH AND JAPANESE MUST BE DISPLAYED IN TAXIS INFORMING PASSENGERS THAT UNDER THE LAWS IT WAS COMPULSORY FOR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS TO WEAR A SAFETY SEAT BELT.
MR ARCULLI SAID THAT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD CONSIDERED THE PROVISION CAREFULLY AND FELT THAT THE WRONG MESSAGE MIGHT BE GIVEN IF THE LAWS WERE TO DIRECT THAT SUCH A SIMPLE MATTER WARRANTED A LEGAL NOTICE IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
FURTHERMORE, JAPANESE VISITORS MIGHT NOT APPRECIATE BEING SINGLED OUT IN SUCH A WAY, HE ADDED.
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/34 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
34
FIXED RATES OF HONORARIA FOR MEDICAL STAFF APPROVED ******
CERTAIN MEDICAL STAFF IN BOTH GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WHO, DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE, CONSISTENTLY HAVE TO WORK UNUSUALLY LONG HOURS TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED WILL RECEIVE FIXED RATES OF HONORARIA.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
THE RATES FOR MEDICAL OFFICERS AND SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICERS WILL BE FIXED AT EITHER $1,750 OR $3,500 PER MONTH WHILE THE RATE FOR CONSULTANTS WILL BE $1,750, ALL DEPENDING ON THE CLINICAL UNITS IN WHICH THEY WORK OR SERVICES THEY PROVIDE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DUE TO THE ACUTE SHORTAGE OF MEDICAL STAFF, A SITUATION EXACERBATED BY THE HIGH WASTAGE RATE OF EXPERIENCED MEDICAL OFFICERS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE MAJORITY OF MEDICAL STAFF ON-CALL DUTIES IN CERTAIN VERY BUSY CLINICAL UNITS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAVE TO WORK CONSISTENTLY LONG HOURS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE MEDICAL SUPERVISION OF PATIENTS OUTSIDE NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
UNDER NORMAL RULES, CIVIL SERVANTS IN ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL GRADES, IRRESPECTIVE OF RANK AND PAY POINTS, ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME ALLOWANCES AND HONORARIA FOR OVERTIME WORK.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THE CONSISTENTLY AND UNUSUALLY LONG HOURS OF WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE MEDICAL STAFF CONCERNED ARE SIGNIFICANTLY IN EXCESS OF ANY NORMAL OVERTIME WORK NORMALLY EXPECTED OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF.
’’SUCH PROLONGED HOURS OF WORK UNDOUBTEDLY PLACE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO PLACE, A CONSIDERABLE BURDEN ON THE MEDICAL STAFF CONCERNED AND INEVITABLY CAUSE A DEGREE OF DISRUPTION TO THEIR FAMILY AND SOCIAL LIVES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TN VIEW OF THE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, PAYMENT OF AN HONORARIUM IS JUSTIFIED."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WILL REVIEW THE CONTINUED NEED FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE HONORARIUM WHEN SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE TO THE MEDICAL STAFF POSITION.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT IS ESTIMATED TO COST THE GOVERNMENT AN ADDITIONAL OF ABOUT $50 MILLION PER ANNUM.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
35
NEW RADIO CHANNEL FOR TRAFFIC, WEATHER NEWS * * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED THE FUNDING FOR A NEW RADIO CHANNEL TO BROADCAST TRAFFIC NEWS, WEATHER AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC.
THE $3.4 MILLION PROJECT WILL PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION ON A REGULAR AND REPEATED BASIS IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, FROM 6 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
THE STATION WILL BE OPERATED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK).
RTHK HAS ALREADY DEVELOPED CONTACTS WITH 30 GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE TRAFFIC-RELATED ORGANISATIONS, WHICH ARE READY TO PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION TO THE NEW CHANNEL.
COMMENTING ON THE PROPOSAL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS AN ACUTE NEED FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC, WEATHER AND OTHER HAZARDS.
SERIOUS CONGESTION COULD BUILD UP EXTREMELY QUICKLY IN THE EVENT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OR OTHER INCIDENTS DUE TO THE COMPACT SIZE AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF DISSEMINATING EMERGENCY INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC WAS BY ESTABLISHING A NEW CHANNEL DEDICATED TO THE PURPOSE.
AT PRESENT, RTHK BROADCAST TRAFFIC ANNOUNCEMENT EVERY 30 MINUTES DURING RUSH HOURS AND HOURLY AT OTHER TIMES, WHILE COMMERCIAL RADIO ALSO MADE SUCH ANNOUNCEMENTS AT REGULAR INTERVALS.
”A SEPARATE CHANNEL IS NECESSARY AS THE POINT HAS BEEN REACHED THAT MORE TRAFFIC INFORMATION WOULD MEAN SERIOUS DISRUPTION TO NORMAL PROGRAMME SCHEDULING AND ANNOYANCE TO THE LISTENERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO PROVIDE THE NEW SERVICE. AN ADDITIONAL MEDIUM FREQUENCY (MF) TRANSMITTER WILL BE INSTALLED AT RTHK9S TRANSMITTER SITE AT GOLDEN HILL AND ASSOCIATED STUDIO FACILITIES INSTALLED AT BROADCASTING HOUSE.
AN EXISTING SMALL RADIO CONTINUITY STUDIO AT BROADCASTING HOUSE WILL ALSO BE MODIFIED AND EQUIPPED.
INITIALLY, A SPARE MAST ANTENNA AT GOLDEN HILL AND ONE OF THE EXISTING TRANSMITTERS WILL BE UTILISED TO START THE SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE TRANSMITTER WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW ONE IN MID-1989.
THE NEW CHANNEL WILL BROADCAST IN MF AS THERE IS NO SPARE CHANNEL AVAILABLE IN THE VERY HIGH FREQUENCY BAND.
/36 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
36
ELECTORS URGED TO CAST VOTES TOMORROW
******
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPEALED TO THE 1.2 MILLION ELECTORS IN THE CONTESTED CONSTITUENCIES TO VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATES OF THEIR CHOICE IN TOMORROW’S URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS.
VOTING WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 AM AT 245 POLLING STATIONS WHICH WILL CLOSE AT 10.30 PM.
A TELEPHONE HOTLINE, 5-8653911, HAS BEEN SET UP TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT ELECTORS MAY WISH TO ASK.
TWENTY-SIX CANDIDATES WILL BE VYING FOR 11 SEATS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND 20 OTHERS FOR NINE SEATS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
SEVEN OTHER CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN DECLARED ELECTED UNCONTESTED — FOUR TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THREE TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT TOMORROW’S ELECTIONS WOULD BE THE THIRD OF THE CURRENT SET OF ELECTIONS WITHIN A YEAR.
"HOWEVER, I SINCERELY HOPE THAT REGISTERED ELECTORS WILL REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING THEIR CHOICE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE THREE LEVELS OF THE SYSTEM OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, AND THE PART THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS PLAY IN THE ENHANCEMENT OF THEIR DAILY LIFE," HE SAID.
"SO I CALL ON ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS TO SPARE A LITTLE BIT OF THEIR TIME TOMORROW TO CAST THEIR VOTES. THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS DESERVE THEIR SUPPORT."
MR SUEN NOTED THAT THE VOTING PROCEDURE WAS SIMPLE AND QUICK.
"ALL AN ELECTOR HAS TO DO IS TO MAKE UP HIS MIND AS TO WHICH CANDIDATE IS THE MOST SUITABLE CHOICE.
"HE SHOULD THEN BRING ALONG HIS POLL CARD AND IDENTITY CARD TO HIS DESIGNATED POLLING STATION, OBTAIN A BALLOT PAPER, MARK A CROSS IN THE BOX AGAINST THE CANDIDATE OF HIS CHOICE, FOLD UP THE BALLOT PAPER AND PUT IT IN THE BALLOT BOX."
FOR THOSE ELECTORS WHO ARE UNABLE TO MARK THEIR BALLOT PAPERS THEMSELVES, SUCH AS HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, MR SUEN SAID THE PRESIDING OFFICERS OR THEIR ASSISTANTS AT THE POLLING STATIONS WOULD BE READY TO HELP.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
37
HE SAID THE POLLING STATIONS WOULD BE MANNED BY ABOUT 3,600 OFFICERS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHO WERE ALL AWARE OF THE NEED TO REMAIN NEUTRAL AND IMPARTIAL IN PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES.
COUNTING OF VOTES WILL START SOON AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE POLL AT 10.30 PM. A TOTAL OF 15 COUNTING CENTRES WILL BE SET UP, ONE FOR EACH DISTRICT WHERE POLLING HAS TAKEN PLACE.
MR SUEN ALSO HAD A WORD OF ADVICE FOR THE CANDIDATES.
"I WISH TO EMPHASISE THAT ALTHOUGH IT IS RECOGNISED THAT SOME FORM OF CANVASSING IS A PART OF CAMPAIGNING, OVER-ENTHUSIASTIC APPROACHES MAY CAUSE INCONVENIENCE TO VOTERS AND HENCE MAY WELL BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE,” HE SAID.
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12TH JLG MEETING TO BE HELD IN PEKING *****
THE 12TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN PEKING FROM MARCH 14 TO 17, THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, ASSISTANT UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE (ASIA) AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR DONALD LIAO, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION; MR DICK CLIFT, POLITICAL ADVISER; AND MR DOUG MARTIN, COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN HONG KONG.
------0---------
CP TO SERVE UNTIL END OF NOVEMBER
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ARRANGEMENTS FOR MR ANNING'S REPLACEMENT ARE BEING MADE AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/38 .........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
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LADY WILSON PRAISES WORK OF FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION * * * ♦ ♦
THE FACT THAT HONG KONG’S POPULATION HAS NOT GROWN OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO ITS RESOURCES IS LARGELY DUE TO THE WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ASSOCIATION’S NEW HEADQUARTERS AT THE SOUTHORN CENTRE IN WAN CHAI, LADY WILSON DESCRIBED THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION OVER THE PAST YEARS AS BEING ’’MORE THAN IMPRESSIVE”.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED OVER 38 YEARS AGO, WAS MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONCEPT OF A PLANNED FAMILY, LADY WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THIS CONCEPT HAD NOW BEEN FIRMLY ROOTED IN THE MINDS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
SHE SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD GONE FURTHER IN ITS WORK, BY INITIATING CONFERENCES AND PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION ON FAMILY PLANNING MATTERS.
"IT WAS HONG KONG WHO SET UP THE INTERNATIONAL PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION, KNOWN AS THE IPPF.
"HOW GOOD THAT WE ARE SPREADING WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT," SHE ADDED.
LADY WILSON ALSO PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION’S YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE FOR OFFERING YOUNG PEOPLE A PERSONAL AND EXPERT SERVICE.
"THIS EMPHASIS ON YOUTH WORK AND THE SUPPLEMENTING OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IS MOST WELCOME,” SHE SAID.
ON THE ASSOCIATION’S NEW HEADQUARTERS, LADY WILSON SAID: "IN THESE NEW PREMISES, J LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE ASSOCIATION NOT ONLY HAVING A DIFFERENT FACE, BUT ALSO A NEW PHASE IN ITS DEVELOPMENT AND CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SOCIETY."
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PARTIAL CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD t t t t t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, THE TRAFFIC LANES ON TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN TSUEN WAN ROAD AND TUEN HING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN TURN FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 11) TO AUGUST 10.
HOWEVER, AT LEAST TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC RESPECTIVELY DURING THIS PERIOD.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
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POLICE OFFICERS HONOURED FOR BRAVERY
*****
TWELVE SHAM SHUI PO TASK FORCE OFFICERS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HONOURED FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND SWIFT ACTION IN SOLVING AN ARMED ROBBERY IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT SHAM SHUI PO POLICE STATION, THE PROPRIETOR OF WAH SING JEWELLERY COMPANY, MR WU YIU-MING, PRESENTED SOUVENIR PLAQUES TO THE POLICE IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR WORK.
RECEIVING THE PLAQUES WERE DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, SHAM SHUI PO, MR CHOW FOO-CHEONG AND SENIOR OFFICERS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE ROBBERY TOOK PLACE ON JANUARY 13 WHEN THREE MEN, ARMED WITH TWO FULLY LOADED STARTING PISTOLS AND KNIVES, BURST INTO A GOLDSMITH SHOP IN PEI HO STREET AND SNATCHED A QUANTITY OF GOLD ORNAMENTS WORTH ABOUT $600,000.
UPON FLEEING, THE ROBBERS WERE INTERCEPTED BY A PARTY OF PATROLLING TASK FORCE OFFICERS WHO GAVE CHASE AND SUBSEQUENTLY APPREHENDED THE ROBBERS.
ALL OF THE STOLEN PROPERTY WERE RETRIEVED AND TWO PISTOLS WERE SEIZED. THE ARRESTED PERSONS WERE LATER CHARGED WITH RELATED OFFENCES.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE TRIO, AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 27, WERE ALL EVADERS WHO HAD JUST SNEAKED INTO THE TERRITORY WITH THE SEIZED FIREARMS A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE HOLD-UP.
------0-------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11), VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WITH SIU SAI WAN.
AT THE SAME TIME, TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 375 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR CABLE WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
/40 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
40
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR KWAI FUNG CRESCENT INDUSTRIAL AREA
*****
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE KWAI FUNG CRESCENT INDUSTRIAL AREA, KWAI CHUNG, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE RIGHT-TURN FROM CONTAINER PORT ROAD TO KWAI FUNG CRESCENT WILL BE BANNED.
ALSO, VEHICLES ON CONTAINER PORT ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KWAI FUNG CRESCENT WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWAI HONG STREET, KWAI TAK STREET, KWAI SHUN STREET AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD NORTHBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS:
♦ THE OFFSIDE LANE OF KWAI FUNG CRESCENT FROM ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH CONTAINER PORT ROAD TO A POINT OUTSIDE NO. 28-36 KWAI FUNG CRESCENT;
* THE NEARSIDE LANE OF KWAI FUNG CRESCENT FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH CONTAINER PORT ROAD TO A POINT OUTSIDE NO. 33-39 KWAI FUNG CRESCENT; AND
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KWAI TAK STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI TAI ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES NORTH ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI SHUN STREET.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KWAI SHUN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CONTAINER PORT ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI TAK STREET; AND
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KWAI HONG STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CONTAINER PORT ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI TAK STREET.
----0 -------------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT ♦ * * * *
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WILL DISCUSS THE IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR SQUATTER AREAS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AT FRIDAY (MARCH 10).
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN THE DISTRICT ITS MEETING ON
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT MEETING TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE ISSUE.
WILL ATTEND THE
/41 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1989
41
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION RAISED BY A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL OUTLINE THE PLANNED SOCIAL SERVICE FACILITIES FOR NORTH KWAI CHUNG AREA.
THE COMMITTEE’S EIGHT WORKING GROUPS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO REPORT THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWAI DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON FRIDAY (MARCH THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
TSING 10) AT OFFICES
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
---------0--------------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN « «
KWUN TONG, WAN CHAI
« » «
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11), TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HIP WO STREET, KWUN TONG FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.
HIP WO STREET BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 160 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN HON STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH MUT WAH STREET WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE LIFTED:
* HIP WO STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MUT WAH STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION: AND
» HIP WO STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES NORTH OF ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH YUET WAH STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH MUT WAH STREET.
IN WAN CHAI, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON CANAL ROAD EAST BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND RUSSELL STREET WILL BE EXTENDED NORTHWARDS BY ABOUT 30 METRES FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
>
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO-
CHANGES IN DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTION SYSTEM ANNOUNCED... 1
FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL SOUND BROADCASTING IN HK.............. 3
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR DECEMBER
RELEASED ................................................ 4
LOW ELECTION TURNOUT UNSATISFACTORY: SCA .................. 7
INCUMBENT MEMBERS DOMINATE UC/RC ELECTIONS ................ 7
SCA APPEALS TO ELECTORS ................................... 8
ELECTORS URGED TO GO TO POLLS.............................. 9
MORE MODERN VESSELS ADDED TO MARINE POLICE FLEET ......... 10
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ON UK ATTACHMENT .................... 11
RE-OPENING OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.............. 11
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CATERING INDUSTRY ................... 12
BOE MEMBERS VISIT SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR DISABLED............. 13
MUSIC FUND GRANTS FOR 1989-90 ...........................
SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR TO GIVE CONCERT................. 15
WORKS TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT AT SAI TSO WAN LANDFILL..... 15
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TOLO HIGHWAY......................... 16
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
1
CHANGES IN DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTION SYSTEM ANNOUNCED
»»»»»»
THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE GREATER SCOPE AND STANDING FOR THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL AND WELL-RUN INSTITUTIONS AND A STRENGTHENING OF THE AUTHORISATION CRITERIA FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS.
THE CHANGES SHOULD FACILITATE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, AND ENHANCE THE PROTECTION AFFORDED TO DEPOSITORS.
ANNOUNCING TH • '• XT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE COMMISSIONER Ol BANKING, MR TONI NICOLLE. SAID THESE CHANGES WERE MADE FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM AND LENGTHY CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY.
MR N1COLLE SAID THE EXISTING THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS, WHICH HAD BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 1981, COMPRISED LICENSED BANKS, LICENSED DEPOS1T-TAKING COMPANIES AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
"THE CHANGES, IN ESSENCE, WILL REPLACE THE CATEGORIES OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WITH TWO NEW AUTHORISATIONS: RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY," HE SAID.
"THE AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF BANKS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED, EXCEPT THAT THE MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL FOR LOCALLY INCORPORATED BANKS WILL BE I N('REASEI) FROM $100 MILLKN AT PRESENT TO $150 MILLION," HE ADDED.
UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS, WHICH WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT LICENSED DEPOSJT-TAKI NG COMPANIES, WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE WORD "BANK" (AND THE LIKE) IN DESCRIBING THEIR BUSINESS IN PROMOTIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND ADVERTISEMENTS, PROVIDED THAT IT IS SUITABLY QUALIFIED -- FOR EXAMPLE "MERCHANT BANK BUSINESS" OR "INVESTMENT BANKING SERVICES".
DESCRIPTIONS SUCH AS "RETAIL" OR "COMMERCIAL WILL, HOWEVER, NOT BE ALLOWED, TO AVOID CONFUSION WITH LICENSED BANKS.
BANKS INCORPORATED OVERSEAS XND SEEKING AUTHORISATION AS RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE IN BRANCH OR SUBSIDIARY FORM.
IF IN BRANCH FORM, XND THEIR OVERSEAS REGISTERED NAME INCLUDES THE WORD "BANK", THEY WILL BE XI,I OWED TO TRADI FROM HONG KONG WITH THE SAME NAME, BUT QUALIFIED IN EQUAL PROMINENCE BY THE WORDS "RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK" NEXT T” II. X HONG KONG SUBSIDIARY' WILL, HOWEVER, NOT Bl XI.LOWED TO I NCORPOR X’l'F WITH A BANKING NAME.
AiR nicolie........
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
- 2 -
MR NICOLLE SAID THE CHANGES TO BE INTRODUCED WOULD ALSO INCLUDE AN INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL FROM $75 MILLION FOR LOCALLY INCORPORATED LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO $100 MILLION FOR RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS.
"THIS WILL REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL STATUS AND PRIVILEGES OF RESTRICTED L l( I H 'F BANKS',” HE SAID.
“EXIST! i LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, PROVIDED THEIR CAPITAL MEETS THE NEW MINIMUM REQUIREMENT, WILL BE GRANDFATHERED AS RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS.”
THE OFFICERS-!1. -ONE-BUILDING RESTRICTION WILL APPLY TO OVERSEAS BANKS NEWi Y J’THORISED AS RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND OPERATING HER:' IL hi . I FORM.
HOWEVER. LOCALLY INCORPORATED RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS OR EXISTING LICE : U-D DEPOS! I -TAKING COMPANIES WHICH ARE GRANDFATHERED AS RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS, WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO SUCH A RESTRICTION.
MR NICOLLE SAID THE RULES FOR THE NEW CATEGORY OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WOULD BE LITTLE (’HANGED FROM THOSE APPLICABLE TO REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AT PRESENT.
"THE MINIMUM CAPITAL FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WILL, HOWEVER, BE RAISED FROM $10 MILLION TO $25 MILLION TO ADD ASSURANCE THAT ONLY SOUND INSTITUTIONS ARE ENTRUSTED WITH PUBLIC DEPOSITS,” HE SAID.
EXISTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (WHICH WILL BE GRANDFATHERED AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) WILL HAVE TWO YEARS IN WHICH TO MEET THE NEW MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT. THE NEW REQUIREMENT WILL, HOWEVER, APPLY TO ANY NEW APPLICANT FOR REGISTRATION AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY AFTER TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR NICOLLE SAID THE SAME PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS WOULD APPLY TO BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS YND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, BOTH ON AUTHORISATION AND AS A CONTINUING REQUIREMENT.
IN PARTICULAR, AN APPLICANT FOR DTC AUTHORISATION WILL HAVE TO SATISFY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING THAT IT IS A FIT AND PROPER BODY.
IN DETERMINING WHETHER \ BODY IS "FIT AND PROPER” TO TAKE DEPOSITS, THE COMMISSIONER WILL HAVE REGARD TO, INTER ALIA, THE ADEQUACY OF ITS CAPITAL (IN RELATION TO ITS BUSINESS) AND HUMAN RESOURCES.
THE AUTHORISATION CRITERIA FOR RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS WILL BE SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AT PRESENT, EXCEPT THAT IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR \N INSTITUTION FIRST TO HAVE BEEN A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY BEFORE BECOMING A RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK.
/NEW AUTHORISATIONS .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
- 3 -
NEW AUTHORISATIONS AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS WILL GENERALLY BE RESTRICTED TO OVERSEAS BANKS OR, AS AT PRESENT FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, TO COMPANIES AT LEAST HALF OWNED BY BANKS.
MR NICOLLE SAID THAT ACTION WAS BEING PUT IN HAND TO INTRODUCE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO EFFECT THE ABOVE CHANGES.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE IN OPERATION LATER THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.
-----0-----
FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL SOUND BROADCASTING IN HK ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) TODAY (THURSDAY) RECOMMENDED THAT COMMERCIAL RADIO HONG KONG’S (CRHK) BROADCASTING LICENCE BE RENEWED WHEN ITS CURRENT LICENCE EXPIRES ON AUGUST 25 THIS YEAR AND THAT A LICENCE FOR A SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO STATION BE AWARDED BY TENDER.
UNDER ITS CURRENT LICENCE, CRHK OPERATES ON THREE AM TERRITORYWIDE CHANNELS, PROVIDING ONE ENGLISH AND TWO CHINESE SERVICES, THE LATTER TWO SERVICES BEING DUPLICATED ON FM FREQUENCIES.
“THE BA RECOMMENDS THAT CRHK BE GIVEN ONE AM AND TWO FM CHANNELS IN THE NEW LICENSING PERIOD,” THE (’HAIRMAN OF THE BA, SIR ROGER LOBO, SAID.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO STATION SELECTED BY THE TENDER WILL ALSO BE OPERATING ON ONE AM AND TWO FM CHANNELS TO ENHANCE COMPETITION ON AN EQUAL FOOTING.
"IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE NEW CRHK LICENCE BE VALID FOR A PERIOD OF 12 YEARS, EXPIRING ON AUGUST 25, 2001, AND SUBJECT TO \ MIDTERM REVIEW. THE MID-TERM REVIEW WOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY PUBLIC HEARINGS.”
THE BA HAS ALSO MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE CRHK LICENCE WILL BF RENEWED. ALL THESE RECOMMENDAT1ONS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER THI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS MADI THE FINAL DECISION.
"IT IS BELIEVED THAT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD ENSURE THAT AIRWAVES AKE PROPERLY USED IN THE BES’J INTERESTS OF THI' WHOLE COMMUNITY, ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE REGULATORY SYSTEM, AND IMPROVE FURTHER THI QUALITY OF COMMERCIAL SOUND BROADCASTING IN HONG KONG,” SIR ROGER ADDED.
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A....
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
4
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR DECEMBER RELEASED
* * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN DECEMBER 1988, ESTIMATED AT $9,769 MILLION, WAS 17 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1987 WHILE THEIR VOLUME WAS 8 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING DECEMBER 1988 WITH DECEMBER 1987, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS ROSE BY 7 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 22 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" WERE 17 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 35 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES WENT UP BY 17 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 16 PER. (’ENT IN SALES VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILST SUPERMARKETS SALES INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE YE YR 1988 WITH THE YEAR 1987, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY' 2 1 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY’ MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY II PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 8 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE BY 28 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 19 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
"CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY' 23 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE, AND BOTH INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF "MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" AND DEPARTMENT STORES BOTH INCREASED BY 39 PER CENT IN VALUE, AND INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT AND 26 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME.
SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE BY 16 PER ('ENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY' 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND :> PER (’ENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/WHEN COMPARED .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 9. 1989
- 5 -
WHEN COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1988, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR DECEMBER 1988 ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
FUELS AND "FOODSTUFFS, ALOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO" INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
"OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 4 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES BY SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
IN TERMS OF BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME, DEPARTMENT STORES AND "CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" ROSE BY 21 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DROPPED BY 9 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER 1988 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1988.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1988 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (Cl 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 DECEMBER 1988 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR NOVEMBER 1988 AND WITH THOSE FOR DECEMBER 1987 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE YEAR 1988 WITH THE YEAR 1987 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF DECEMBER 1988 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5-8234941.
/table 1
THURSDAY, MARCH 9. 1989
6 -
TA3LE I : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales lor December 1988 (Provisional Figure) = HKi 9,769million for November 1988 (Revised Figure) - HKS 8,865iii Ilion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR NOVEMBER 1988 ANO DECEMBER >983
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100)
Index of December 1988 December 1988 Jan.-Dec. 1988 :
1 item Retail November December compared with compared with compared with I
Sales 1988 1988 November 1988 December 1987 Jan.-Dec. 1987 !
(Revised (Provisional Points X Points X Points X 1
figures) figures)
1 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES
Value 158 174 16 10 25 17 27 21 :
Volume 127 140 12 10 10 8 14 12 :
! (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS ♦ ।
! Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 141 149 8 6 15 11 13 11 !
1 drinks and tobacco Volume 119 126 7 6 5 4 2 2 :
1 Fuels Value 101 112 11 11 8 7 8 8 !
Volume 110 122 12 11 8 7 6 5 :
' Clothing, footwear Value 184 217 33 18 38 21 31 23 :
1 and allied products Volume 138 159 22 16 13 9 14 it :
1 Consuaer durables Value 163 170 7 4 31 22 26 20 :
Volume 127 133 6 5 15 13 13 ii :
’• Other consuier goods Value 168 190 22 13 27 17 36 28 :
Volume 133 149 16 12 11 8 22 19 1
J (C) BY SELECTED TRADES
1 (see note 1 below)
1 Supermarkets Value 147 181 34 23 22 14 22 16 :
Volume 122 149 27 22 5 3 8 7 :
! Motor vehicles Value 283 259 -25 -9 67 35 69 39 1
1 and parts Voluee 197 177 -19 -10 33 23 37 27 !
1 Consumer durables Value 126 143 17 13 20 16 13 ii :
! other than motor Volume 105 119 14 13 10 9 5 5 :
1 vehicles and parts
! Department stores Value 203 246 43 21 35 17 53 39 :
Volume 153 185 32 21 9 5 32 26 :
NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN major trade groups, the value and volute indexes in respect of the following selected trades are compiled :
(a) 'Supermarkets' - a trade in the 'Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco* group.
(b) 'Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consumer durables' group.
(c) 'Consumer durables other than totor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the “Consuaer durables' group.
(d) "Departtent stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuter goods' group.
2. Figures denoting changes are derived fro* the unrounded index figures.
3. '•' denotes a figure within ±0.5.
- 0 -
/7
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
- 7 -
LOW ELECTION TURNOUT UNSATISFACTORY: SCA «»»»»«
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TONIGHT (THURSDAY) DESCRIBED AS "NOT SATISFACTORY" THE LOW TURNOUT RATE OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ELECTION.
A TOTAL OF 213,352 ELECTORS CAST THEIR BALLOTS, REPRESENTING 17.6 PER CENT OF THE ELECTORATE.
"I AM DISAPPOINTED, BUT WE SHOULD NOT DWELL ON THAT. LET US REMEMBER THAT IN AN ELECTION THERE IS ONLY THAT MUCH THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO," MR SUEN SAID.
"IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE VOTERS THEMSELVES. IT'S THE VOTERS WHO MAKE THE TURNOUT.
"IF THEY COME OUT TO VOTE WE’LL GET A HIGH TURNOUT, BUT IF THEY DON’T COME OUT TO VOTE, DESPITE WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT DO, THE TURNOUT RATE WILL REMAIN LOW," HE ADDED.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT ELECTORS SHOULD "TREASURE" THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE BY EXERCISING THAT RIGHT TO ELECT THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVES TO THE VARIOUS TIERS OF GOVERNMENT, AS THERE WILL BE MORE ELECTIONS TO COME.
HE SAID HE WOULD NOT SPECULATE ON THE REASONS FOR THE LOW TURNOUT BUT NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTIONS THIS YEAR WAS MUCH LESS THAN IN THE 1986 ELECTIONS.
ON THE QUESTION OF PUBLICITY. MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PUBLICISING THE ELECTIONS.
"I DON’T THINK ANYONE CAN SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE FACT THAT TODAY IS ELECTION DAY. THEY KNOW OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTION AND PEOPLE WHO ARE REGISTERED AS VOTERS GET THEIR POLL CARDS, AND THEY KNOW WHERE TO VOTE TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS," HE ADDED.
INCUMBENT MEMBERS DOMINATE UC/RC ELECTIONS » * « » »
INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS HAVE DOMINATED THE ELECTIONS WITH 12 BEING RE-ELECTED TO THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNCILS.
COUNTING OF THE 213,352 VOTES THAT HAD BEEN CAST FOR THE 46 CANDIDATES VYING FOR 20 SEATS ON THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS BEGAN AFTER THE POLLS CLOSED AT 10.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY).
/THE 20.......
THURSDAY, MARCH 9. 1989
8
THE 20 ELECTED (11 UC AND 9 KC) WILL JOIN SEVEN OTHERS (4 UC AND 3 RC) WHO WERE UNCONTESTED TO SERVE EOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS. OF THE SEVEN, ONLY MR CHOW Y1CK-HAY OF KWAI CHUNG EAST IN THE RC ELECTION, IS A NEWCOMER.
MR LAU KONG-WAH, WHO RAN IN THE SHA TIN WEST CONSTITUENCY OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, RECEIVED THE MOST VOTES AT 10,271, WHILE MR MAN SAI-CHEONG GOT THE MOST BALLOTS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION WITH 8,312 IN THE NORTH POINT CONSTITUENCY.
FIVE INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL RETAINED THEIR SEATS WHILE TWO ARE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND TWO ARE NEWCOMERS.
SEVEN INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WERE RE-ELECTED WHILE FOUR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE VOTED INTO THE COUNCIL.
THOSE ELECTED INCLUDED SOCIAL WORKERS, BUSINESSMEN, LAWYERS, ACADEMICS AND A HERBALIST.
THE AGES OF THOSE ELECTED TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL RANGED FROM 30 TO 43, WHILE THOSE IN THE URBAN COUNCIL RANGED FROM 28 TO 67.
THE FIRST CONSTITUENCY TO RETURN VOTES WAS MONG KOK AT 12.20 AM (FRIDAY) WHILE THE LAST VOTES COUNTED WAS AT 4.50 AM FOR THE SHAM SHUI PO WEST SEAT.
-------O---------
SCA APPEALS TO ELECTORS ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING APPEALED TO ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN TODAY’S URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS DURING HIS VISIT TO THE ELECTIONS PRESS CENTRE AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL, MR SUEN SAID: "I HOPE THAT ELECTORS WILL DISCHARGE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY BY GOING TO THE POLLING STATIONS. 1 ALSO APPEAL TO THOSE WHO ARE AT WORK TO CAST THEIR VOTES AFTER WORK.”
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE AS AT 10.30 AM, MR SUEN SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY FOR HIM TO MAKE AN ASSESSMENT, ADDING THAT HE HOPED THE RATE WOULD INCREASE AS THE DAY PROGRESSED.
MR SUEN SAID HE HAD VISITED POLLING STATIONS IN CHAI WAN, NORTH POINT AND HAPPY VALLEY, AND HAD OBSERVED THAT MOST OF THE VOTERS AT THOSE STATIONS WERE ELDERLY PERSONS.
’’THIS IS NOT SURPRISING BECAUSE THE YOUNGER PERSONS ARE AT WORK,” HE NOTED.
/IN ANSWSR........
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION, MR SUEN SAID HE HOPED THAT ELECTORS WOULD NOT TIRE OF ELECTIONS BECAUSE ELECTIONS WERE NECESSARY TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CHOOSE THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO SIT ON THE TWO COUNCILS OR THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILLORS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MATTERS WHICH CLOSELY AFFECTED LOCAL RESIDENTS, SUCH AS RECREATION AND THE HAWKER PROBLEM.
"1 HOPE THAT IEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL, THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE COUNCILS, EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON MATTERS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THEIR LIFE.” HF ADDED.
0 -------
ELECTORS URGED TO GO TO POLLS t » » ♦ t
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON APPEALED TO ELECTORS TO MAKE USE OF THE FEW REMAINING HOURS TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS BEFORE THE POLLING STATIONS CLOSE AT 10.30 PM.
SPEAKING AT A MEDIA BRIEFING IN THE ELECTIONS PRESS CENTRE AT CITY HALL, MR CHUI SAID THAT IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WANTED TO SEE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS LN THE WORK OF THE TWO COUNCILS, THEY SHOULD PERFORM THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY BY ACTIVELY SUPPORTING THE ELECTIONS.
NOTING THAT THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE IN THE AFTERNOON WAS COMPARABLY LOWER THAN THAT DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN THE 1986 ELECTIONS, HE SAID, "WE STILL HAVE A FEW HOURS TO GO, AND WE WON’T GET A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE SITUATION UNTIL 10.30 TONIGHT."
MR CHUI POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE MORE UNCONTESTED SEATS THIS YEAR.
"THIS MEANS THAT THE REGISTERED ELECTORS IN SEVEN CONSTITUENCIES DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE POLLS, AND THIS WOULD HAVE CONSIDERABLE EFFECTS ON THE TURNOUT RATE," HE ADDED.
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/10........
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
- 10 -
MORE MODERN VESSELS ADDED TO MARINE POLICE FLEET
*****
HARBOUR POLICING TN HONG KONG WILL BE FURTHER ENHANCED BY THE LATEST ADDITION OF MODERN VESSELS TO THE MARINE POLICE FLEET -- THE LARGEST POLICE FLEET IN THE WORLD.
SEVERAL NEW POLICE VESSELS, INCLUDING SEVEN HARBOUR LAUNCHES, TWO ’’SHARK CAT” MULTI-HULLED VESSELS AND TWO TYPHOON 9.5-METRE RIGID INFLATABLE BOATS, WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) COMMISSIONED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF I'OLICl, MR RAYMON ANN1NG, AT JOSS HOUSE BAY.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR ANNING SAID THE NEW VESSELS FORMED PART OF THE MARINE REPLACEMENT AND EXPANSION PLANS WHICH WERE ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS.
’’HONG KONG HARBOUR RATES AS ONE OF THE BUSIEST WATERWAYS IN THE WORLD AND THE UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT ON BOARD THE NEW HARBOUR LAUNCHES WILL GREATLY ASSIST MARINE POLICE IN MEETING THE EVER INCREASING DEMANDS,” SAID MR ANNING.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO NOTED THAT THE ADDITION OF TWO "SHARK CATS” AND TWO 9.5-METRE RIGID INFLATABLE BOATS TO THE SMALL BOAT UNIT WOULD IMPROVE ITS OVERALL CAPABILITIES IN DIFFICULT OPERATIONAL CONDITION.
’’THE ’SHARK CATS’ -- THE FIRST EVER MULTI-HULLED VESSELS TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE SERVICE WITH THE MARINE POLICE -- WILL SERVE AS COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT CRAFT.
"THE 9.5-METRE RIGID INFLATABLE BOATS WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE CAPABILITY OF THE SMALL BOAT UNIT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND WATER BORNE CRIMES, AS WELL AS SUPPORTING THE SPECIAL DUTIES UNIT IN THEIR MARITIME COUNTER TERRORIST ROLE,” THE POLICE CHIEF SAID.
MR ANNING THEN LIT JOSS STICKS AND TOOK PART IN TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES ABOARD THE NEW VESSELS. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY REGIONAL COMMANDER, MARINE, MR JOHN MACDONALD, AND DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, HARBOUR, MARINE, MR IAIN WARD.
AFTER THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, THE NEW VESSELS PERFORMED A SERIES OF SEA MANOEUVRES BEFORE SALUTING THE COMMISSIONER.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
11
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ON UK ATTACHMENT * ♦ ♦ » ♦
FOUR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM NEXT WEEK FOR A SIX-WEEK ATTACHMENT PROGRAMME WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
THE FOUR OFFICERS ARE ACTING SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS MR PAUL LAM YAN-CHUNG, MR CHOW KAI-TAK, AND MRS PAU LEUNG CHOI-SHEUNG, AND ACTING IMMIGRATION OFFICER MISS NGAI WAI-LAN.
THEY WILL VISIT BRANCHES OF THE HOME OFFICE HANDLING IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY MATTERS AS WELL AS IMMIGRATION OFFICES AND PORTS.
AT A PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING HELD TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, SAID THAT IMMIGRATION WORK HAD BECOME MORE COMPLEX AND MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE WERE REQUIRED TO BE VIGILANT AND ALERT TOWARDS CHANGES THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT PLACED GREAT IMPORTANCE ON GIVING ITS STAFF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.
MR CARTER SAID HE HOPED THAT THE ATTACHMENT WOULD ENABLE THE OFFICERS TO WIDEN THEIR HORIZON AND TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
------0-------
RE-OPENING OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 3.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR THE RE-OPENING OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
THE FLYOVER. WILL BE OPENED FOR TWO-LANE TRAFFIC IN EACH DIRECTION. AT THE SAME TIME, THE THREE-TONNE GROSS WEIGHT RESTRICTION IMPOSED ON THE OLD FLYOVER WILL BE LIFTED.
THE LEFT-TURN BAN AND THE BUS LANE ON NORTHBOUND WATERLOO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL ALSO BE REMOVED.
ALL VEHICLES CAN MAKE USE OF NORTHBOUND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD AT GROUND LEVEL ONLY TO GAIN ACCESS TO WESTBOUND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
/Motorists using .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 9t 1989
- 12 -
MOTORISTS USING THE FLYOVER WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO WEAVE INTO THE INNER LANES OF WATERLOO ROAD TO GAIN ACCESS TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
ON THE OTHER HAND, UNDER A TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME IMPLEMENTED IN JUNE 1986 FOR THE FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION, VEHICLES FROM SOUTHERN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND HEADING FOR PRINCE EDWARD ROAD ARE DIVERTED VIA PUI CHING ROAD, SOARES AVENUE, ARGYLE STREET AND KADOORIE AVENUE.
AS GROUND LEVEL RECONSTRUCTION WORKS WILL CONTINUE ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, ARGYLE STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD, THE ONE-WAY ARRANGEMENT ON KADOORIE AVENUE WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR THE TIME BEING TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE ACCESS FROM SOUTHERN KOWLOON TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CATERING INDUSTRY * * * ♦ ♦
A TRIPARTITE WORKING GROUP ON THE CATERING TRADE HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A CODE OF PRACTICE TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO IMPROVE THE COMPLIANCE OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS.
THE WORKING GROUP, SET UP IN MID-1987, IS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, TRADE UNIONS, LABOUR GROUPS AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
SERVING AS A QUICK GUIDE FOR THOSE IN THE CATERING TRADE, THE CODE OF PRACTICE COMPRISES 12 SECTIONS COVERING SUCH TOPICS AS LABOURMANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION, RIGHT OF EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, FRINGE BENEFITS FOR WORKERS, PAYMENT SYSTEM, SETTLEMENT OF TRADE DISPUTES, JOINT CONSULTATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, AND WORKING CONDITIONS.
IT ALSO CONTAINS SAMPLES OF CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYEES’ HANDBOOK.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE, IN CHINESE ONLY, IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO EATING ESTABLISHMENTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
FREE COPIES CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT'S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
/Note to .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 198?
- 13 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DETAILS OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE CATERING INDUSTRY WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM, 16TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR HO HONG-WAI, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SERVING ON THE WORKING GROUP.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
------0--------
BOE MEMBERS VISIT SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR DISABLED *****
FIVE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE MARY ROSE SCHOOL IN KOWLOON TONG TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES HOW EDUCATION IS PROVIDED TO MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
THE MEMBERS WERE MR TIMOTHY HA, MR TAM MAN-KWAN, PROFESSOR BRIAN COOKE, MISS BOE SUI-MEI AND MISS SO YAN-LAP.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR LUCAS CHAN, AND THE BOE SECRETARY, MR CHIU PING-KWAN.
DURING THEIR TOUR OF THE AIDED CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL, THE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED BY THE CHRIST CHURCH COUNCIL.
IT WAS FIRST OPERATED IN THE HAL), OF ST ANDREW’S CHURCH. THE SCHOOL MOVED TO DERBY ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG IN 1971 BEFORE IT WAS REPROVISIONED IN ITS PRESENT PREMISES IN RENFREW ROAD IN APRIL 1986.
THE SCHOOL NOW OPERATES 10 CLASSES FOR 200 MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND ANOTHER 10 CLASSES FOR 100 MODERATELY MENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN IN ITS PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SECTIONS.
THE SCHOOL IS FOLLOWING A CURRICULUM WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AS INDEPENDENT AND USEFUL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE CURRICULUM INCLUDES CHINESE LANGUAGE, MATHEMATICS, PERCEPTUAL MOTOR TRAINING, HOME ECONOMICS, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURAL SUBJECTS.
FOR MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON SOCIAL STUDIES, CIVIC, HEALTH AND SEX EDUCATION.
/FOR THE .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
- 14
FOR THE MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, SELF HELP AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE ARE EMPHASISED. UNIT TEACHING AND THE ACTIVITY APPROACH ARE ALSO USED.
SCHOOL LEAVERS ARE REFERRED BY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR EMPLOYMENT OR PLACEMENT IN SKILLS CENTRES OPERATED THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, OR IN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHOOL HAS TAKEN PART IN THE LOCAL ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND IN SPORTS EVENTS OVERSEAS, AND HAS WON MANY AWARDS.
THE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS HAVE ALSO OBTAINED EXCELLENT RESULTS IN THE HONG KONG MUSIC FESTIVAL ' AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL.
THE BOE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT STUDENTS HAD ALSO TAKEN PART IN A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS ART EXHIBITIONS, SUCH AS THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ART ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN LONDON LAST YEAR.
0 -------
MUSIC FUND GRANTS FOR 1989-90 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ALL REGISTERED NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS CAN NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1989-90.
THE GRANTS ARE PRIMARILY FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE FIELDS OF MUSIC, DANCE AND OTHER ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES.
GRANTS WERE PREVIOUSLY MADE TO SCHOOLS AND MUSIC AND DANCE ORGANISATIONS FOR PURCHASING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, DANCE EQUIPMENT, MUSIC SCORES AND PARTS, AND FOR PAYMENT OF INSTRUCTORS’ FEES FOR TRAINING.
THEY ALSO COVERED THE ORGANISING OF MUSIC AND DANCE EVENTS SUCH AS CONCERTS, MUSIC CAMPS AND DANCE WORKSHOPS.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR GRANTS FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHICH CONFORM WITH THE OVERALL EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE FUND.
A MUSIC FUND SPOKESMAN SAID GRANTS TOTALLING $890,000 WERE APPROVED IN 1988-89 FOR 137 SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM:
/• THE HONG .......
THURSDAY, MARCH % 1989
* THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
♦ MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 22.
5-8235343.
THE
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SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR TO GIVE CONCERT * * ♦ ♦ *
THE SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL CONCERT AT THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL IN JUNK BAY ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11).
THE CHOIR WILL PERFORM A NUMBER OF CHINESE AND WESTERN SONGS. THERE WILL ALSO BE RECORDER, VIOLIN AND PIANO PERFORMANCES.
THE CONCERT, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8.30 PM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
SAI KUNG’S DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, WILL BE GUESTS AT THE CONCERT.
-----0------
WORKS TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT AT SAI TSO WAN LANDFILL » » , , ,
IMPROVEMENT AND PROTECTIVE WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE SAI TSO WAN LANDFILL IN KWUN TONG TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA AND MAKE IT SAFE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE METHANE GAS CREATED BY THE DECOMPOSED REFUSE WILL BE EXTRACTED FROM THE LANDFILL BY MEANS OF PUMPING WELLS AND THE EXTRACTED GAS WILL THEN BE BURNT OFF. THIS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE ANY HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH METHANE GAS.
IN ADDITION, THE MAJOR FACE OF THE LANDFILL FACING WEST IS OVER 60 METRES HIGH AND WILL OVERLOOK ONE OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS. STABILISATION WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THIS SLOPE TO BRING IT TO CURRENT STANDARDS.
/THIS LARGE........
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1989
- 16
THIS LARGE REFUSE TIP WAS COMPLETED IN 1981 AT A TIME WHEN THERE WAS LITTLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA. WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS ARE NOW PROPOSED IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE LANDFILL SITE, THUS IMPROVEMENT AND PROTECTIVE WORKS ARE REQUIRED.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TWO-YEAR PROJECT.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON MARCH 31.
- - 0 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TOLO HIGHWAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS AND THE REPLACEMENT OF GANTRY SIGNS, THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM TOLO HIGHWAY TO TAI PO ROAD (YUEN CHAU TSAI) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1.30 AM TO 6 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12).
DURING THE CLOSURE, TAI PO-BOUND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 58S WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
VEHICLES PROCEEDING FROM SHA TIN TO TAI PO ARE ADVISED TO USE EITHER TAI PO ROAD OR THE INTERCHANGE AT SHUI WAI FOR ACCESS TO TAI PO FROM TOLO HIGHWAY.
IN ADDITION, THE TRAFFIC LANES ON TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN TAI PO KAU MARINE POLICE POST AND THE SLIP ROAD TO TAI PO ROAD (YUEN CHAU TSAI) WILL ALSO BE CLOSED IN TURN.
THE FAST LANE WILL BE CLOSED ON MARCH 12 AND 13. IT WILL AGAIN BE CLOSED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 9 PM ON MARCH 15.
MEANWHILE, THE SLOW AND CENTRE LANES WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 PM ON MARCH 15 TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SLOW LANE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON MARCH 17.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BOAT PEOPLE:: FIRM BASIS FOR HK TO GO FORWARD............... 1
REGULAR REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS: SCA............... 2
FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION Ai; IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEENT............ 3
CONTRACT FOR TATE’S ChIRN TUNNEL CONNECTION SIGNED ......... 4
SUPPORT FOR MjiNUF-lCTURERS IN UPGRADING OPERATIONS......... 5
GROUP EFFORT CALLED FOR IN TREE PLANTING ................... 6
APPOINTMENTS to antiquities advisory board announced ....... 8
DAME LYDIA TO OP® INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY.................... 10
HIGH COURT JUDGE APPOINTED................................. 11
SPECIAL STmMP ISSUES ANNOUNCED............................. 12
TEMPORARY EPD FIELD OFFICE IN SHEUNG SHUI ................. 13
ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE FEES REVISED......................... 13
PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION........................... 14
LADY WILSON PRESENTS FLAG TO SPLCI.kL OLYMPICS TEAM........ 15
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR J.JttURY RELEASED............ 16
EXTERNAL TR..DE I ICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS FOR DECEMBER AND 1988 .................................................... 22
carnival to spread anti-triad messages in tsuen wan....... 27
SPECIAL PAVILION TO OPEN IN NORTH DISTRICT................. 27
VARIETY SHOU FOR S..I KUNG RESIDENTS ...................... 28
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION IN TUEK MUN...............‘..... 29
FREE CANTONESE OPERA SHOW FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS............. 29
STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INSTRUMENTS MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME 30
TENDERS INVIT.ED FOR BUILDING LUNG CHEUNG RD FOOTBRIDGE... 31
LONG VEHICLE BAN ON JONG CHUK HANG P..TH .................. 31
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ZJULiNGEMENTS ON HK ISL/JW, LmNTAU ...... 32
TEMPOR/kRY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROaD................ 32
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON NAM LONG SJLiN RO. J)................... 33
TEMPORARY LANS CLOSURES ON T.,I PO RO^D.................... 33
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
1
BOAT PEOPLE: FIRM BASIS FOR HK TO GO FORWARD
* * » * ♦
A DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION JUST AGREED IN KUALA LUMPUR HAS PROVIDED HONG KONG WITH A FIRM BASIS TO GO FORWARD WITH ITS POLICY ON VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) ON HIS RETURN FROM A THREE-DAY PREPARATORY CONFERENCE THERE ON INDOCHINESE ASYLUM SEEKERS.
MR BARNES SAID THE DRAFT DOCUMENT COVERED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PRINCIPLE THAT ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO WERE DETERMINED TO BE NON-REFUGEES SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN.
’’AND OTHER COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM IN THIS REGION ARE EXPECTED TO INTRODUCE A SCREENING PROCESS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS SIMILAR TO THE ONE ALREADY INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG FROM JUNE LAST YEAR," HE SAID.
"THIS GIVES HONG KONG A FIRM BASIS TO GO AHEAD WITH ITS POLICY OF RETURNING NON-REFUGEES TO THF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
"WHEN THERE ARE NO MORE VOLUNTEERS, WE WILL THEN ADDRESS OURSELVES TO THE PROBLEM OF THOSE WHO ARE SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES AND WHO AKE NOT WILLING TO GO BACK.
"OUR ULTIMATE AIM IS TO RETURN THEM TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN --THE PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE PREPARATORY CONFERENCE."
MR BARNES DESCRIBED THE CONFERENCE AS "VERY USEFUL" AND "SATISFACTORY IN EVERY RESPECT".
"THERE WAS A GREAT SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AMONG THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES WHICH AGREED THAT THE DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION WOULD GO FORWARD TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN GENEVA FOK FORMAL ENDORSEMENT," HE SAID.
"THE DOCUMENT COVERS SCREENING, CLANDESTINE AND ORDERLY DEPARTURES OF ASYLUM SEEKERS, REPATRIATION AND RESETTLEMENT.
"THE CONFERENCE HAS ALSO AGREED TO SETTING UP A CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, OF WHICH THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG WILL BE A MEMBER. IT WILL HAVE THREE SUB-COMMITTEES, ONE EACH ON RECEPTION AND SCREENING, RESETTLEMENT AS WELL AS DEPARTURE AND REPATRIATION.
"THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON SCREENING IS EXPECTED TO HOLD ITS MEETING IN HONG KONG IN EARLY APRIL. I OFFERED SERVICES BECAUSE WE ARE THE ONLY TERRITORY WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE SCREENING OF ASYLUM SEEKERS."
/ON VOLUNTARY........
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
ON VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION, MR BARNES SAID HE HAD DISCUSSED WITH THE LEADER OF THE VIETNAMESE DELEGATION THE SECOND BATCH TO BE SENT BACK TO VIETNAM.
"HE SAID HE WAS KEEN TO SEE THIS CONDUCTED FAST, AND HE ALSO EXPRESSED AGREEMENT WHEN ASKED IF HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LARGER GROUP GOING BACK THIS TIME,” MR BARNES SAID.
"WE HAVE 150 NAMES ON THE LIST FOR THE SECOND BATCH; IN THE MEANTIME. WE ARE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE MORE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TO GO BACK.”
- - 0 - -
REGULAR REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS: SCA ******
A REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE COMING MONTHS, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT WAS NORMAL PRACTICE TO MAKE SUCH A REVIEW FOLLOWING AN ELECTION, MR SUEN SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE CONCERNING THE ELECTIONS HELD YESTERDAY.
’THE REPORT OF THIS REVIEW WILL BE CONSIDERED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THOSE OF THE REVIEWS CARRIED OUT AFTER THE 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND THE 1988 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.” HE SAID.
”ANY IMPROVEMENT MEASURES CONSIDERED NECESSARY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE NEXT CYCLE OF ELECTIONS STARTING IN 1991.”
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISHED TO OFFER THEIR VIEWS WERE REQUESTED TO SEND THEM TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH, HE SAID.
MR SUEN NOTED THAT 14 OUT OF THE 27 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 40. AND THE REMAINING 13 WERE AGED BETWEEN 41 AND 75.
THEY COMPRISED ADMINISTRATORS, EXECUTIVES, TEACHERS, LAWYERS, SOCIAL WORKERS, RESEARCH STUDENTS, AND PEOPLE IN OTHER FIELDS.
THE ELECTIONS HAD ATTRACTED A TOTAL OF 53 CANDIDATES.
SEVEN CANDIDATES WERE ELECTED UNOPPOSED — FOUR TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THREE TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
OF THE REMAINING 46 CANDIDATES, 20 WERE ELECTED TO FILL THE OTHER 11 SEATS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND NINE SEATS LN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
z •
/NINETEEN INCUMBENT
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
3
NINETEEN INCUMBENT URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS HAD SOUGHT RE-ELECTION, MR SUEN SAID, AND, "WITH ONE EXCEPTION ALL WERE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR BID".
SIX HAD BEEN RE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED, AND 12 HAD WON SEATS IN THE POLLS. SEVEN OF THE NINE NEW MEMBERS WERE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
THREE OF THE ELECTION CANDIDATES HAD FAILED TO SECURE MORE THAN ONE-EIGHTH OF THE VALID VOTES CAST, AND HAD FORFEITED THEIR ELECTION DH'- ITS, MR SUEN ADDED.
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FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION AN IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT * * * « »
A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, DR DANIEL TSE, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT FOR ITS FORESIGHT, CAREFUL PLANNING AND DESIGN IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE RECONSTRUCTED FLYOVER, DR TSE SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE MANNER IN WHICH IT WAS REBUILT.
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY SIMPLY TO DEMOLISH THE OLD FLYOVER COMPLETELY AND THEN BUILD THE NEW ONE, HE SAID. BUT THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS.
HE ADDED THAT THE FORESIGHT. CAREFUL PLANNING AND DESIGN BY THE ENGINEERS HAD ENABLED SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC TO BE MAINTAINED ON THE OLD FLYOVER THROUGHOUT THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
DR TSE NOTED THAT DURING THE ENTIRE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD ONLY TWO DAYTIME CLOSURES, ON SUNDAYS, HAD BEEN NECESSARY FOR TECHNICAL REASONS.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, SAID THAT MAINTAINING TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC WHILST CARRYING OUT FULL RECONSTRUCTION WAS AN ACHIEVEMENT RARELY ATTEMPTED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
THIS RATHER UNIQUE PROJECT WOULD BE FEATURED IN A PAPER TO BB PRESENTED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION CONFERENCE IN KOREA IN APRIL. HE SAID.
THE OLD PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER, BUILT IN 1966, ACCOMMODATED ONLY THREE TRAFFIC LANES AND WAS TOO NARROW TO MEET INCREASING TRAFFIC DEMAND.
/THE NEW .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
THE NEW ONE WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL LANE FOR NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WITH A CONCRETE CENTRAL BARRIER TO SEPARATE OPPOSING TRAFFIC FLOWS.
l://, j said that the flyover would enable traffic to move
MORE SHOOWILY :RN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND
PROVIDE AN ENHANCED LEVEL OF SAFETY.
VKH Till: COMPLETION OF THE REMAINING GROUND LEVEL WORKS, TRAFFIC I iN A;A. E STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD WOULD ALSO BE
IMP .OVED.
SOME ;1ICAL t ( TIONS OF THE GROUND LEVEL WORKS AT THE
JUNCTION Or i MARGARET ROAD, ARGYLE STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD
COULD NOT BE MENCF.D UL LL . IE COMPLETION OF THE FLYOVER IN ORDER TO MINIMISE T; Fj C CONGEST ’ .
THE WOi' • S WOULD Bi; COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX SAID.
MONTHS, MR BEATON
DR TSE, MR BEATON, THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER (KOWLOON), MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, MR WONG SIK-KONG, CUT A RIBBON TO DECLARE THE FLYOVER OPEN.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING AND SUPERVISING THE RECONSTRUCTION WORKS AND THE ADJACENT GROUND LEVEL ROADS.
THE $60 MILLION PROJECT WAS AWARDED TO NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN JUNE 1986, AND THE FLYOVER WAS COMPLETED IN 33 MONTHS.
THE FLYOVER WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 3.30 PM TODAY.
-----0------
CONTRACT FOR TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CONNECTION SIGNED
*****
A $232 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE TATE’S SOUTHERN CONNECTION WAS AWARDED BY THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT
IT WAS SIGNED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER/SHA TIN, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTOR.
THE CONTRACT IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TRUNK 14 OF SHA TIN MEW TOWN. IT WILL CONNECT THE EXISTING SHA TIN TO THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL.
MR K.T. KUO,
AND
ROAD T5 IN AREA
ROAD SYSTEM IN
/THE ROAD .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
5 -
THE ROAD WILL START FROM SHA TIN ROAD NEAR POK HONG ESTATE AND WILL RUN ALONG SHA TIN WAI ROAD TO JOIN THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN APPROACHES AT SIU LEK YUEN.
IT WILL BE A 1.4-KILOMETRE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, MOSTLY ELEVATED.
THE WORK WILL ALSO INCLUDE LANDSCAPING ALONG THE ROAD, CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS AT SELECTED LOCATIONS, AND SPECIAL FEATURES SUCH AS NOISE BARRIERS NEAR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SITE AT POK HONG ESTATE AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONES.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND COMPLETION OF THE CONTRACT WILL TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AROUND AUGUST 1991.
-----0------
SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURERS IN UPGRADING OPERATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS STAND TO HELP MANUFACTURERS IN TAKING STEPS TOWARDS UPGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY 1989, MR JACOBS SAID THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HAD DEVELOPED A RANGE OF LOW-COST AUTOMATION SYSTEMS WHICH COULD BE USED BY SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED MANUFACTURERS.
"THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TRAINS WORKERS TO OPERATE THE NEW GENERATION OF COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MACHINES.
"AND THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS ARE EDUCATING TOMORROW’S MANAGERS AND ENGINEERS, WHO WILL BE TOTALLY CONVERSANT IN A TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WERE DOING VERY WELL AT PRESENT. FROM 1983 TO 1987, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS PER HEAD AND OF OUTPUT PER EMPLOYEE, AT 12.2 PER CENT AND 11.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WERE THE HIGHEST ON RECORD.
HE SAID CONFIDENCE IN THE CONTINUED VIABILITY OF THE ROLE OF MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG WAS ALSO HIGH.
"THIS IS REFLECTED IN THE GROWTH IN THE LEVEL OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. THE LEVEL IN 1987 WAS 116 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN 1982," HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 6 -
MR JACOBS SAID THAT IN SPITE OF THESE ENCOURAGING INDICATORS, THERE WERE CHALLENGES AHEAD AND MOST APPARENT OF ALL WAS THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NATURE OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
"WE ARE FACING STIFF COMPETITION FROM NEWLY INDUSTRIALISING ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION. THEY ARE MAINTAINING HIGH PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH RATES, AND ACHIEVING SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
"FURTHERMORE, OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS ARE DEMANDING HIGHER STANDARDS OF QUALITY IN THE GOODS THEY IMPORT FROM US," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURERS WERE RESPONDING SWIFTLY TO THESE CHALLENGES AND WITH MUCH SUCCESS.
"MANY HAVE INVESTED IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
"OTHERS HAVE TRANSFERRED THEIR LABOUR-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OUTSIDE HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE DECISION TO UPGRADE A MANUFACTURING PROCESS BY INSTALLING ADVANCED EQUIPMENT WAS A DIFFICULT ONE AND THE INITIAL COSTS MIGHT BE DAUNTING.
"BUT IN THE LONG RUN, AN INVESTMENT OF THIS NATURE SHOULD GENERATE BETTER RETURN WITH THE PRODUCTION OF HIGHER QUALITY AND HIGHER-VALUE-ADDED GOODS AT LOWER LABOUR COST," HE SAID.
-------0 - - - -
GROUP EFFORT CALLED FOR IN TREE PLANTING
««»»»»
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON ALL COMMUNITY GROUPS IN HONG KONG FOR THEIR FULL SUPPORT IN BUILDING A BETTER COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT BY TAKING PART IN THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME DUE TO START LATER THIS MONTH.
DR LEE SAID: "WE TREASURE THE SUPPORT OF EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY BUT WE VALUE GROUP PARTICIPATION EVEN MORE.
"APART FROM THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF GROUP MEMBERS WHICH ENABLE US TO ACHIEVE A BETTER RESULT, GROUP PARTICIPATION PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE GOOD HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE."
/DR LEE .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 7 -
DR LEE SAID THIS WHEN HE ANNOUNCED THE THEME OF "GROUP PARTICIPATION” FOR THE 1989 SCHEME WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY, MARCH 19, AT PAR TAM AU IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
HE SAID THAT TO COINCIDE WITH THIS YEAR’S THEME, THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, HAD TAKEN THE LEAD BY CO-ORGANISING THE LAUNCHING EVENT AND MOBILISING ITS MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES.
THE DIRECTOR STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF TREE PLANTING AND THE PUBLIC’S ROLE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
"TREES HELP TO BEAUTIFY OUR ENVIRONMENT, TO STOP SOIL EROSION AND SILTING OF STREAMS AND RESERVOIRS AND TO REHABILITATE AREAS DAMAGED BY FIRE OR DISTURBED BY DEVELOPMENT.
"THEY ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING THE VERY MUCH NEEDED HABITAT FOR THE WIDE VARIETY OF WILDLIFE IN THE TERRITORY.
"THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT REALISES THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES TO OUR COMMUNITY AND HAS SINCE 1957 CARRIED OUT AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO INVOLVE THE PUBLIC IN THE PLANTING AND CARE OF TREES.
"OUR TREE NURSERY IS PRODUCING 800,000 TREE SEEDLINGS THIS YEAR. SOME 400,000 OF THEM WILL BE PLANTED IN COUNTRY PARKS BY OUR STAFF AND PARTICIPANTS OF THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME," HE SAID.
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT SUCH EFFORT IN AFFORESTATION WOULD BE RENDERED INEFFECTIVE IF COUNTRY PARK VISITORS WERE NOT MINDFUL OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT SAFE.
HE SAID: "NEGLIGENCE HAS CAUSED 195 HILL FIRES SO FAR THIS FIRE SEASON, RESULTING IN 1,420 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND AND 86,000 TREES BEING DAMAGED.”
DR LEE NOTED THAT JUST 10 DAYS AGO, A THIRD-STRIKE FIRE OCCURRED IN THE TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK AND THIS FIRE ALONE RAVAGED 320 HECTARES OF PLEASANT COUNTRYSIDE.
"IT HAS THEREFORE BEEN OUR POLICY TO ENCOURAGE ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER GENERATION, TO BECOME INVOLVED IN PLANTING TREES IN OUR COUNTRY PARKS AND IN CARING FOR THEM.
"PHYSICALLY INVOLVING THE PUBLIC IN TREE PLANTING PROJECTS HELPS THEM UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND REMINDS THEM OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN," HE ADDED.
/THE 1989
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
THE 1989 SCHEME WILL START WITH A LAUNCHING EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, ON MARCH 19 BEGINNING AT 10.30 AM AT A SCENIC PLANTING SITE AT PAK TAM AU, SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
OFFICIATING WILL BE SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR ALLEN LEE, WITH ABOUT 1,000 LIONS LEADERS AND MEMBERS AS WELL AS 500 SCHOOL CHILDREN TAKING PART. THEY WILL PLANT THE FIRST TREES OF THE YEAR.
DR LEE SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE LAUNCHING EVENT, EIGHT PLANTING SITES IN SELECTED COUNTRY PARKS WOULD BE OPENED FOR THE PUBLIC TO PLANT TREES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS DURING THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 24 TO APRIL 30.
THE EIGHT PLANTING SITES ARE TAI MO SHAN, TAI MEI TUK, MUI WO, POK FU LAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG, CLEAR WATER BAY AND TAI TONG WHERE COUNTRY PARK STAFF WILL BE ON DUTY TO PROVIDE FREE TREE SEEDLINGS, TOOLS AND ANY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO TAKE PART IN THE PLANTING PROGRAMME. INTERESTED SCHOOLS OR ORGANISATIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 3-7332121 FOR ARRANGEMENTS.
DR LEE SAID THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME WAS A GOOD INDICATION OF THE GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE 1988 SCHEME REACHED A NEW RECORD OF 19,300 WHICH WAS 12 TIMES THE 1982 FIGURE OF 1,700.
"1 HOPE MORE PEOPLE WILL COME FORWARD IN GROUPS IN THE TREE PLANTING DAYS AHEAD TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
APPOINTMENTS TO ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR EDWARD HO S1NG-TIN TO SUCCEED MR JASON YUEN KING-YUK AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD (AAB), IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR YUEN, WHO SERVED THE BOARD FOR MORE THAN 12 YEARS, JOINED AS A MEMBER IN 1977 AND BECAME CHAIRMAN IN AUGUST 1986.
THE TERM OF THE NEW BOARD Wil,I. EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 1 990.
MR HO, A MEMBER OF TH!'' LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IS AN ARCHITECT, AND IS A FORMER PRESIDENT OF Illi' HONG KONG INSTITUTE Ol- ARCHITECTS.
/THE GOVERNOR
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
* 9 -
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED FIVE MEMBERS AND APPOINTED SEVEN NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD AS WELL AS RE-APPOINTING ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL. AND ONE FROM THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WHO IS THE ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE, WELCOMED THE APPOINTMENTS.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE RENDERED BY THE RETIRING MEMBERS, MANY OF WHOM HAD SERVED THE BOARD FOR ALMOST A DECADE.
’’DURING THEIR TERM OF OFFICE, THEIR EXPERIENCE AND VALUABLE SERVICE HAVE BEEN DEEPLY APPRECIATED," MR CHUI SAID.
HE SAID THE BOARD CONSISTED OF A PANEL OF EXPERTS WHOSE ADVICE WOULD BE HIGHLY RESPECTED.
THE BOARD WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1976 UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE TO ADVISE THE ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE PRESERVATION OF HONG KONG S ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE.
ACTING ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD, THE AUTHORITY HAD SUCCEEDED IN FORMALLY DECLARING 35 MONUMENTS BY THE END OF 1988.
THESE RANGED FROM ROCK ('ARV INGS, A QING DYNASTY FORTIFICATION, TRADITIONAL DWELLING HOUSES AND ANCESTRAL HALLS TO HISTORICAL BUILDINGS OF THE EARLY BRITISH PERIOD.
THE FOLLOWING IS A FULL LIST OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS, AS PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GAZETTE:
MR EDWARD HO SING-TIN, AN ARCHITECT AND MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (CHAIRMAN);
DR DAVID FAURE, LECTURER IN HISTORY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
MRS SALLY RODWELL, AN ARCHAEOLOGIST;
DR JANET LEE SCOTT, HEAD OF THE SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, BAPTIST COLLEGE;
REV. CARL SMITH, A LOCAL HISTORIAN AND VICE-PRESIDENT OF I HE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY;
DR DAVID WORKMAN, LECTURER IN GEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
DR SOLOMON BARD, A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGIST WHO HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE FIELD SINCE THE LATE 1950’S;
MISS CHENG CHEE-HING, SENIOR INSPECTOR IN HISTORY, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT;
/MR JAMES .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 10 -
MR JAMES CRAWFORD, A LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGIST AND MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY;
DR JAMES HAYES, A RETIRED CIVIL SERVANT AND A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL HISTORIAN;
PROF JAO CHUNG-I, PROFESSOR EMERITUS IN CHINESE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AND AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED SCHOLAR.
MR KEITH LAM HON-KEUNG, A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND A MEMBER OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD;
MR DAVID LUNG, LECTURER IN ARCHITECTURE, HONG KONG UNIVERSITY; AND
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH OF THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
------0-------
DAME LYDIA TO OPEN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY
*****
A FUN-PACKED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY ’89 WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12) AT VICTORIA PARK IN CAUSEWAY BAY TO DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THREE SOCCER PITCHES IN THE PARK WILL BE TURNED INTO A FAIRGROUND OF GAMES STALLS AND EXHIBITION BOOTHS BETWEEN 11 AM AND 4.30 PM.
IN ADDITION, A WIDE VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDING SONGS BY POPULAR SINGERS, MAGIC SHOWS, SKETCHES BY DISC JOCKEYS AND TELEVISION PERSONALITIES, AND A BAND DISPLAY WILL BE STAGED.
AN OPEN FORUM WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE AUDIENCE WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO AIR THEIR VIEWS ON SAFETY AND HEALTH AT THE WORKPLACE.
THE EVENT WILL BE OPENED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MR HO SAI-CHU, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY *89 IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF VARIOUS EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND WORKERS’ UNIONS.
PART OF THE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 BETWEEN NOON AND 1 PM.
/SAFETY AND ........
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
SAFETY AND HEALTH QUIZZES WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE EVENT AND ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN TO THE WINNERS.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE FIRE SERVICES AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WILL ALSO PUT UP DISPLAY UNITS ON SITE WHILE THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE BAND WILL GIVE A PERFORMANCE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND WORKERS WILL JOIN IN THIS COLOURFUL EVENT WHICH MARKS THE FINALE OF THE 1988-89 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY '89 TO BE HELD AT THE SOCCER PITCHES NEXT TO THE VICTORIA STATUE, VICTORIA PARK, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 11.30 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12). INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-------0---------
HIGH COURT JUDGE APPOINTED * * » *
MR KEMAL BOKHARV QC JP HAS BEEN APPOINTED A JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT.
MR BOKHARY FILLS THE VACANCY WHICH AROSE UPON THE RETIREMENT OF THE HON MR JUSTICE GARCIA LAST JANUARY.
MR BOKHARY WAS BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1947. HE ATTENDED KING GEORGE V SCHOOL IN HONG KONG FROM 1964 TO 1967. MR BOKHARY RECEIVED HIS LEGAL EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WAS CALLED TO THE BAR OF ENGLAND AND WALES BY THE HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE TEMPLE IN 1970.
IN 1971, HE WAS ADMITTED TO PRACTISE AS A BARRISTER IN HONG KONG AND WAS APPOINTED QUEEN’S COUNSEL IN 1983. HE WAS THE HON SECRETARY AND TREASURER OF THE BAR FROM 1977 TO 1979 AND A MEMBER OF THE BAR COMMITTEE IN 1976 AND FROM 1980 TO 1984.
HE DEALS PREDOMINANTLY WITH COMMERCIAL, COMPANY, PLANNING AND BUILDING CASES.
MR BOKHARY HAS BEEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS APPEAL TRIBUNAL SINCE NOVEMBER 1, 1987 AND HE IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG KENNEL CLUB.
/HE HAD ......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
HE HAD SPENT A PERIOD OF TIME AS A GUEST LECTURER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, LECTURING ON FUNDAMENTAL BREACH OF CONTRACT,
APART FROM HAVING ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN THE HONG KONG LAW JOURNAL ON JUDICIAL NOTICE, INSIDER DEALING AND CERTAIN REVIEWS IN THE SAME PUBLICATION, HE HAS ALSO DELIVERED TALKS ON SUBJECTS SUCH AS EQUITABLE ASSIGNMENT AND CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF INSOLVENCY.
MR BOKHARY IS MARRIED WITH THREE CHILDREN.
- - 0 -
lr SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES ANNOUNCED *****
THE POST OFFICE HAS ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR 1989:
MAY 4 - CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE DENOMINATIONS OF 60 CENTS, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5 DEPICTING ONE OF THE MAJOR CHINESE FESTIVALS IN CHEUNG CHAU. A SET OF POSTCARDS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.
JULY 19 - MODERN PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES OF HONG KONG
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE DENOMINATIONS OF 60 CENTS, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5 FEATURING TWO MODERN PAINTINGS AND TWO SCULPTURES BY ARTISTS OF HONG KONG.
SEPTEMBER 6 - HONG KONG PEOPLE
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE DENOMINATIONS OF 60 CENTS, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5 DEPICTING THE LIVES OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
OCTOBER 5 - HONG KONG BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE DENOMINATIONS OF 60 CENTS, 70 CENTS, $1.30, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5 FEATURING THE MAJOR PROJECTS NOW BEING CONSTRUCTED OR ALREADY COMPLETED IN HONG KONG.
THEY INCLUDE THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE NEW BANK OF CHINA BUILDING IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT, THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI, THE CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
/NOVEMBER 8
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 13 -
NOVEMBER 8 - ROYAL VISIT 1989
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE DENOMINATIONS OF 60 CENTS, SI.40, $1.80 AND $5 COMMEMORATING THE VISIT TO HONG KONG BY HRH THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF EACH SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.
-------0--------
TEMPORARY EPD FIELD OFFICE IN SHEUNG SHUI
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A TEMPORARY FIELD OFFICE IN SHEUNG SHUI TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM FARMERS CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS IS PART OF A CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION WITH LIVESTOCK FARMERS.
THE TEMPORARY OFFICE IS LOCATED AT THE CHOI YUEN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE, CHOI YUK HOUSE, CHOI YUEN ESTATE.
THE OFFICE IS OPEN FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM ON MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO NOON ON ALTERNATE SATURDAYS.
FARMERS WHO WISH TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE DETAILS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME CAN VISIT THE OFFICE, OR CALL IT BY TELEPHONE ON 0-6727090.
-----0------
ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE FEES REVISED ♦ * » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS REVISED THE FEES FOR A NUMBER OF LICENCES ISSUED BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY TO REFLECT THE RISE IN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE OLD FEES FOR THESE LICENCES WERE SET IN 1965 AND 1977. "THEY HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE ACTUAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED IN THE ISSUE OF SUCH LICENCES,” HE SAID.
/THE FEE .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
14
THE FEE ADJUSTMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1989 AND THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1989 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ADJUSTMENTS TAKE EFFECT TODAY.
THE OLD AND ADJUSTED FEES FOR THE LICENCES FOLLOWS: CONCERNED ARE
OLD FEE ADJUSTED FEE
LOTTERY LICENCE $200 $1,000
TOMBOLA LICENCE $500 $3,200
AMUSEMENTS WITH PRIZES LICENCE $200 $750
PUBLIC DANCE HALL $1,500 S4,300
AS
LICENCE
-------0---------
PAR TIN CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION »»»»»»
NOMINATIONS WILL BE CALLED FOR ON FRIDAY, MARCH 17 TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE PAR TIN CONSTITUENCY OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD.
THE VACANCY IS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CURRENT TERM LASTING UP TO MARCH 31, 1991.
INTENDING CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL AND HAVE BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEEDING NOMINATION.
A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG; BUT THE NOMINATION MAY ONLY BE MADE BY REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY.
EACH NOMINATION REQUIRES 10 SUBSCRIBERS AND EACH SUBSCRIBER MAY GIVE SUPPORT TO ONE CANDIDATE ONLY.
THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY COVERS MAINLY THE PAK TIN ESTATE AND THE TAI WO PING AREA AND HAS A REGISTERED ELECTORATE OF 13,811.
/NOMINATION FORMS .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 15 -
NOMINATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY (MARCH 13) AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON AND AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
NOMINATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 31. UNLESS THE VACANCY IS UNCONTESTED, A BY-ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 20.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE (3-7204251) OR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION (5-8934796).
- - 0 -------
LADY WILSON PRESENTS FLAG TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM *****
MEDALS OR NOT, THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE, AND THE COMRADESHIP THAT DEVELOPS ON OCCASIONS SUCH AS THE INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES WILL BENEFIT ALL PARTICIPANTS IN MANY WAYS, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
LADY WILSON WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY AT WHICH SHE PRESENTED THE HONG KONG FLAG TO THE TEAM WHICH WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE 1989 INTERNATIONAL WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPICS GAMES TO BE HELD IN THE UNITED STATES.
SAYING THAT WINTER SPORTS WERE JUST ONE AMONG THE MANY SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR MENTALLY RETARDED ATHLETES, LADY WILSON SAID SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO LEARN THAT OVER 22,000 PEOPLE REGULARLY ENJOYED THE MANY SPORTS PROGRAMMES WHICH BENEFITTED THEM PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND SOCIALLY.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPIANS, IN PREPARATION FOR THE GAMES, HAVE BEEN UNDER REGULAR AND VIGOROUS TRAINING OVER THE PAST 40 MONTHS," LADY WILSON SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME HONG KONG WAS TAKING PART IN A WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES.
"THE LAST TIME WAS IN 1985, IN PARK CITY, UTAH, WHEN OUR HONG KONG ATHLETES WON ONE GOLD, TWO SILVER AND TWO BRONZE MEDALS," SHE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG TEAM HAD WON A TOTAL OF 78 MEDALS IN THE 1987 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES.
/"WE ARE
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 16
"WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS,” SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON CONGRATULATED THE ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR ORGANISING THE HONG KONG CONTINGENT THAT WILL ATTEND THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPIC GAMES.
THE GAMES WILL BE HELD AT RENO, NEVADA, FROM APRIL 1 TO 8.
THE HONG KONG CONTINGENT COMPRISES 12 ATHLETES AND SIX OFFICIALS.
-----0--------
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY RELEASED
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY 1989, AT $86,650 MILLION, GREW BY 27 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN JANUARY 1989 RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $17,262 MILLION IN JANUARY 1989, WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 43 PER CENT TO $26,254 MILLION, THUS BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1989 TO $43,515 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT OVER JANUARY 1988.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT TO $43,134 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WITH JANUARY 1988, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (4-33 PER CENT), CHINA (+29 PER CENT), JAPAN (+29 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (+16 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+14 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECREASED, BY 7 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS IN JANUARY 1989 OVER JANUARY 1988, PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM ITALY (+43 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+38 PER CENT), CHINA (+37 PER CENT), JAPAN (+28 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+28 PER CENT). IMPORTS FROM THE USA INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT.
RE-EXPORTS TO ITALY, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA AND CHINA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, BY 83 PER CENT, 71 PER CENT, 56 PER CENT, 55 PER CENT AND 55 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE USA, JAPAN AND TAIWAN INCREASED, BY 31 PER CENT, 44 PER CENT AND 36 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/CAUTION SHOULD
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 17 -
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH. IN PARTICULAR, THE TRADE FIGURES IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1989 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1988, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT TO $218,449 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS AT $283, 1 MILLION WERE UP BY 50 PER CENT.
TNG DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 30 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT TO $508,782 MILLION. TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE, AS A WHOLE, INCREASED BY 30 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 JANUARY 1989 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY APRIL.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WITH JANUARY 1988, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN MOST MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE MORE NOTABLE ONES WERE OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $187 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $150 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $100 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $96 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING DECREASED BY $77 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. A DECREASE WAS ALSO RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $79 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WITH JANUARY 1988, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,121 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,100 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $743 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
/IMPORTS OF
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 18 -
IMPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $1,105 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $142 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT); AND FIXED VEGETABLE OILS AND FATS (BY $70 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WITH JANUARY 1988, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $996 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $932 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $771 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT ) .
RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $741 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN EXPLOSIVES AND PYROTECHNIC PRODUCTS (BY $39 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT); AND DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS (BY $8 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE JANUARY 1989 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE ON SALE AROUND MARCH 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 JANUARY 1989, WILL BE AVAILABLE IN END-MARCH 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. NO.: 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. : 5-8234915) .
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JANUARY JANUARY PERCENTAGE
1989 1988 INCREASE INCREASE
(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (%)
U.S.A. 5, 184 5,595 - 412 - 7
CHINA 3,205 2,479 ♦ 726 + 29
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
19 -
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,356 1,554 - 198 - 13
U.K. 1,208 1,057 ♦ 150 + 14
JAPAN 966 749 4- 216 + 29
CANADA 577 513 + 63 + 12
SINGAPORE 479 360 ♦ 119 + 33
NETHERLANDS 408 376 ♦ 32 + 9
AUSTRALIA 354 305 + 49 16
FRANCE 306 339 — 33 10
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JANUARY 1989 (HKD MN.) JANUARY 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,486 5,564 - 77 - 1
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,091 2,170 - 79 - 4
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF » 1,439 1,289 + 150 + 12
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,438 1,422 + 16 + 1
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,313 1,213 + 100 ♦ 8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 , 191 1 , 137 + 55 + 5
/TABLrJ 3..........
FRIDAY, MARCH 1G, 1989
- 20 -
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JANUARY 1989 (HKD MN.) JANUARY 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
CHINA 14,948 10,933 + 4,015 + 37
JAPAN 7,006 5,476 + 1,530 + 28
TAIWAN 4,032 2,924 + 1,108 + 38
U.S.A. 3,164 2,655 + 509 + 19
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,036 1,648 + 387 + 24
SINGAPORE 1,919 1,501 + 418 + 28
F.R. OR GERMANY 1,078 869 + 209 + 24
U.K. 1,076 1,038 + 38 + 4
ITALY 686 481 -I- 205 ♦ 43
FRANCE 663 536 + 127 + 24
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JANUARY 1989 (HKD MN.) JANUARY INCREASE 1988 (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,056 3,951 + 1 , 105 + 28
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4.256 3,134 + 1 , 121 + 36
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3, 194 2,451 + 743 + 30
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,961 1,861 + 1 , 100 + 59
/MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
•* 21
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES
AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,545 1,822 + 723
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,246 1,834 + 412
+ 40
+ 22
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JANUARY 1989 (HKD MN.) JANUARY 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
CHINA 8,969 5,782 + 3,187 + 55
U.S.A. 4,645 3,549 + 1,096 + 31
JAPAN 1,583 1,095 + 487 + 44
TAIWAN 1,333 983 + 350 + 36
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,010 590 + 420 * 71
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,003 789 + 218 + 28
SINGAPORE 906 648 + 258 + 40
U.K. 568 365 + 203 + 56
AUSTRALIA 450 291 + 160 + 55
ITALY 433 237 + 196 + 83
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JANUARY 1989 (HKD MN.) JANUARY 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,998 2,257 + 741 + 33
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF » 2,706 1,710 + 996 + 58
/ARTICLED OF
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 22 -
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,671 2,183 + 488 + 22
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,426 1,655 + 771 + 47
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS ANC EQUIPMENT 2,035 1,103 ♦ 932 + 85
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,002 739 + 263 + 36
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EXTERNAL TRADE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS FOR DECEMBER AND 1988 »»»»»»
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 9 PER CENT AND 46 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE YEAR OF 1988 AS COMPARED WITH 1987, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 26 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
/COMPARING THE........
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
COMPARING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1988 WITH DECEMBER 1987, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT AND 42 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HENCE, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 26 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 4 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 DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1988 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF A NUMBER OF COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN 1988 COMPARED WITH 1987, INCLUDING RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-35 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-12 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-7 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-5 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (-4 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-2 PER CENT); AND FOOTWEAR (-1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, THESE DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE MORE THAN OFFSET BY INCREASES RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+44 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+20 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+19 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+18 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (+2 PER CENT).
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED OVER THE SAME PERIOD. THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+7 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+5 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+4 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+3 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+3 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+3 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+2 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+1 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+1 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+1 PER CENT); AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WAS RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-2 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1988 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN 1988 COMPARED WITH 1987.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SUGAR; TEA AND COFFEE; AND VEGETABLES. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR LIVE POULTRY; AND SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD.
/DURING THE .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
24
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT. THE COMMODITY ITEMS WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 25 PER CENT IN 1988 COMPARED WITH 1987.
THE MAJOR INCREASES WFRE RECORDED IN PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; SILK FABRICS; AND BASE METALS, OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR RAW COTTON, AND COTTON YARN AND THREAD.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN 1988 AS COMPARED WITH 1987.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT IN 1988 OVER 1987.
THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; OFFICE MACHINES; AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS. A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.
COMPARING 1988 WITH 1987, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED. WHILE IMPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES BOTH ROSE BY 5 PER CENT, THOSE OF CONSUMER GOODS AND FOODSTUFFS BOTH INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT. HOWEVER, IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS DROPPED BY 4 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1988 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH 1987, WITH THE PERCENTAGE INCREASES RANGING FROM 40 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 58 PER CENT FOR FUELS.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES BOTH INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH 1987. RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS BOTH ROSE BY 2 PER CENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, THOSE OF FUELS DROPPED BY 11 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DECEMBER 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AROUND MARCH 13 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $2.50 PER COPY.
/ENQUIRIES REGARDING
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 19^9
- 25 -
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISS ON BUILDING, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 5-82349 M).
TABLE 1: INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING DECEMBER 1988 COMPARING JAN-DEC 1983
WITH DECEMBER 1987 WITH JAN-DEC 198 *
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING 16 -2 18 3 1 2
TEXTILE FABRICS -6 -3 -3 -3 1 -4
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -7 -1 -6 -4 1 -5
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 15 7 7 3 5 -2
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -39 1 -40 -34 2 -35
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 61 -3 66 40 -2 44
FOOTWEAR -3 ♦ -3 2 3 -1
METAL MANUFACTURES 16 13 3 28 7 19
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 23 1 23 22 3 18
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 21 4 17 24 3 20
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -14 » -14 -11 1 -12
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -20 10 -27 -3 4 -7
ALL COMMODITIES 12 2 10 11 2 9
/TABLE 2 .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
26
TABLE 2: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING DECEMBER 1988 WITH DECEMBER 1987 COMPARING JAN-DEC 1988 WITH JAN-DEC 1987
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 17 3 13 20 4 16
CONSUMER GOODS 35 4 29 37 4 32
RAW MATERIALS AND
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 28 > 4 24 31 5 25
FUELS 12 -9 23 * -4 4
CAPITAL GOODS 27 3 23 36 5 29
ALL COMMODITIES 29 • 4 25 32 4 27
TABLE 3: INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END- USE CATEGORY
COMPARING DECEMBER 1988 COMPARING JAN-DEC 1988
END-USE CATEGORY WITH VALUE % DECEMBER UNIT VALUE % 1987 VOLUME % WITH VALUE % JAN-DEC UNIT VALUE % 1987 VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 40 5 34 43 2 40
CONSUMER GOODS 57 1 55 51 2 48
RAW MATERIALS AND
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 40 5 32 49 5 42
FUELS 30 -19 60 41 -11 58
CAPITAL GOODS 47 7 38 56 5 49
ALL COMMODITIES 48 4 42 51 3 46
NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3:
* INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE CALCULATED FROM TRADE INDEXES WITH DECIMAL PLACES. THEY MAY DIFFER FROM THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPUTED DIRECTLY FROM THE ROUNDED FIGURES IN THE PUBLICATION "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
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/27........
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 27 -
CARNIVAL TO SPREAD ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGES IN TSUEN WAN ♦ * ♦ » *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL HOLD AN ANTITRIAD CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12) AFTERNOON AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND TO PUBLICISE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGES.
THE CARNIVAL, BEGINNING AT 2 PM, WILL FEATURE GAME STALLS, DRAGON AND LION DANCES, A VARIETY SHOW, DEMONSTRATIONS BY POLICE DOGS AND AN EXHIBITION ON THE THEME OF YOUTH CRIME AND CRIME PREVENTION.
POLICE VEHICLES AND POLICE INFLATABLE RUBBER BOATS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE VENUE.
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CARNIVAL.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME AWARD SCHEME WHICH WAS HELD RECENTLY WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO ASSIST THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY IN PREVENTING AND FIGHTING CRIME.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOW KWAN-SING; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; AND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
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SPECIAL PAX ILION TO OPEN (N NORTH DISTRICT
* * » t t
A CHINESE-STYLE PAVILION ERECTED BY A MEMBER OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AS \ COMMUNITY PROJECT WILL BE OPEN TO MORNING WALKERS AND PICNICKERS IN NORTH DISTRICT TOMORROW (SATURDAY I .
BUILT WITH GREEN TILES AND GRANOLITHIC COLUMNS, THE HEXAGONAL PAVILION IS SITUATED AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TRAIL IN WAH MFI SHAN FANLING.
/CONSTRUCTION OF .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 28
CONSTRUCTION OF THE $180,000 PAVILION, WHICH IS NAMED "CHUN FAI PAVILION”, WAS INITIATED AND FINANCED BY A NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR KO KIM-CHING, TO MARK THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS MOTHER. THE NAME OF THE PAVILION MEANS MATERNAL LOVE.
THE PROJECT WAS SUPERVISED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER (NORTH), MR VICTOR CHAN; AND THE DONOR OF THE PAVILION, MR KO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PAVILION IN WAH MEI SHAN, FANLING TOMORROW (SATURDAY). IT WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING AT 9 AM.
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VARIETY SHOW FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ABOUT 1,100 SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY AN EVENING OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT AT A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHOW HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SINGING, A MAGIC SHOW, ACROBATICS AND CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS.
IN ADDITION, RESIDENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE ROLE OF THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE SO AS TO INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE . OF THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.
THIS COMMITTEE WAS FORMED IN MAY LAST YEAR TO SERVE AS A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND RESIDENTS. IT COMPRISES 21 MEMBERS WHO COME FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
- 29 -
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION IN TUEN MUN
******
THE SEVENTH IN A SERIES OF EIGHT FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITIONS, ORGANISED BY THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, WILL BE HELD AT THE YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE IN TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12).
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM NOON TO 3 PM.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE EXHIBITIONS IS TO AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND HOW TO REACT IF A FIRE OCCURS.
"IN ORDER TO MAKE THE MESSAGE TO REACH MORE PEOPLE, THE EXHIBITIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE STAGED IN ROTATION ON ALTERNATE SUNDAYS IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID.
EXHIBITION PANELS PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CENTRE ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN, "IF THERE IS A FIRE, SOUND THE ALARM".
TO ENHANCE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT, OFFICERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE NEW FIRE PREVENTION LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK LTD.
THE LAST IN THE PRESENT SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 26 AT WO CHE ESTATE, SHA TIN.
-------o----------
FREE CANTONESE OPERA SHOW FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS
*****
SENIOR RESIDENTS FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A FREE CANTONESE OPERA SHOW AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
THE SHOW, TO BE STAGED BY THE HON FUNG CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE, WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE KENNEDY TOWN KAIFONG ASSOCIATION TAM PAK HUNG SOCIAL CENTRE, THE SHOW IS TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AGED OVER 60.
/THE OFFICIATING .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR AMBROSE LAU; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER; AND DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (CENTRAL, WESTERN AND ISLANDS), MRS KATHERINE SIN.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS FROM THE TAM PAK HUNG SOCIAL CENTRE, BELCHER’S STREET, KENNEDY TOWN.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8170196.
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STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME « » * » *
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO JOIN ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 1 TO FORM 3 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO PLAY WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WILL BE RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS LIVING OR STUDYING IN KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN, SAI KUNG, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, YUEN LONG AND TAI PO.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN PLAYING INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS THE VIOLIN, FRENCH HORN. FLUTE AND ERHU.
TRAINING SESSIONS OF ONE HOUR EACH WILL BE CONDUCTED WEEKLY AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. MONTHLY TUITION FEES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE $20 AND $40 RESPECTIVELY.
APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO THE MUSIC CENTRES FOR A HAND AND MOUTH INSPECTION AND A SIMPLE VOICE TEST ON APRIL 1. THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION WILL START IN MAY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC CENTRES IN KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 18. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7962893, 3-7149255 OR O-475O465.
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/51 ........
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989 “ 31 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING LUNG CHEUNG RD FOOTBRIDGE
****««
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KOWLOON, NEAR THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD LOOKOUT AREA.
A TENDER NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO PROVIDE A DECELERATION LANE ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY AND THE PROVISION OF ONE BUS BAY ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD CLOSE TO THE FOOTBRIDGE.
THE WORKS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BUILDING OF A WORKSHOP BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
UPON COMPLETION, THE FOOTBRIDGE AND BUS BAYS WILL PROVIDE A CONVENIENT GRADE-SEPARATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FOR THE WATERWORKS STAFF.
THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO THE LOOKOUT AREA FOR THE PUBLIC AND BENEFIT THE POPULATION ARISING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
------0--------
LONG VEHICLE BAN ON WONG CHUK HANG PATH * » » t t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 13), VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE BANNED FROM WONG CHUK HANG PATH WEST OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
0
/32........
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
52
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND, LANTAU
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND ON LANTAU ISLAND FROM MONDAY (MARCH 13).
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROCK FALL PROTECTIVE FENCES, VICTORIA ROAD IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT BETWEEN SASSOON ROAD AND BAGUIO VILLA WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM DAILY FROM MARCH 13 TO 20.
DURING THIS PERIOD, ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS WILL BE DIVERTED TO POK FU LAM ROAD.
IN WAN CHAI, CONVENTION AVENUE EASTBOUND BETWEEN FENWICK PIER STREET AND FLEMING ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM DAILY FROM MARCH 13 TO 31 FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON FENWICK PIER STREET HEADING FOR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER AND HUNG HING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HARBOUR ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD.
FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY (MONDAY), ALL LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM VENTRIS ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR CABLE LAYING WORK.
ON LANTAU ISLAND, NGONG PING ROAD NEAR SZ TSZ TAU SHAN WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 8 PM AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY DAILY ON MARCH 13, 17, 20 AND 27 FOR ROAD WORKS.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD * « ♦ » t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS, A 120-METRES STRETCH Al,ONG THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 13) TO fi AM THE NEXT DAY.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/53
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1989
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON NAM LONG SHAN ROAD *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 13), TWO SECTIONS OF NAM LONG SHAN ROAD IN WONG CHUK HANG WILL BE DESIGNATED 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THEY ARE THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT ABOUT 123 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HEUNG YIP ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION WITH POLICE SCHOOL ROAD; AND THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH POLICE SCHOOL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS ON THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF NAM LONG SHAN ROAD FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY:
« THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM THE ENTRANCE TO WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POLICE SCHOOL ROAD; AND
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH POLICE SCHOOL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TAI PO ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD IN FANLING WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY (MARCH 13).
THE SOUTHBOUND INNER-MOST LANE BETWEEN KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED ON MARCH 13.
IN ADDITION, THE SOUTHBOUND INNER-MOST LANE BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED ON MARCH 14 AND 15.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL : 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE MO.
Call FOR PHASING OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ............. 1
TRANSPORT COMPLaINTS DECLINE BY EIGHT PER CENT ................. 2
FS LEAVING FOR DUTY VISITS IN UK ............................... 3
community Participation in welfare services important .......... 4
GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH COUNTRY PaRKS ADOPTION SCHEME ............... 4
PRESENTATION OF OUTSTANDING STUDENTS' AWARDS ................... 5
PAVILION DONaTED TO NORTH DISTRICT ............................. 7
FIGHT CRIME CaRNIVaL ON LANTAU ................................. 7
HUMAN RIGHTS TALK IN SFJJ4 SHU I PO ............................ 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS GOODS VEHICLES BAN ..................... 8
TRaIN NOISE AT TAI WO ESTaTE ON AGENDA ......................... 9
TAI PO DB TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ................. 9
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT.......................................... 10
LABOUR OFFICES ON THE MOVE .................................... 10
ROAD CLOSURE, URBAN CLEARWAY .................................. 10
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLIES
11
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
1
CALL FOR PHASING OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
*****
THE LONDON CONFERENCE ON SAVING THE OZONE LAYER HAD BEEN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL IN DRAWING FIRM COMMITMENTS TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL FROM A VERY HIGH PROPORTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR BARNES WAS SPEAKING AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM THE LONDON CONFERENCE, IN WHICH HE LEAD A DELEGATION FROM HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE MEETING SUCCESSFULLY ELICITED A BROAD CONSENSUS THAT THE PROTOCOL ITSELF WAS INADEQUATE AND THAT THE 100 PER CENT PHASE-OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES MUST BE ACCELERATED IF THE OZONE LAYER WAS TO BE SAVED.
"IT IS CLEAR, HOWEVER, THAT THERE WILL BE SOME EXTREMELY TOUGH BARGAINING AT THE CONFERENCE IN HELSINKI, THE FIRST FORMAL MEETING OF CONTRACTING PARTIES TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL TO REVIEW THE PROTOCOL PROVISIONS, AND SUBSEQUENT DISCUSSIONS BY DEVELOPING NATIONS OVER THE BURDEN OF COMPLIANCE.
"HOWEVER, PARTICIPANTS SEEMED VERY OPTIMISTIC THAT AN EVEN WIDER AGREEMENT WILL BE ACHIEVED," MR BARNES SAID.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS DEEPLY IMPRESSED BY THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE PRODUCED DURING THE CONFERENCE ON THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFC'S) AND HALONS ON THE OZONE LAYER AND THE DEGREE OF COMMITMENT TO THE PHASING OUT OF THOSE OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES.
"WE TOO MUST CONSIDER A PHASE-OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES IN HONG KONG AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE," MR BAR :S <SA. ».
HE ADDED THAT A HIGH PRIORITY AND A REASON.^LY MEASURE MAY BE THE ELIMINATION OF CFC-BASED AEROSOLS, ALREADY BANNED IN NORTH AMERICA, AND ARE LIKELY TO BE EUROPE SHORTLY.
; ‘RACi'ICADLE
WHICH ARE
BANNED IN
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
2
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DECLINE BY EIGHT PER CENT * * * * »
DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988-89, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,729 COMPLAINTS, A DECLINE OF EIGHT PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED MAINLY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADEQUACY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 201 COMPLAINTS COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING 24 COMPLAINTS ABOUT LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT FEEDER BUS ROUTES.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THERE WAS A DECLINE OF 40 CASES.
ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 416 COMPLAINTS COMPARED WITH 414 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICE DECREASED FROM 601 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 535 CASES.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVICE WERE CONCERNED WITH TAXI DRIVERS NOT TAKING THE MOST DIRECT ROUTEING, OVERCHARGING, REFUSING HIRE OR SOLICITING PASSENGERS, FAILING TO DRIVE TO DESTINATIONS, AND MISCONDUCT OR DRIVING IN A POOR MANNER.
THE NUMBERS OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, HONGKONG TRAMWAYS AND THE PEAK TRAMWAY FELL FROM. LAST QUARTER’S 153 CASES TO 132 CASES.
THERE WERE 40 COMPLAINTS AGAINST SERVICES RUN BY THE HONG KONG YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE STAR FERRY COMPANY, COMPARED WITH 27 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE ADEQUACY OF SERVICE, REGULARITY OF SERVICE AND PASSENGER FACILITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION TOTALLED 399 CASES - 153 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 193 IN KOWLOON, 47 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND SIX IN TUNNEL AREAS.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION, INADEQUATE ROAD CAPACITY AND ROAD WORKS.
/COMPLAINTS ABOUT .......
SATURDAY, MARCH11, 1989
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TOTALLED 130 CASES, AN INCREASE OF SEVEN CASES.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN WERE PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS DECLINED FROM 182 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 130 CASES.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC S1GNS/A1DS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STOOD AT 334 IN THE QUARTER, A DECREASE OF 13 CASES.
THESE WERE RELATED MAINLY TO COMPLAINTS ON FIXED PENALTY TICKETS AND REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0------
FS LEAVING FOR DUTY VISITS IN UK t ♦ * ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING FOR DUTY VISITS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
DURING HIS STAY IN LONDON, MR JACOBS WILL MEET OFFICIALS FROM WHITEHALL, THE BANK OF ENGLAND, THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL FUTURES EXCHANGE (LIFFE).
HE WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ON A NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL SECTOR.
ON MARCH 30, MR JACOBS WILL FLY TO ZURICH WHERE HE WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL BANKING AND FINANCIAL CIRCLE. HE WILL ALSO GIVE A LUNCHEON TALK ON THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG.
HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON APRIL I.
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
4
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN WELFARE SERVICES IMPORTANT
******
THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES GROUPS IN SOCIAL SERVICES IS VERY IMPORTANT IN PROMOTING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY AND FUND-RAISING BALL 1989 OF THE OCEAN JAYCEES, MR LAW SAID THAT WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG WERE ORIGINALLY PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND CONCERNED COMMUNITY PARTIES WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND SUBVENTED AGENCIES EMERGING LATER.
A COMPREHENSIVE WELFARE NETWORK HAD NOW BEEN BUILT UP TO RENDER ASSISTANCE TO ALL PEOPLE IN NEED.
"THIS INCLUDES THE VARIOUS SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE FAMILY, THE DISABLED, CHILDREN AND YOUTH, AND OFFENDERS WHICH ARE PROVIDED BY A GREAT NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS," MR LAW SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE 4,000 STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE MORE THAN 9,000 WORKERS IN THE SOME 150 SUBVENTED AGENCIES COULD NOT COMPLETELY SATISFY ALL DEMANDS FOR ASSISTANCE.
"THUS, MANY COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND GROUPS SUCH AS THE OCEAN JAYCEES ORGANISE ACTIVITIES OF THEIR OWN TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING DIRECT SERVICES AND THE NECESSARY FUNDING," HE SAID.
HE COMMENDED THE ORGANISATION FOR ITS VARIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT TWO YEARS AGO.
0
GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME
*****
A PILOT COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHEME THROUGH WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE CAN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSERVATION OF HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME AIMS TO INVOLVE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE PHYSICAL CARE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS WHICH THEY HAVE ADOPTED.
/THE LEADERS
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
5 -
THE LEADERS OF THE PARTICIPATING CYC GROUPS WILL BE SELECTED AS JUNIOR PARK WARDENS, WHO, AFTER RECEIVING BASIC TRAINING, WILL LEAD THEIR FELLOW MEMBERS IN TAKING PART, ON A TWICE-MONTHLY BASIS, IN VOLUNTARY WORK IN THEIR ADOPTED COUNTRY PARKS.
SUCH VOLUNTARY SERVICES INCLUDE LITTER COLLECTION, GRASS CUTTING, TREE PLANTING AND TENDING, MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES, COUNTRY PARK PATROLS, AND ADVISING VISITORS TO KEEP THE PARKS CLEAN AND FREE FROM FIRE.
THE PILOT SCHEME WILL START OFF INITIALLY WITH 11 SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE COUNTRY PARKS OF ABERDEEN, SAI KUNG WEST, SHING MUN, PAT SIN LENG AND TAI LAM.
AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY TOMORROW, THE FIRST 11 TEAMS OF JUNIOR PARK WARDENS AND CYC VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE THE FLAGS OF THEIR ADOPTED COUNTRY PARKS FROM SIR DAVID, SIGNIFYING THE OFFICIAL START OF THE SCHEME.
JOINING SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON IN THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI; AND THE CHAIRMEN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG AND MR WILLIAM WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE TAI TONG MANAGEMENT CENTRE OF THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK IN YUEN LONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 9 AM.
------0-------
PRESENTATION OF OUTSTANDING STUDENTS’ AWARDS * t ♦ ♦ ♦
TEN OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN MONG KOK, WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, PUBLIC SERVICE AND CIVIC-MINDEDNESS, WERE PRESENTED AWARDS TODAY (SATURDAY).
THEY ARE WINNERS OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENTS’ AWARD ORGANISED, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE DISTRICT, BY THE MONG KOK SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WITH SPONSORSHIP BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD.
/THE AWARD .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
6
THE AWARD AIMS AT ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO STRIVE FOR BETTER ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACADEMIC WORK, SPORTS AND LEADERSHIP, AND PROMOTING THEIR CIVIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND THE DISTRICT’S JOINT SCHOOL VARIETY SHOW, BOTH HELD AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL CENTRE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, DESCRIBED THE AWARD WAS A MEANINGFUL EVENT.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SELECTED STUDENTS NOT ONLY DO WELL IN THEIR STUDIES BUT ALSO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN JOINING EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THEIR SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR CHOW NOTED THAT THE STUDENTS TOOK PART IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES, CAMPAIGNS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY LOCAL AGENCIES.
"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT OUR YOUNG GENERATION ARE SO PUBLIC-SPIRITED AND MAKE GOOD USE OF THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME AND TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES.
"WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THIS ATTITUDE, AND THE AWARD IS A SUCCESSFUL STEP IN THAT DIRECTION," MR CHOW SAID.
ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE AWARD ARE STUDENTS IN MONG KOK. FIVE OF THE WINNERS ARE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHILE THE OTHER FIVE COME FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS. MOST OF THEM ALSO LIVE IN THE DISTRICT.
MR CHOW SAID THE AWARD WOULD HELP FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES FOR THE AWARD COMPRISED THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CLEMENT LEUNG; INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION DEPUTY REGIONAL OFFICER (KOWLOON WEST), MRS VIVIAN NG; AND EDUCATION OFFICER (MONG KOK), MRS CHAN C’lRNC MEI-CHU.
AT THE CEREMONY, WINNERS IN THE MONG KOK CIVIC EDUCATION PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST WERE ALSO PRESENTED PRIZES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE.
-----0------
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
- 7 -
PAVILION DONATED TO NORTH DISTRICT *****
A PAVILION ERECTED BY A NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AS A COMMUNITY PROJECT TO SPREAD MATERNAL LOVE WAS OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE CHINESE-STYLE HEXAGONAL PAVILION, NAMED "CHUN FAI PAVILION", IS LOCATED AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TRAIL, WAH MEI SHAN, FANLING.
INITIATED AND FUNDED BY A NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR KO KIM-CHING, THE $180,000 PROJECT WAS SUPERVISED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE PAVILION PROVIDES A REST PLACE AND RAIN SHELTER FOR MORNING WALKERS AND PICNICKERS IN FANLING.
OFFICIATING WITH MR KO AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER (NORTH), MR VICTOR CHAN.
---------------o-------- FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON LANTAU * * * *
MORE THAN 500 YOUNGSTERS FROM VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES GROUPS AND SCHOOLS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING TOOK PART IN A COLOURFUL CARNIVAL WHICH HAD ’’FIGHT CRIME” AS ITS MAIN THEME.
THE CARNIVAL INCLUDED TAE KWAN DO DEMONSTRATIONS BY JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS, SINGING PERFORMANCES AND GAME STALLS.
IT WAS HELD AT THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MUI WO, LANTAU.
THE CARNIVAL FORMED PART OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
OFFICIATING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG, SAID HE HOPED THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE CARNIVAL YOUNGSTERS WOULD UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT FIGHTING CRIME.
FIGHTING CRIME WAS A CONTINUING TASK, MR NG SAID, AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT SUCCESS COULD BE ACHIEVED WITH SUPPORT FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE POLICE.
AT THE CEREMONY, MR NG PRESENTED PRIZES TO PARTICIPANTS IN A LYRIC COMPETITION HELD EARLIER IN THE DISTRICT.
-------O-------
/8........
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
8
HUMAN RIGHTS TALK IN SHAM SHUI PO *****
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HAS ORGANISED A TALK ON BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14).
THE EVENT IS THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF CIVIC EDUCATION TALKS THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED FOR DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE TALK WILL GIVE RESIDENTS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR RIGHTS AS CITIZENS.
AT THE TALK, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, WILL EXPLAIN MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONAL FREEDOM AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS.
HE WILL ALSO GIVE A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS.
THE TALK WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR.
THE TALK, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM, IN THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS.
------0-------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS GOODS VEHICLES BAN
* * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (MARCH 13) A PLAN TO BAN GOODS VEHICLES FROM USING THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WESTBOUND SLIP ROAD AT THE WATERLOO ROAD INTERCHANGE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 AM.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES DEVELOPMENT IN THE HUNG HOM NORTH AREA, AND MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI WAN ROAD AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.
ANOTHER ITEM FOR DISCUSSION IS THE PROBLEM OF DAMAGED PEDESTRIAN-CROSSING SIGNALS.
A PAPER ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FOR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING FOR MEMBERS' INFORMATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 13) AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141 KAU PU1 LUNG ROAD.
/9........
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
- 9 -
TRAIN NOISE AT TAI WO ESTATE ON AGENDA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MEASURES TO MITIGATE TRAIN NOISE AT TAI WO ESTATE AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (MARCH 13).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE 1989-90 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE TAI PO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL WORKING GROUP AND THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON MONDAY (MARCH 13). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----0------
TAI PO DB TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (MARCH 13).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME APPLIED TO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON MONDAY (MARCH 13). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
----0------
/1O.......
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1989
10
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT » * t » *
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOKS MAY RECEIVE EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE EASTER HOLIDAYS, MARCH 24 TO 27.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THEY MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS ON MARCH 20 TO 23 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
0
LABOUR OFFICES ON THE MOVE » ♦ * *
THREE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI, ON MONDAY (MARCH 13).
STARTING FROM THAT DAY, THE HONG KONG EAST AND HONG KONG WEST OFFICES OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION, AND THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE AND ITS HONG KONG CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE WILL OPERATE FROM THE 16TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES ARE:
EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION:
HONG KONG EAST AND HONG KONG WEST OFFICES 5-8352039
5-8352040
CAREERS ADVISORY ERVICE AND HONG KONG CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE: 5-8352044
------O-------
ROAD CLOSURE, URBAN CLEARWAY ♦ » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SLIP ROAD IN CHAI WAN LINKING SHING TAI ROAD WITH WING TAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14) UNTIL 10 AM ON JUNE 15 FOR ROAD WIDENING WORKS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON SHING TAI ROAD SOUTHBOUND MAY DRIVE VIA SHUN TAI ROAD TO WING TAI ROAD.
/WESTBOUND CMB .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 111 1989
11
WESTBOUND CMB ROUTES 84 AND 87 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA SHUN TAI ROAD.
MEANWHILE, ALSO FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK TO FACILITATE TRAM OPERATIONS:
» THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE UNNAMED ROAD NORTH OF THE TRAM DEPOT, FROM THE TRAM DEPOT EXIT TO WATER STREET; AND
♦ THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WATER STREET BETWEEN THE ABOVE UNNAMED ROAD AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
------0-------
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLIES ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HUNG HOM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 13) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AN AREA BOUNDED BY HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINUS, HONG KONG COLISEUM AND INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN YUEN LONG PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, ALSO TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HA TSUEN, SHEK KONG WAI, SHEK KONG TSUEN, LAW UK TSUEN, SAN WAI, CHEUNG KONG WAI, TUNG TAU TSUEN. FUNG KONG TSUEN, SHA KONG WAI, SAN HING TSUEN, LAU FAU SHAN, HANG HAU TSUEN, FUK LO TSUEN, NGAU HOM, HANG MEI TSUEN, NGAU HOM SHEK, NGAU HOM SHA, PAT LAI, SHA KIU TSUEN, FU TSO TSUEN, SAI SHAN TSUEN, KAU LEE UK TSUEN AND SAN UK TSUEN. 1
IN ADDITION, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14) BECAUSE OF WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KAI TAK AIRPORT, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, JORDAN VALLEY, WANG TAU HOM, FU SHAN, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, FUNG WONG SAN CHUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, KOWLOON HOSPITAL, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON CITY, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU KOK AND KAI TAK.
- - 0 --------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE PART IN ELECTIONS, SAYS THE GOVERNOR .... 1
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT URGED IN CARING FOR COUNTRY PARKS .... 1
CLOSE CO-OPERATION NEEDED TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ...... 3
POLICE STEPPING UP RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN ..................... A
QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE............................. 6
TOWN PLANNERS BRIEF VISITING DELEGATIONS .................... 7
TSUEN WAN HOLDS ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL ......................... 8
DISABLED YOUNGSTERS TO COMPETE IN ATHLETIC MEET ............. 9
OUTSTANDING CITIZENS HONOURED IN KOWLOON CITY ............... 10
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME............ 10
SINGING CONTEST FINAL OPEN TO PUBLIC ........................ 11
ENTRIES INVITED FOR TAI PO PHOTO CONTEST .................... 12
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE PROPOSED FOR SHAM SHUI PO................ 1J
DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ON AGENDA .......................... 11*
THEN MUN CHILDREN'S CHOIR RECRUITING 100 MEMBERS ............ 14
PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO MEET ................... 15
NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 195^56 .................. 15
ROAD CLOSURES IN CHAI WAN, TSUEN WAN ........................ 17
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE PART IN ELECTIONS, SAYS THE GOVERNOR
*****
TAKING PART IN ELECTIONS IS VERY MUCH A COMMUNITY ACTIVITY, JUST LIKE LOOKING AFTER COUNTRY PARKS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS COMMENTING ON THE TURNOUT RATE OF THE RECENT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WHEN ASKED BY REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME.
"LIKE THE COUNTRY PARKS IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AN ACTIVE AND INVOLVED COMMUNITY, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE PART. SO I HOPE AS WE DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF ELECTIONS MORE PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART,” HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT HIS VIEW ON COMPULSORY VOTING, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WAS NOT A SYSTEM WE HAD EVER ADOPTED IN HONG KONG.
"WE ALWAYS WORK ON PEOPLE VOTING IF THEY WISH TO VOTE. HOW WE DEVELOP THE SYSTEM IN THE FUTURE WILL DEPEND ON THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT PEOPLE THEMSELVES SHOULD WANT TO VOTE AND SHOULD WANT TO TAKE PART IN ELECTIONS," HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG IS A VERY CROWDED CITY, SIR DAVID SAID IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD MAINTAIN OUR COUNTRY PARKS.
"WHAT IS GOOD TO SEE ABOUT TODAY’S ACTIVITIES IS THE NEXT GENERATION, THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO ENJOY THE COUNTRY PARKS IN 20 TO 30 YEARS TIME, COMING FOR THEMSELVES TO TAKE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT, CLEANING UP AND MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS.
"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD BE FULLY INVOLVED IN MAINTAINING OUR COUNTRY PARKS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
-----0------
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT URGED IN CARING FOR COUNTRY PARKS ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING URGED THE COMMUNITY TO PLAY ITS FULL PART IN LOOKING AFTER HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE WELL PRESERVED FOR THIS GENERATION AND MANY GENERATIONS TO COME.
"THE GOVERNMENT DOES ITS PART BY PROVIDING CONSIDERABLE RESOURCES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS.
/"BUT THESE
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
- 2
"BUT THESE EFFORTS CAN ONLY BE SUCCESSFUL IF THE PEOPLE WHO USE THE COUNTRY PARKS - THE COMMUNITY ITSELF - PLAYS ITS FULL PART," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE ADDRESSED SOME 400 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS AND INVITED GUESTS AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK TO LAUNCH A PILOT PROJECT WHICH WILL ACTIVELY INVOLVE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CONSERVING COUNTRY PARKS.
THE PROJECT - THE CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME - IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
"THE COUNTRYSIDE IS A SCARCE NATURAL RESOURCE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"NOWHERE IS THIS MORE OBVIOUS THAN IN HONG KONG WHERE OUR POPULATION IS NOW MORE THAN THREE TIMES AS LARGE AS IT WAS 40 YEARS AGO AND WHERE WE ARE CONSTANTLY BUILDING NEW TOWNS TO PROVIDE BETTER HOUSING FOR THIS INCREASED POPULATION.
"WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR THE EFFORT MADE OVER THE LAST 12 YEARS TO SET ASIDE AND DEVELOP OUR COUNTRY PARKS FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY."
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS A WELL-KNOWN FACT THAT HONG KONG HAD SOME OF THE HIGHEST POPULATION DENSITIES IN THE WORLD.
'"'LESS WELL KNOWN IS THE FACT THAT 40 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY CONSISTS OF COUNTRY PARKS," HE SAID.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 21 COUNTRY PARKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, PROVIDING A MAJOR SOURCE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND NATURE EDUCATION.
"IF COUNTRY PARKS ARE TO BE THERE FOR THIS GENERATION AND SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS TO USE AND ENJOY, THEY MUST BE PROPERLY LOOKED AFTER.
"THAT IS WHY I AM SO PLEASED THAT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB ARE TAKING THE LEAD IN HELPING TO CONSERVE THE COUNTRYSIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE SCHEME INITIALLY INVOLVES 11 SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM FIVE DISTRICTS AND STUDENTS FROM THESE SCHOOLS HAVE ADOPTED THE COUNTRY PARKS OF ABERDEEN, SAI KUNG WEST, SHING MUN, PAT SIN LENG AND TAI LAM.
SOME OF THOSE INVOLVED HAVE BEEN GIVEN BASIC TRAINING IN PRACTICAL COUNTRYIDE CONSERVATION AND HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS JUNIOR PARK WARDENS.
THEY WILL LEAD THEIR FELLOW MEMBERS TO TAKE PART, ON A TWICE MONTHLY BASIS, IN SUCH VOLUNTARY COUNTRY PARK WORK AS LITTER COLLECTION, GRASS CUTTING, TREE PLANTING AND TENDING, MAINTAINING FACILITIES, COUNTRY PARK PATROLS AND ADVISING PARK VISITORS TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND FREE FROM FIRE.
/THE GOVERNOR
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
THE GOVERNOR PRAISED THE PARTICIPATING CYC MEMBERS FOR THEIR PIONEERING EFFORTS WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS "AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT".
"THROUGH THEIR ENTHUSIASM THEY WILL ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO TAKE PART IN BOTH ENJOYING AND PRESERVING OUR COUNTRY PARKS," SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT LOOKING AFTER THE COUNTRY PARKS "WILL BE NOT ONLY A JOB WELL DONE - IT SHOULD BE FUN TOO".
JOINING SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DE LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI.
IN THEIR SPEECHES, BOTH DR LEE AND MR LI SPOKE OF THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OVER THE YEARS IN EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION, INVOLVING THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS.
DR LEE SAID THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS HAD ACHIEVED CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS AND THAT THE CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THIS AREA.
MR LI SAID THAT HIS 19 CYC DISTRICT COMMITTEES WERE FULLY COMMITTED TO COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY FITTING THAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD PLAY A LEADING ROLE AND DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS SCHEME," HE SAID.
-----0-----
CLOSE CO-OPERATION NEEDED TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
»»»»**
THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT TO CO-OPERATE CLOSELY TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY '89 BEING HELD AT VICTORIA PARK, DAME LYDIA SAID INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WOULD RESULT IN HEAVY LOSS TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS.
"WHAT IS MORE REGRETTABLE IS THE HUMAN SUFFERING THAT IS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS," SHE ADDED.
"TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND TO IMPROVE STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK, IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THERE MUST BE CLOSE CO-OPERATION AMONG EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT."
/THE INDUSTRIAL........
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY ’89 IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE (ISHC) OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.
DAME LYDIA PAID TRIBUTE TO THE COMMITTEE FOR HAVING ORGANISED NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES IN DRIVING HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THE PAST 12 YEARS.
OTHER GUESTS. OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MR HO SAI-CHU, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN MR K.Y. TONGSON; THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND; THE CHAIRMAN OF ISHC, MR HAROLD KWOK; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY '89 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG LUN.
THE EVENT, TAKING PLACE AT THREE SOCCER PITCHES IN VICTORIA PARK, BEGAN AT 11 AM AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 4.30 PM.
APART FROM GAME STALLS AND EXHIBITION BOOTHS, OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SONGS BY POPULAR SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS, MAGIC SHOWS, SKETCHES, HEALTH AND SAFETY QUIZZES, AS WELL AS LUCKY DRAWS.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE PUT UP DISPLAY STANDS ON SITE WHILE A HELIUM BALLOON CARRYING A LARGE SAFETY BANNER HAS BEEN HOISTED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE BAND IS ALSO ENTERTAINING SPECTATORS.
A FORUM CONVENED BY EXPERTS IN THE SAFETY AND HEALTH FIELD PROVIDES SPECTATORS WITH A CHANCE TO AIR THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
PART OF THE VARIETY PROGRAMME WAS BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 BETWEEN NOON AND 1 PM.
- 0 --------
POLICE STEPPING UP RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
WHILE THE POLICE ARE LOOKING AT WAYS TO IMPROVE RECRUITMENT, STANDARDS ARE NOT GOING TO BE LOWERED, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MR RAYMON ANN I NG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE TSUEN WAN ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL, MR ANNING SAID : "WE ARE STEPPING UP OUR RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN, SO WE ARE GETTING MORE MONEY IN THE BUDGET ON RECRUITING. WE ARE LOOKING AT OUR PROCEDURES IN VARIOUS WAYS TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY SOURCE OF RECRUITMENT THAT WE HAVE MISSED OR WHICH WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAP RATHER BETTER THAN WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.
/’’BUT WHAT..........
SUNDAY, MARSH 12, 1989
- 5
"BUT WHAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO DO IS TO DROP OUR STANDARDS."
ASKED IF HE WOULD OFFER 2-YEAR EXTENSION CONTRACTS TO RETIRED OFFICERS, MR ANNING SAID THAT WAS JUST AN OPTION BEING CONSIDERED.
HE SAID:"WE ARE LOOKING AT DIFFERENT WAYS OF ALLEVIATING THAT. ONE OF THE OPTIONS THAT WE WOULD STUDY IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A LITTLE EXTENSION AT THE END.
"BUT AT THE MOMENT IT IS ONLY AN OPTION. IT IS BY NO MEANS CERTAIN OR EVEN PARTICULARLY LIKELY.
"AT THE MOMENT WE ARE JUST STUDYING EVERYTHING TO SEE WHICH OPTIONS WE SHOULD TAKE ON.
"WE HAVE AS YOU KNOW A NEW POLICE SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH IS GOING TO LOOK AFTER THE QUESTION OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND WE SHALL HAVE TO SEE WHAT ISSUES THAT WE WILL PUT TO THOSE. OF COURSE THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF WORK BEING DONE ON THAT AT THE MOMENT."
ON WHAT WOULD BE THE MOST PROMISING OPTION, MR ANNING REPLIED. "WE CANNOT TELL UNTIL WE HAVE EXAMINED THEM ALL. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN DO.
"THE SITUATION IS BY NO MEANS CRITICAL. WE WILL NOT PUT OUR BACKS AGAINST THE WALL. WE ARE A VERY LARGE FORCE. IT IS ONLY INDEED AS RECENTLY AS JANUARY THIS YEAR THAT STARTED THE FALL SHORT IN OUR RECRUITMENT TARGET."
ASKED WHEN A DECISION WOULD BE MADE, THE COMMISSIONER SAID, "WORKING PARTIES AND WORKING GROUPS LOOK AT THIS. AS SOON AS SOMETHING IS DECIDED THAT IT IS ADVANTAGEOUS, WE SHALL DO IT.
"AT THE MOMENT WE ARE ALREADY LOOKING AT OUR RECRUITING CAMPAIGNS. WE ARE ALREADY EXAMINING THINGS THAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST TO SEE IF THERE IS SOMETHING WE COULD DO BETTER."
ASKED IF HE WOULD SUGGEST ANY NEW MEASURES TO FIGHT TRIADS, MR ANNING SAID : "WE HAVE SUGGESTED NEW MEASURES AS YOU KNOW IN THE PAST WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN THE WORKING GROUP IN GANGS BEING SET UP AND A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MEASURES BEING EXAMINED AND ALREADY BEING IMPLEMENTED.
"THE ACTION AGAINST TRIADS CONTINUE AT ALL TIMES. IT DOES NOT COME IN, STOP AND GO. IT IS CONTINUOUS. IT WORKS AT ALL LEVELS FROM DISTRICT LEVELS THROUGH THE REGIONAL COMMANDS, RIGHT UP TO POLICE HEADQUARTERS.
"YOU CAN SEE FROM YOUR OWN NEWSPAPERS THAT WE DO HAVE A GOOD DEAL OF SUCCESS IN DEALING WITH TRIAD ACTIVITIES."
/ON THE ........
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
ON THE ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL HELD TODAY, MR ANNING SAID : "WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO GET ACROSS TODAY IS THAT IT IS FOOLISH IN THE EXTREME TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH TRIAD ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNG PEOPLE; THAT IT ONLY OPENS A WAY TO THEM TO A LIFE OF CRIME AND MISERY; THAT THERE IS NOTHING GLAMOROUS IN TRIAD ACTIVITY.
"YOUNGSTERS AND INDEED ANYBODY WILL BE WELL ADVISED TO KEEP WELL AWAY FROM TRIADS.
"THE OTHER THING WE ARE TRYING TO GET ACROSS IS THAT ANYBODY WHO IS APPROACHED BY TRIADS IN THE WAY OF INTIMIDATION OR EXTORTION, OR ANY WAY WHICH MAKES THEM FEEL AT RISK, THEN THEY SHOULD GET STRAIGHT AWAY IN TOUCH WITH THE POLICE AND LET US KNOW.
"THAT IS WHY WE ARE PUBLICISING THE HOTLINE AND TRYING TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO COOPERATE WITH THE POLICE, TO REPORT MATTERS TO POLICE AND HOPEFULLY WORKING TOGETHER WE SHALL BE ABLE TO EXTERMINATE THE TRIAD IN THE END AND FINALLY DEFEAT THEM."
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON WHETHER A CHINESE OFFICER WILL SUCCEED HIM AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ANNING SAID : "IT IS NOT A MATTER FOR ME. I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF SPECULATION, BUT I AM AFRAID YOU JUST HAVE TO BE PATIENT AND SEE WHO IS APPOINTED TO THE POST."
------0-------
QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE * » » t *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE, WHICH IS EMBARGOED UNTIL 0001 HOURS TOMORROW (MONDAY):
"COMMONWEALTH DAY REMINDS US YEAR BY YEAR OF ALL THAT OUR UNIQUE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONS STANDS FOR AND DOES. MANY COMMONWEALTH ACTIVITIES ARE OF VALUE CHIEFLY TO THE MEMBERS THEMSELVES. BUT WE ALSO FORM A DISTINCTIVE ELEMENT IN A WORLD WHICH GROWS MORE AND MORE INTER-DEPENDENT AND WHICH MORE THAN EVER NEEDS TOLERANCE AND CO-OPERATION TO DEAL SUCCESSFULLY WITH ITS PROBLEMS.
"PERHAPS NOTHING DURING THE PAST YEAR HAS UNDERLINED THIS INTER-DEPENDENCE MORE FORCEFULLY THAN THE DRAMATIC GROWTH IN OUR AWARENESS OF THE SERIOUS DANGERS TO THE ENVIRONMENT POSED BY MAN’S OWN ACTIVITIES. THE THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT TAKES MANY FORMS, OF WHICH SOME ARE SO FAR-REACHING THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO GRASP THEM. WE HEAR, FOR EXAMPLE, OF THE POSSIBILITY OF RADICAL CHANGES IN OUR CLIMATE LEADING, AMONG OTHER THINGS. TO A RISE IN THE SEA LEVEL, WITH ALL THAT THAT WOULD MEAN FOR SMALL ISLANDS AND LOW-LYING REGIONS.
/"THE COMMONWEALTH .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
’’THE COMMONWEALTH HAS A PARTICULAR PART TO PLAY IN FACING UP TO SUCH ISSUES AS THESE. A CONCERN FOR THE RESOURCES WE SHARE IN COMMON MEANS PARTNERSHIP NOT ONLY ACROSS THE OCEANS BUT ALSO BETWEEN GENERATIONS. A RECOGNITION OF WHAT OUR PREDECESSORS HAVE BEQUEATHED TO US INCREASES OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TRANSMIT THESE GIFTS UNSPOILT TO THE FUTURE INHABITANTS OF OUR PLANET.
"OUR CONCERN TO SAFEGUARD LONG-TERM PROSPECTS FOR OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR CHILDREN DOES NOT CONFLICT AT ALL WITH THE PRESSING NEED TO COME TO GRIPS WITH THE PROBLEMS OF THE PRESENT, LIKE POVERTY, ILLITERACY, DISEASE, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER-DEVELOPMENT. RATHER THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER AND LINKED BY OUR EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS TOGETHER IN A REALISTIC WAY. WE MUST ALL PRAY THAT DIMINISHED POLITICAL TENSION, PARTICULARLY AMONG THE WORLD’S GREAT POWERS, WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BETTER INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AND SWIFTER PROGRESS IN DEALING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH AND BEYOND."
- - 0 - -
TOWN PLANNERS BRIEF VISITING DELEGATIONS ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PLAYED HOST TO FOUR FOREIGN DELEGATIONS MAKING STUDY VISITS TO THE TERRITORY.
FIRST TO ARRIVE FOR A 1 O-DAY STUDY VISIT WAS A DELEGATION FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF SINGAPORE.
THE DELEGATION WAS HERE TO FIND OUT HOW HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND SUB-REGIONAL PLAN ARE PREPARED AND HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON STATUTORY PLANNING, HOSPITAL AND SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICY AND STANDARDS, AND LAND ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURE AND PRACTICES.
NEXT TO ARRIVE WAS A GROUP FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS FROM THE NETHERLANDS, WHOSE MAIN PURPOSE IN THEIR TOUR WAS TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH URBAN AND NEW TOWN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN MAJOR CITIES OF THE WORLD.
MEMBERS OF A DELEGATION OF PLANNING OFFICIALS FROM THE CITY' OF OTTAWA IN CANADA DISCUSSED WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS HERE TOWN PLANNING AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.
AS WITH THE PREVIOUS TWO GROUPS. THE VISITORS ALSO MADE SITE VISITS TO THE NEW TOWNS.
/Last to
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
8
LAST TO ARRIVE WAS A DELEGATION OF SENIOR THAI GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON A TOUR OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ASIA, INCLUDING JAPAN, KOREA AND CHINA, BESIDES HONG KONG.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER AND HEAD OF THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, DR PETER PUN, SAID: "THE VISITS ARE PART OF AN ONGOING EXCHANGE OF PROFESSIONAL KNOW-HOW BETWEEN TOWN PLANNERS IN HONG KONG AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS OVERSEAS.
"IT IS ALSO NOTEWORTHY THAT OUR NEW TOWNS HAVE BEEN WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORIES, SO MUCH SO THAT NEARLY ALL VISITING PLANNERS HAVE ASKED TO BE TAKEN ON A SITE VISIT.
"MOST OF THEM ARE FAVOURABLY IMPRESSED BY OUR TOWN PLANNING SYSTEM AND HOW IT IS RELATED TO LAND, BUILDING AND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT."
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TSUEN WAN HOLDS ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL
* t t I *
THOUSANDS OF TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS TODAY (SUNDAY) TOOK PART IN A DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE SHA TSUJ ROAD PLAYGROUND.
AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO FIVE PEOPLE IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR BRAVERY IN HELPING THE POLICE TO FIGHT CRIME.
THE CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN POLICE DISTRICT TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANN I NG, SAID THAT ACTION AGAINST TRIAD ORGANISATIONS, STREET GANGS AND ORGANISED CRIME SYNDICATES WOULD REMAIN THE HIGHEST PRIORITY OF THE POLICE FORCE.
MR ANNING NOTED THAT TODAY’S EVENT MIRRORED SIMILAR FUNCTIONS WHICH HAD BEEN ORGANISED TERRITORY-WIDE IN RESPONSE TO THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S CALL FOR UNITY IN DISSEMINATING THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN WAS TO WARN THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND IN PARTICULAR YOUNG PEOPLE, AGAINST THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF BECOMING INVOLVED WITH TRIAD MEMBERS.
"WE ARE ALSO URGING PEOPLE TO REPORT TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND HAVE MADE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION EASIER BY SETTING UP OUR OWN TRIAD HOTLINE (5-277887) WITHIN OUR POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH,” HE SAID.
/HR ANNING........
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
MR ANNING ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FOR THE DETERMINATION IT HAD SHOWN IN ITS ANTI-TRIAD PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
"IT IS THIS COMMUNITY SPIRIT, CO-OPERATION AND INVOLVEMENT THAT WILL HELP THE POLICE TO ULTIMATELY DEFEAT THE TRIADS,” HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOW KWAN-SING, SAID VARIOUS ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN ORGANISED DURING THE YEAR TO PUBLICISE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES.
THESE INCLUDED THE "JUNIOR POLICE CALL ANTI-TRIAD TOUR PERFORMANCE". "WATCHMEN LIAISON SCHEME", "CRIME PREVENTION IN TSUEN WAN PROJECT" AND "TSUEN WAN CITIZEN FIGHT CRIME AWARD SCHEME".
MR CHOW URGED RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE TO GIVE FIRM SUPPORT TO THE POLICE IN STAMPING OUT CRIME.
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DISABLED YOUNGSTERS TO COMPETE IN ATHLETIC MEET
» * » » »
DISABLED YOUNGSTERS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ATHLETIC SKILLS AND POTENTIAL AT THE FIRST JOINT ATHLETIC MEET OF SKILLS CENTRES FOR THE DISABLED ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14) AT THE KOWLOON BAY SPORTS GROUND.
A TOTAL OF 350 DISABLED TRAINEES WILL COMPETE IN VARIOUS FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS SUCH AS HIGH JUMP AND LONG JUMP, SOFT BALL THROW, SHORT RUN AND OBSTACLE RELAYS.
THE FIVE SKILLS CENTRES PARTICIPATING IN THIS SPORTS EVENT ARE: KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED, ABERDEEN SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED, CARITAS LOK MO VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE, PINEHILL VILLAGE ADVANCED TRAINING CENTRE, AND SALVATION ARMY LAI KING VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE.
THEY ARE UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, PROVIDING VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AND EQUIPPING THEM WITH EMPLOYABLE SKILLS.
THE ATHLETIC MEET IS ONE OF THE MANY EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE TRAINEES APART FROM THE MAJOR SKILL TRAINING EFFORTS AT THE CENTRES.
THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR HORACE KNIGHT. WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE EVENTS.
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/1O.......
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
10
OUTSTANDING CITIZENS HONOURED IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
TWENTY-THREE CITIZENS WERE HONOURED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE YOUNGEST ONE IS AN 11-YEAR-OLD PRIMARY SIX STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN PARTICIPATING IN CIVIC ACTIVITIES, WHILE THE ELDEST IS A 75-YEAR-OLD RETIRED PERSON WHO HAD BEEN PROVIDING VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE AGED IN THE PAST YEARS.
TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER 21 CITIZENS, THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT "OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD” AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
THE AWARD SCHEME WAS A MAJOR ACTIVITY OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUATION CAMPAIGN.
THE CEREMONY ALSO MARKED THE CLOSING OF THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH WAS LAUNCHED FIVE MONTHS AGO WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING AMONG RESIDENTS A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
APART FROM THE OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME, OTHER CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES INCLUDED THE CIVIC EDUCATION FORERUNNERS SCHEME, THE CIVIC EDUCATION TRILOGY FOR THE ELDERLY, THE CIVIC EDUCATION PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND A CIVIC EDUCATION SONG CONTEST, THE FINAL OF WHICH WAS HELD EARLIER TODAY.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; AND MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
IT WAS FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW WITH PERFORMANCES BY ARTISTES AND THE DISTRICT’S DANCE GROUPS AND CHILDREN’S CHORUS.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME
* * * « »
THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME UNDER WHICH THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES OPERATE WILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WILL FOCUS ON THE OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME.
A SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MRS MARLENE YEUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SCHEME.
/THE COMMITTEE .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1?89
- 11
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED SEAWALL EXTENSION AT SAI KUNG TOWN STAGE II.
THE WORKS FORM PART OF SAI KUNG TOWN DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE 6 AND ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY NEXT YEAR.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF VEHICULAR ACCESS TO TSENG LAN SHUE VILLAGE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT THE BUS STOP NEAR PO LAM ESTATE IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
0
SINGING CONTEST FINAL OPEN TO PUBLIC
t * * » ♦
EIGHTEEN FINALISTS IN A SINGING CONTEST JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE COMPETING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18) EVENING.
FIFTEEN WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE POPULAR SONG SECTION, AND THREE WILL BE IN THE CLASSICAL SONG SECTION.
THE FINALISTS WERE CHOSEN FROM 60 PARTICIPANTS IN A PRELIMINARY ROUND HELD ON FEBRUARY 25.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED CASH COUPONS OF $800, $500 AND $300 RESPECTIVELY.
THE FINAL WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
THE YAU TSIM ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ARTHUR YUEN; CHAIRMAN OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH; AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MISS JULIANA LI, WILL OFFICIATE.
/MEXBERS OF........
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
- 12
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE FINAL CAN NOW OBTAIN FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, 490 NATHAN ROAD, OR THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE, 40 CARNARVON ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SINGING CONTEST FINAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18) IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
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ENTRIES INVITED FOR TAI PO PHOTO CONTEST * * * » »
PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN AN OPEN COMPETITION IN THE TAI PO DISTRICT.
SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SECOND TAI PO FESTIVAL PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT PUBLICISING SCENERY AND HISTORICAL RELICS IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS ENHANCING PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF TAI PO.
ENTRIES SHOULD DEPICT ONE OF THE 12 SCENES IN THE DISTRICT SELECTED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
THE 12 SCENES COVER SAM PUI CHAU, PAT SIN LENG, LAM TSUEN, MAN MO TEMPLE, WUN YIU, KWUN HANG, THE RAILWAY MUSEUM, TAI MEI TUK, THE LAM TSUEN RIVER, SAM MUN TSAI, PING CHAU AND ISLAND HOUSE.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE 8R COLOUR PRINTS MOUNTED ON CARDBOARD.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO 12 WINNERS AND EACH WILL ALSO RECEIVE A $500 PHOTOGRAPHIC ACCESSORIES COUPON.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MARCH 31.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6577111, EXT. 231, OR 0-6581223.
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/15
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
13
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE PROPOSED FOR SHAM SHU1 PO
*****
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL BE CONSULTED AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY) ON A PROPOSED GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PROPOSED CIRCULAR ROUTE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN THE NEW TAI WOR PING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND THE SHEK KIP MEI MTR STATION AT 15-MINUTE INTERVALS.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE TRAFFIC NUISANCES CREATED BY HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES AT FORTUNE STREET, AND WILL CONSIDER THE NEED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY AT LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION ARE THE PROVISION AND IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES AT BEACON HILL FOR MORNING WALKERS; BUS SERVICES BETWEEN TAI HANG TUNG AND TO KWA WAN; AND A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A CIRCULAR MINIBUS SERVICE BETWEEN CHAK ON ESTATE AND SHEK KIP MEI MARKET DURING RUSH HOURS.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT AND PROCEDURE CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHELTERS FOR MAXICAB STANDS.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FOR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
14
DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ON AGENDA * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14).
AT THE MEETING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR MICHAEL LAI KAM-CHEUNG, WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
A PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TAI PO WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON A YOUTH SURVEY TO BE CONDUCTED IN TAI PO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR RECRUITING 100 MEMBERS » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL RECRUIT 100 MEMBERS, AGED
BETWEEN SEVEN AND 11, AS PART OF ITS EXPANSION PROGRAMME AND TO PROVIDE MUSIC TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISTRICT CHILDREN.
THE RECRUITS WILL BE GIVEN TRAINING IN MUSIC THEORY, TAKE PART IN PRACTICE AND BE INTRODUCED TO THE WORKS OF FAMOUS MUSICIANS.
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR NOW HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 120 AND ITS REPERTOIRE INCLUDES BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN SONGS.
INTERESTED PERSONS WISHING TO JOIN THE GROUP CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ABOVE OFFICES BY MARCH 22.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 0-4509673.
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/15
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
- 15 -
PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO MEET
» * » t »
MEMBERS OF THE PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14). REPORTS BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER AND THE WORKING GROUP ON THE "WELCOME TO TAI PO” SIGN WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1954-56 ♦ * * ♦ *
WOMEN BORN IN 1954, 1955 OR 1956 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM MARCH 13 TO MAY 6.
WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: 'THE NEW ID CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS.
"TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP AT THE ISSUE OFFICES OR TO COME BACK ON ANOTHER DAY, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THESE OFFICES IN THE MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS."
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO 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:
/Rong kong
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
- 16
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, SHATIN CENTRE STREET, SHA TIN TEL. NO. 0-6059108
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD. TEL. NO. 0-4771543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO. 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. 0-6727191
"APPLICANTS NORMALLY NEED TO BRING ALONG THEIR EXISTING ID CARDS IF THEIR CARDS WERE FIRST REGISTERED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO AND BEAR THE *»♦ SYMBOL,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, IF THE APPLICANT’S ID CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE **» SYMBOL, SHE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE ASSESSMENT OF HER RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND SUBSEQUENTLY HER ELIGIBILITY FOR A PERMANENT ID CARD.
"THE DOCUMENT MAY TAKE THE FORM OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT, HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG NATURALISATION CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE, ETC," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO XMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1989
17
ROAD CLOSURES IN CHAI WAN, TSUEN WAN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING CHEUNG LEE STREET WITH LEE CHUNG STREET, CHAI WAN, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 151 FOR ROAD SURFACING WORKS.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON CHAI WAN ROAD MAY DRIVE VIA THE CHAI WAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SLIPROAD AND NING FOO STREET TO LEE CHUNG STREET.
IN TSUEN WAN, HOI SHING ROAD BETWEEN ITS EAST AND WEST JUNCTIONS WITH YUEN TUN CIRCUIT WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM DAILY FROM MARCH 15 TO 19.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE TAI CHUNG ROAD TO GAIN ACCESS TO HOI SHING ROAD.
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON HOI SHING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA YUEN TUN CIRCUIT, TAI PA STREET AND HEUNG WO STREET TO JOIN SHA TSUI ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, hURCH 13, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PHA COMMITTEES MAKING GOOD PROGRESS .......................... 1 REGIONAL SECRETARY VISITS SHa TIN ............................ 3 DB'S BRIEFED ON BUS COMPANY PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ............ k
ARRANGEMENTS BEING hL.DE TO REPATRIATE 373 ECVII'S............ 6 HK-JAPAN BILATERAL TRADE GROWING STEADILY .................... 6 HK SUPPORTS FIRM ACTION ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS....... 8 ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS ............................. 10 CSD BEGINNING RECRUITMENT EXERCISE ........................... 10 FASHION DELLER FINED 8861,6O6 FOR MAKING INCORRECT TAX
RETURN ..................................................... 11
TELA HOSTS RECEPTION FOR TV, ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES......... 12 CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES ..................... 13 TOWN PLANNING IN HK BOOKLET PUBLISHED ........................ 14 WATER STORaGE FIGURE ......................................... 1^ DB TO COMMENT ON PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES REDEVELOPMENT......... 15 SHA TIN DB TO ELECT COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ....................... 15 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES ON AGENDA ................... 16
SAI KUNG DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW ITS WORK........... 17 DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS INSTALLATION OF RAILINGS... 17 YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO MEET .................... 18 DB RECREATION, SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET ....................... 18 AGRICULTURE aND FISHERIES WORKING GROUP TO MEET .............. 19
TEMPORARY LaNE CLOSURES ON TAI PO ROAD ....................... 19 SUSPENSION OF W„TER SUPPLIES IN THREE DISTRICTS .............. 20
MONDAY, MARCH 13 1989
PHA COMMITTEES MAKING GOOD PROGRESS *****
THE COMMITTEES SET UP UNDER THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA), AND THEIR WORKING GROUPS, HAVE MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF WORK, THE PHA CHAIRMAN, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE COMMITTEES DEAL WITH AUTHORITY STRUCTURE, FINANCE, HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT, INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES, LEGISLATION, AND STAFFING MATTERS.
"PROGRESS IS CONSTANTLY MONITORED AND CO-ORDINATED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE," SIR S.Y. SAID AFTER THE PHA HELD ITS THIRD MEETING THIS AFTERNOON.
THE COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN MEETING REGULARLY, AND MOST MEET ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS.
FORTY-EIGHT MEETINGS OF THE PHA AND ITS COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN HELD SINCE THE PHA’S FORMATION IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, IN ADDITION TO 16 MEETINGS AT WORKING GROUP LEVEL. SIXTEEN VISITS TO HOSPITALS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE PROGRESS OF WORK OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS WAS ALSO REVIEWED.
"IT WAS RECOGNISED AT THE OUTSET THAT PROGRESS IN THE WORK OF THE PHA DEPENDS A GREAT DEAL ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE OVERALL STRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
"THE AUTHORITY STRUCTURE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ACTIVE),Y CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF OPTIONS," SIR S.Y. SAID.
IN THE COURSE OF ITS DISCUSSIONS, THE COMMITTEE HAS CONCLUDED THAT THERE IS A NEED TO EXPAND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FUNCTIONS OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
THERE SHOULD BE MORE EMPHASIS ON SETTING AND REVIEWING STANDARDS OF PATIENT CARE, AND ON PROVIDING AN IMPETUS FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF SERVICE AND PROPOSING NEW INITIATIVES.
A CHANNEL OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SHOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED THROUGH INVOLVING THE PUBLIC AND INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS IN COMMITTEES AT THE HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONALS LEVELS.
THE AIM IS TO PROMOTE BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE RECIPIENTS AND PROVIDERS OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS STARTED CONSIDERATION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL SET OUT THE DETAILED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT.
/"ASPECTS UNDER .......
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
2
"ASPECTS UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF SUBVENTION, THE WAY THE AUTHORITY’S INCOME SHOULD BE TREATED, THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF INTRODUCING NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES AND THE TRANSFER OF STAFF FROM CIVIL SERVICE TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY," SIR S.Y. SAID.
THE STAFFING COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY SIR S.Y. HIMSELF, HAS DECIDED TO ENGAGE AN INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY FIRM SPECIALISING IN PAY AND BENEFITS TO RECOMMEND TO THE PHA A PACKAGE OF NEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY STAFF, AND A CONTRACT FOR THIS WILL BE SIGNED SHORTLY. THE PACKAGE WILL BE A UNIFIED ONE, WHICH UPON APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNMENT, WILL BE OFFERED TO EXISTING CIVIL SERVANTS AND SUBVENTED HOol ’UAL STAFF ALIKE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE CONSULTANTS WILL START WORK IN APRIL AND COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. THEY WILL DETERMINE THE CURRENT OVERALL COST OF EMPLOYING CIVIL SERVANTS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, AND COME UP WITH A PACKAGE OF NEW TERMS WHICH WILL BE FLEXIBLE AND ATTRACTIVE TO STAFF, AT COMPARABLE COST TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE WORKING GROUPS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE STAFFING COMMITTEE ARE DISCUSSING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF FRINGE BENEFITS AND OTHER TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
"THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY FRONT-LINE STAFF CO-OPTED ON TO THE WORKING GROUPS HAVE BEEN MOST ENLIGHTENING AND VALUABLE, AND THEY WILL BE PASSED ON TO THE CONSULTANTS," SIR S.Y. SAID.
SIR S.Y. SAID THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO THE STRUCTURE OF A TYPICAL OPERATING UNIT IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL WITH A VIEW TO PRODUCING MODELS WHICH WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND STREAMLINING OPERATION.
"THE COMMITTEE HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE DEFICIENCY IN THE EXISTING ORGANISATION STRUCTURE, LN WHICH THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OFTEN HAS NO EFFECTIVE AUTHORITY TO MANAGE THE HOSPITAL, SHOULD BE RECTIFIED," HE SAID.
"THE COMMITTEE ON INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES HAS ALMOST COMPLETED ITS FIRST ROUND OF CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS. A TIGHT SCHEDULE IS BEING FOLLOWED.
"THROUGH THIS ROUND OF CONSULTATION, THE PHA WILL BE MADE AWARE OF THE CONCERNS OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS ABOUT THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATION OF THE SERVICES IN BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED SECTORS."
THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE HAS UNDERTAKEN A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE OUTLINE OF LEGISLATION FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE AUTHORITY. MORE DETAILED DRAFTING WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ONCE CERTAIN MAJOR DECISIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE OTHER COMMITTEES.
/TURNING FROM .......
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
3
TURNING FROM THE SUBJECT OF COMMITTEE WORK, SIR S.Y. SAID THE WEEKLY VISITS BY PHA MEMBERS TO PUBLIC HOSPITALS WHICH BEGAN IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR ARE CONTINUING.
"THESE VISITS ARE OF GREAT VALUE NOT ONLY IN FAMILIARISING PHA MEMBERS WITH THE WORKING CONDITIONS AND RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY IN ESTABLISHING A DIRECT DIALOGUE BETWEEN PHA MEMBERS AND FRONT-LINE HOSPITAL WORKERS ON PROBLEMS OF MUTUAL CONCERN," HE SAID.
"THE VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS MADE BY HOSPITAL STAFF DURING THE DISCUSSIONS AT THE END OF THE VISIT CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF."
THE NEXT PLENARY MEETING OF THE PHA WILL BE HELD IN MAY.
- - - - 0---------------
REGIONAL SECRETARY VISITS SHA TIN
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WAS BRIEFED ON EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE POLLUTION SITUATION IN SHING MUN RIVER DURING HIS VISIT TO SHA TIN TODAY (MONDAY).
THE VISIT WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES TO NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS BY MR HSU SINCE TAKING UP HIS PRESENT POST LAST MONTH.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, MR HSU FIRST WENT TO THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING IN GARDEN RIVERA FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT.
THERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE DETAILS OF A CURRENT PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE POLLUTION SITUATION IN SHING MUN RIVER.
MR HSU WAS TOLD THAT UNDER THE PROGRAMME THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE RIVER WOULD BE DREDGED IN 1989-90 AT A COST OF $7 MILLION.
AS A LONG-TERM MEASURE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO SPEND $770 MILLION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN THE RIVER.
THE PARTY THEN WENT TO M,\ ON SHAN, WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED INTO A NEW TOWN WITH A TARGET POPULATION OF 200,000 BY 1998, COMPLETE WITH A TRANSPORT LINK WITH SHA TIN PROPER.
AFTER VISITING HENG ON ESTATE IN MA ON SHAN, MR HSU TOURED TIN SUM VILLAGE. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE VILLAGE HAD BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED FOLLOWING A VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
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A.....
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
DB’S BRIEFED ON BUS COMPANY PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME *****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEES OF FOUR DISTRICT BOARDS WERE TODAY (MONDAY) BRIEFED ON THE OBJECTIVES AND OPERATION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME AS APPLIED TO THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
AT THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEES OF THE SAI KUNG, TAI PO, KOWLOON CITY AND SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARDS, OFFICERS FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ARE TO:
« ENSURE THAT PASSENGERS GET ADEQUATE AND RELIABLE SERVICES;
* ENSURE THAT PASSENGERS GET THE SERVICES AT REASONABLE PRICES;
* ENSURE THAT SHAREHOLDERS GET A REASONABLE FINANCIAL RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT, AND SO ENCOURAGE FURTHER INVESTMENT;
» KEEP THE COMPANIES FINANCIALLY VIABLE SO THAT THEY CAN COMPETE WITH OTHER COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS FOR FUNDS;
» ACHIEVE THE PRECEDING OBJECTIVES WITHOUT ANY DIRECT SUBSIDY FROM PUBLIC FUNDS, AND WITH MINIMUM INTERFERENCE FROM GOVERNMENT IN THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANIES.
THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN RESPONSE TO PROJECTED DEMAND AND AVOID SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS OR FARE LEVELS.
BY MEANS OF THE FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME SUBMITTED BY THE BUS COMPANIES EACH YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT CAN ENSURE THAT THE CAPITAL EXPANSION PROPOSALS OF BUS COMPANIES ARE PROPERLY JUSTIFIED AND SUFFICIENT TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND; AND PREVENT ANY UNNECESSARY EXPANSION AND DELIBERATE OVER-INVESTMENT BY THE BUS COMPANIES TO BOOST PROFITS.
ALL FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS ARE CAREFULLY EXAMINED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH BEFORE CONSIDERATION BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC).
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL APPROVES FARE INCREASES ONLY AFTER BEING SATISFIED THAT PROPER EXAMINATION HAS BEEN MADE AND THAT THE LEVELS SOUGHT ARE FULLY JUSTIFIED.
THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE FINANCE OF THE LISTED COMPANIES SHOULD BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL, LEST THE DISCLOSURE OF SUCH INFORMATION SHOULD AFFECT THEIR SHARE PRICES.
/HOWEVER, AS .......
MONDAY, MARCH 1}, 1989
5
HOWEVER, AS PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) AND CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY (CMB) ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION IN CONFIDENCE FOR INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE TRANSPORT ADVISOTY COMMITTEE, AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 1
THE LIMITED FINANCIAL INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IS AS MUCH AS THE LAW (THE COMPANY ORDINANCE) REQUIRES THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES TO DISCLOSE, AND IS AS MUCH AS THEY ARE WILLING TO RELEASE.
ANY LACK OF PUBLIC JUSTIFICATION FOR FARE INCREASES IS NOT BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IS UNWILLING TO DIVULGE THE INFORMATION; RATHER, IT IS BECAUSE THE INFORMATION IS OBTAINED IN CONFIDENCE AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IN A BREACH OF TRUST AND OF THE LAW IF IT DID SO.
THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME PROVIDES FOR A PERMITTED LEVEL OF RETURN OF 15 PER CENT FOR CMB AND 16 PER CENT FOR KMB. THE PERMITTED RETURN IS EXPRESSED AT A PERCENTAGE OF THE OPERATOR'S AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS IN AN ACCOUNTING YEAR.
THE PERMITTED RETURN IS THE GROSS RETURN TO THE COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY DEDUCTIONS FOR THE INTEREST ON BORROWING TO FINANCE FIXED ASSET ACQUIST1ON AND THE INTEREST ON THE DEVELOPMENT FUND BALANCE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE FRANCHISE.
IN PRACTICE, THE EFFECTIVE OR NET RATE OF RETURN ACHIEVED FOR KMB HAS ONLY BEEN AROUND 13.4 PER CENT AND FOR CMB IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 14 PER CENT.
THE FRANCHISE PROVIDES THAT IF THE ACTUAL RETURN ACHIEVED EXCEEDS THE PERMITTED RETURN, THEN THE EXCESS WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME TO BE REVIEWED EVERY TWO YEARS. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO PROVISION TO REVIEW THE BASIC TERMS OF THE SCHEME, SUCH AS THE RATE OF THE PERMITTED RETURN.
THE FRANCHISE, AND THEREBY THE TERMS OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME EMBODIED IN THE FRANCHISE, ARE A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT CHANGE UNILATERALLY.
SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME IN 1975, THE BUS COMPANIES HAVE. GENERALLY, GRADUALLY IMPROVED AND EXPANDED THEIR SERVICES TO MEET AN EVERGROWING DEMAND.
THE PUBLIC EXPECTS AND GETS RELATIVELY CHEAP, FREQUENT, AND, MOST OF THE TIME, RELIABLE SERVICES WITH GROWING STANDARDS OF COMFORT.
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME, HAS BEEN ABLE, BY AND LARGE, TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES, AND THAT NO DRASTIC CHANGES TO ITS BASIC TERMS ARE NECESSARY.
BRIEFINGS FOR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEES OF ALL DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME WILL BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 27 THIS YEAR.
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/6.......
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
6
ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE TO REPATRIATE 373 ECVII’S * « » * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REPATRIATION OF 373 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVII’S) TO CHINA.
"PARTICULARS OF THESE ECVII’S HAVE ALREADY BEEN VERIFIED BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AND THEY ARE NOW READY FOR REPATRIATION," THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR MIKE HANSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING FINALISED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON WHETHER THE ECVII’S WILL BE SENT BACK IN ONE LARGE GROUP OR ON SEPARATE DATES.
"DEPENDING ON THE FINAL ARRANGEMENTS, THE REPATRIATION COULD BE AS EARLY AS SOMETIME NEXT WEEK.
"THE 373 ECVII’S ARE ALL FROM GUANGXI PROVINCE, COMPRISING 134 MEN, 112 WOMEN, 66 BOYS AND 61 GIRLS. OF THEM, 51 ARE INDIVIDUALS AND THE REST FROM 79 FAMILIES.
"THEY ARE AMONG A TOTAL OF 871 ECVII’S REMAINING IN HONG KONG."
MR HANSON SAID THEY WOULD BE THE SECOND BATCH OF ECVII’S TO BE REPATRIATED TO CHINA THIS YEAR.
"ON JANUARY 17, 88 ECVII’S WERE SENT BACK. LAST YEAR,
ALTOGETHER 170 WERE REPATRIATED IN FOUR GROUPS," HE SAID.
SO FAR THIS YEAR THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR ECV1I ARRIVALS. LAST DECEMBER THERE WERE 692.
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HK-JAPAN BILATERAL TRADE GROWING STEADILY » * t * »
BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN HAS BEEN GROWING STEADILY IN RECENT YEARS AND THIS GROWTH LOOKS SET TO CONTINUE WITH THE EMERGENCE OF THE ASIA/PAC1FIC REGION AS A DYNAMIC ECONOMIC FORCE.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, TOLD A LUNCH MEETING OF THE HONG KONG JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY THIS TODAY (MONDAY).
"JAPAN IS HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER (AFTER CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES), ITS SECOND LARGEST SUPPLIER AND FIFTH LARGEST MARKET," MR CHEUNG SAID,
/"HONG KONG .......
MOWMY, MARCH 1Jt 1989
’’HONG KONG IS JAPAN’S FIFTH LARGEST MARKET - AND THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT MARKET ON A PER CAPITA BASIS.
’’JAPAN’S SECOND LARGEST TRADE SURPLUS IS WITH HONG KONG.”
MR CHEUNG SAID A 20 PER CENT GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN WAS RECORDED IN 1988, DOWN ON THE 52.8 PER CENT AND 38.7 PER CENT FIGURES FOR THE TWO PRECEDING YEARS.
“THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO A DECLINE IN EXPORTS OF FUR GARMENTS WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR A QUARTER OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN IN 1987,” HE SAID.
’’THIS DEMONSTRATES THE FACT THAT THE RANGE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN IS STILL NARROW AND THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF A SINGLE IMPORTANT EXPORT ITEM CAN HAVE SUCH AN IMPACT.
’’CLEARLY, THERE IS A NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR EXPORTS TO JAPAN.”
MR CHEUNG NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S RETAINED IMPORTS FROM JAPAN WERE FOUR TIMES ITS DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION AND THE BALANCE OF TRADE HAD CONSISTENTLY BEEN HEAVILY IN JAPAN’S FAVOUR.
”AS A FIRM BELIEVER IN FREE TRADE, HONG KONG BEARS NO GRUDGES AGAINST JAPANESE EXPORTS NOR DO WE DEMAND THAT BILATERAL TRADE BE BALANCED,” HE SAID.
“HOWEVER, THIS HUGE BILATERAL TRADE DEFICIT IS A MATTER OF CONCERN TO US. IT IS UNHEALTHY. WE THEREFORE WELCOME THE EFFORTS BEING MADE BY JAPAN TO OPEN UP ITS MARKET FURTHER.”
WHILE POINTING OUT HONG KONG’S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION MADE IT A NATURAL AND EXCELLENT GATEWAY TO CHINA, MR CHEUNG SAID NOT MANY PEOPLE REALISED THAT SI NO-JAPANESE TRADE THROUGH HONG KONG HAD INCREASED DRAMATICALLY IN RECENT YEARS.
“RE-EXPORTS OF JAPANESE ORIGIN GOODS TO CHINA VIA HONG KONG JUMPED FROM A MEAGRE 340 MILLION LN 1978 TO A STAGGERING $23.2 BILLION IN 1988 - UP 584 TIMES IN 10 YEARS IN HONG KONG DOLLAR TERMS.” HE SAID.
HE SAID JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN WELL APPRECIATED THE ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN HONG KONG.
“JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG BEGAN TO GROW IN A CONSIDERABLE VOLUME TWO YEARS AGO AND REPRESENTS THE LARGEST JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ASIA AND THE FIFTH IN THE WORLD DURING THIS PERIOD.
“JAPAN IS NOW THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE COUNTRY AFTER THE UNITED STATES IN TERMS OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
“ALMOST ONE IN SIX BANKS IN HONG KONG IS JAPANESE OWNED AND THERE IS HEAVY INVOLVEMENT IN THE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME.”
MR CHEUNG PREDICTED FURTHER CO-OPERATION AND TRADING LINKS LN
FUTURE.
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
HK SUPPORTS FIRM ACTION ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS *****
HONG KONG’S LEGISLATION AND ENFORCEMENT IN PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ARE AMONG THE TOUGHEST IN THE WORLD, THE TERRITORY’S MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS, MR PETER LO, HAS TOLD A CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON.
■> IN ADDITION, MR LO SAID, HONG KONG SUPPORTED EFFORTS TO PROVIDE FOR STRONGER INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE FRAMEWORK OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
MR LO WAS SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE OF THE BUREAU OF NATIONAL AFFAIRS ON "CUTTING EDGE ISSUES IN COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK LAW", IN THE US CAPITAL ON FRIDAY.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS KNOWN AS A FREE PORT WITH NO TARIFF BARRIERS OR QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS.
"HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE GATT IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL POLICY AND BECAUSE OF OUR FIRM COMMITMENT TO THE FREE TRADE PHILOSOPHY, WE SUPPORT AND ABIDE BY THE APPLICATION OF GATT PRINCIPLES AND MECHANISMS."
MR LO SAID HONG KONG WAS ALREADY A PARTY TO THREE MAJOR TREATIES GOVERNING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS - THE PARIS CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, THE BERNE INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT CONVENTION AND THE UNIVERSAL COPYRIGHT CONVENTION.
"IN ADDITION, HONG KONG PROVIDES BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL REMEDIES TO DEAL WITH MALPRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH TRADE MARKS, COPYRIGHT, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, PATENTS AND TRADE DESCRIPTIONS VIOLATIONS," HE SAID.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, WHICH WAS TASKED WITH POLICING AND ENFORCING THE LEGISLATION, HAD ALREADY MADE TANGIBLE RESULTS.
THE LATEST STATISTICS SHOWED THAT IN 1987 IT HAD MADE 1,290 SEIZURES OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS VALUED AT CLOSE TO US$7.6 MILLION.
"WITH TOUGH LEGISLATION, EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S DETERMINED POLICY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE ILLEGAL TRADE AND INFRINGEMENTS HAVE BEEN LARGELY CONTAINED," HE SAID.
/BUT, MR ........
MONDAY, MARCH 1J, 1989
- 9 -
BUT, MR LO WENT ON, SATISFIED AS HONG KONG WAS WITH ITS ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROGRESS SO FAR, IT WAS NOT BECOMING COMPLACENT FOR IT RECOGNISED THAT NO LEGISLATION WAS COMPLETELY INFALLIBLE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES MUST EVOLVE IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
WITH THIS IN MIND, HONG KONG WAS CURRENTLY CARRYING OUT A REVIEW OF ALL EXISTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS APPLICABLE TO THE TERRITORY.
TWO SUB-COMMITTEES HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE INDEPENDENT LAW REFORM COMMISSION, ONE TO LOOK INTO COPYRIGHT (INCLUDING DESIGN LAW) IN GENERAL AND THE OTHER TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE EXISTING COMMON LAW RELATING TO "BREACH OF CONFIDENCE", OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "TRADE SECRETS", SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A STATUTORY ORDINANCE. THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WERE EXPECTED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
ALSO, MR LO SAID, A PATENT STEERING COMMITTEE, SET UP IN 1987, WAS LOOKING INTO HONG KONG’S PATENT LEGISLATION THAT WAS DERIVED FROM THE RELEVANT BRITISH ACT, WITH A VIEW TO REPLACING IT WITH A LOCALLY ENACTED ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD ENSURE THAT THE RIGHTS RELATING TO PATENTS IN HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY AFTER 1997 WHEN HONG KONG BECAME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA.
FURTHERMORE, MR LO WENT ON, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION IN TWO OTHER AREAS.
ONE WAS THE STRENGTHENING OF THE TRADE MARKS ORDINANCE WHICH AT PRESENT PROVIDES ONLY FOR TRADE MARKS FOR GOODS, SO AS TO INCLUDE THE REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS FOR SERVICES.
THE OTHER WAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROTECTION OF A NEW FORM OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, THAT OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR CHIP DESIGNS AND OTHER ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DESIGNS (WHICH WERE ALSO BEING EXAMINED BY THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANISATION). IT WAS EXPECTED TO HAVE THE LEGISLATION READY BY 1990.
FINALLY, MR LO SAID, BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULE OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND IN RECOGNITION OF THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS INTERNATIONALLY, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SETTING UP ON APRIL 1. 1990, A NEW DEPARTMENT SPECIFICALLY TASKED WITH ADMINISTERING ALL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGISLATION AND POLICY DIRECTIVES.
ALL THESE MEASURES, MR LO SAID, DEMONSTRATED HONG KONG’S INTENTION "TO REMAIN AT THE FOREFRONT IN THE FIELD OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION".
"WE WELCOME INITIATIVES BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO CURB COUNTERFEITING AND OTHER FORMS OF PATENT AND COPYRIGHT PIRACY AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS," HE ADDED.
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MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
10
ENTRY SCHEME FOR
* » »
MACAU RESIDENTS ♦ t
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU HOLDING MACAU IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BETWEEN DECEMBER 1, 1981 AND FEBRUARY 28, 1982 MAY APPLY FOR ENTRY TO HONG KONG:
(I) HUSBANDS/WIVES (TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN) TO JOIN THEIR RESIDENT SPOUSE IN HONG KONG; AND
(II) AGED PARENTS/DEPENDENT CHILDREN TO JOIN THEIR RESIDENT CHILDREN/PARENTS IN HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED FROM MARCH 21 (TUESDAY) BY THE HONG KONG SPONSORS IN PERSON TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, 61 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ENTRY SCHEME MAY BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 3-7333126.
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CSD BEGINNING RECRUITMENT EXERCISE ♦ * ♦ »
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO SET UP NEW TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO INVITE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE DEPARTMENT AS OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS II.
’’THE TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRES FORM PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MAJOR RECRUITMENT EXERCISE TO BE LAUNCHED FROM THIS MONTH TO THE END OF THE YEAR,” A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT THIS YEAR’S INITIAL TARGET IS TO RECRUIT MORE THAN 800 OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS II.
"WE MAY HAVE TO RECRUIT MORE OFFICERS IF AND WHEN MORE POSTS ARE CREATED IN THE COMING FISCAL YEAR,” HE ADDED.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP THE FIRST NEW RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN, FROM WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
THE NEW CENTRE WILL HAVE THREE DISPLAY PANELS EXPLAINING THE WORK 01’ THE DEPARTMENT AND BE MANNED BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS WHO WILL ASSIST PEOPLE IN MAKING APPLICATIONS AND ANSWER ENQUIRIES.
/PLANS ARE ......
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
11
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO SET UP MORE CENTRES AT VARIOUS SHOPPING ARCADES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
’’OVER 5,000 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED IN THE DEPARTMENT'S RECRUITMENT EXERCISE BETWEEN JULY AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR, AND SOME 500 NEW RECRUITS ARE NOW UNDERGOING TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT'S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAN APPLY AT THE NEW RECRUITMENT CENTRE OR AT THE CENTRAL RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT THE DEPARTMENT'S HEADQUARTERS.
THIS IS LOCATED ON THE 23RD FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-275951.
FASHION DEALER FINED $861,606 FOR MAKING INCORRECT TAX RETURN ******
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT HAS REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT THEY MUST FILE CORRECT TAX RETURNS.
THIS FOLLOWS THE PROSECUTION OF A FASHION DEALER IN THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT TODAY (MONDAY) FOR MAKING THREE INCORRECT PROFITS TAX RETURNS WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE CONTRARY TO SECTION 80 (2)(A) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
THE DEFENDANT, MISS ROSE CHEUNG YAT-MUI, AGED 31, IS THE SOLE PROPRIETRESS OF THE ROSE FASHION SITUATED IN CENTRAL. IT DEALS IN FASHION CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS, RETAIL AND WHOLESALE.
SHE PLEADED GUILTY TO THE THREE CHARGES BEFORE JUDGE GALL AND WAS FINED $861,606, THE MAXIMUM THAT COULD BE IMPOSED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
THE COURT WAS TOLD THE PROPRIETRESS HAD EMPLOYED BOOKKEEPERS TO MAINTAIN, UNDER HER DIRECTION, SUBSTANTIALLY ACCURATE BUSINESS RECORDS. SHE WAS ALSO REGULARLY KEPT INFORMED OF THE FINANCIAL STATE OF THE BUSINESS BY HER STAFF MEMBERS.
HOWEVER, BETWEEN JULY 1986 AND JUNE 1987, SHE FILED INCORRECT PROFITS TAX RETURNS FOR THE YEARS OF ASSESSMENT 1983-84, 1985-86 AND 1986-87 BY UNDERSTATING SALES OF $600,000, STOCK OF $300,000 AND BY OVERSTATING PURCHASES OF $725,000.
THE UNDERSTATEMENT OF PROFITS IN TOTAL WAS $1,625,000 OR 80 PER CENT OF HER TRUE PROFITS, AND THE TAX UNDERCHARGED WAS $282,202.
/IN PASSING .......
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
- 12 -
IN PASSING SENTENCE, THE JUDGE SAID THE DEFENDANT HAD 0V^ A PERIOD OF TIME UNDERSTATED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF INCOME RECEIVED. THE DEFENDANT SHOULD RETURN THE ACCURATE PROFITS AND INDEED IT WAS THE DEFENDANT’S DUTY TO FILE CORRECT TAX RETURNS.
IN ALL THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE JUDGE CONSIDERED THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS OFFENCE AND THAT MAXIMUM PENALTY WAS APPROPRIATE.
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TELA HOSTS RECEPTION FOR TV, ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES ♦ * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING TODAY (MONDAY) HELD A SPRING RECEPTION FOR PEOPLE IN THE TELEVISION, FILM, ADVERTISING, PUBLISHING AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES.
AMONG THE GUESTS WERE THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, MEMBERS OF TELEVISION VIEWING GROUPS AND THE PANEL OF ADVISERS ON FILM CENSORSHIP, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND COMMERCIAL RADIO.
WELCOMING HIS GUESTS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MR PETER NG, SAID HE HOPED THE RECEPTION WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE FROM THE VARIOUS INDUSTRIES TO MEET ONE ANOTHER.
THE RECEPTION HAD ALSO GIVEN HIM A CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER SINCE HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE TELA POST AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, HE SAID.
DURING THE GATHERING, MEMBERS OF THF TELEVISION VIEWING GROUPS WERE INTRODUCED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, SIR ROGER LOBO.
SIR ROGER EXPRESSED A KEEN INTEREST IN THE OPINIONS GIVEN BY THE VIEWING GROUPS ON THE QUALITY OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING OVER THE YEARS.
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF ♦ * *
PRIMARY ONE PLACES ♦ *
PARENTS OF ALL CHILDREN WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY ONE PLACE BUT HAVE NOT SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE CENTRALLY ALLOCATED A PLACE IN A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL.
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PLACES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN JUNE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
PARENTS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE DEPARTMENT'S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT REQUESTING THEM TO GO TO A SPECIFIED DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE TO COLLECT A "CHOICE OF SCHOOLS" FORM AND A LIST OF ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 18) TO TUESDAY (MARCH 21) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM.
"COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SAME CENTRE WITHIN THE SAME PERIOD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR THOSE PARENTS WHO HAD NOT RECEIVED THE LETTER FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY SATURDAY (MARCH 18), THEY ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 5-724383 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN VIEW OF THE UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT PLACES WILL BE ASSIGNED PLACES FROM SCHOOLS IN NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS TO MAKE GOOD THE SHORTFALL.
THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED PARENTS THAT ARRANGEMENTS WOULD ENABLE CHILDREN TO BE ALLOCATED TO A SCHOOL AS NEAR TO THEIR HOME AS POSSIBLE.
THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION IS SOLELY BASED ON PARENTS' CHOICES WITH NO REFERENCE TO THE POINTS SYSTEM, HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, WHEN A SCHOOL IS OVERSUBSCRIBED, A RANDOMISATION METHOD WILL BE USED TO ENSURE FAIRNESS TO ALL.
PARENTS WHO HAVE MOVED HOUSE RECENTLY OR ARE PLANNING TO MOVE HOUSE IN THE NEAR FUTURE ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT SO THAT ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO ALLOCATE A PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN IN THEIR NEW HOME DISTRICT.
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MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
14
TOWN PLANNING IN HK BOOKLET PUBLISHED
* * ♦ ♦ ♦
A BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE FUNCTIONS AND CONCEPT OF TOWN PLANNING IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ENTITLED ’’TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG” AND WELL ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS AND CHARTS, THE BOOKLET IS A MINE OF INFORMATION AND USEFUL REFERENCE MATERIALS TO ACADEMICS, PROFESSIONALS, DEVELOPERS AND ORDINARY INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ALIKE.
APART FROM GIVING A CLEAR EXPLANATION ON THE PLANNING PROCEDURE AND THE ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP INVOLVED IN TOWN PLANNING, THE BOOKLET ALSO IDENTIFIES THE MAJOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES IN THE TERRITORY AND TOUCHES ON THE MAJOR PLANNING ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS.
REFERENCE IS ALSO MADE TO THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY DEALING WITH FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER AND HEAD OF THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE. DR PETER PUN, SAID THE ENGLISH PUBLICATION IS AIMED AT HELPING THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF TOWN PLANNING IN NEU TOWN DEVELOPMENT. URBAN RENEWAL AND OVERALL BUILDING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
”AN EARLIER ENGLISH VERSION OF THE PUBLICATION AS WELL AS A CHINESE TRANSLATION OF IT HAVE BOTH BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC. THIS LATEST PUBLICATION WILL NO DOUBT ADVANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FOR TOWN PLANNING.” DR PUN ADDED.
COPIES OF THE BOOKLET ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GPO BUILDING IN CENTRAL AND AT THE TWO MAP SALES OFFICES OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND 382 NATHAN ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON, AT $45 PER COPY.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 35.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 207.498 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 282.521 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 48.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/15........
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
15
DB TO COMMENT ON PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES REDEVELOPMENT
♦ » ♦ » »
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL COMMENT ON THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT'S PLAN FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF ESTATES IN TSZ WAN SHAN AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
FIVE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN TSZ WAN SHAN, NAMELY TSZ MAN, TSZ 01, TSZ CHING, TSZ LOK AND TSZ ON, WILL BE REDEVELOPED FROM MAY THIS YEAR.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A “PLANNING BRIEF AND CONCEPT PLAN” FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT. MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE DOCUMENT LAST MONTH.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL ATTEND TOMORROW'S MEETING TO DISCUSS WITH MEMBERS MATTERS RELATING TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, AND THE INSERTION INTO THE DISTRICT BOARD STANDING ORDERS OF A PROCEDURE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP PROMOTION ON FOOD HYGIENE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE WORK PROGRESS REPORTS BY THE BOARD'S VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE FUNG MING HALL OF WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
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SHA TIN DB TO ELECT COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
* * ♦ ♦ t
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15) TO ELECT THE CHAIRMEN OF ITS SIX COMMITTEES.
THE COMMITTEES ARE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: CULTURE AND SPORTS; DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING; FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS; HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE; AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS.
/AT THE .......
MONDAY, MARCH 1J, 1989
16
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ENDORSE THE MEETING SCHEDULE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES FOR 1989-90 AND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEES.
THEY WILL ALSO DETERMINE THE PROCEDURES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEES.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO NOMINATE FOUR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR APPOINTMENT AS CO-OPTED MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15) BEGINNING AT 3 PM, IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAY BE REQUIRED TO LEAVE THE CONFERENCE ROOM WHILE THE ELECTION IS IN PROGRESS.
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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES ON AGENDA
*****
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS WAYS TO COMMEMORATE THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1989 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A MEMBER OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1989 WORKING GROUP, MR WAN SEK-LUEN, WILL BRIEF THE COMMITTEE ON RELATED DISTRICT BOARD ACTIVITIES AS PROPOSED BY THE GROUP.
THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, WHICH FALLS ON JUNE 5, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER DISTRICT PROGRAMMES IN SUPPORT OF THE JOINT URBAN/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN FOR 1989-90.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REQUESTS FOR CARRYING OUT LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, AS WELL AS PROGRESS REPORTS ON VILLAGE LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS, MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
/NOTE TO .......
MONDAY, MARCH 1J, 1989
- 17 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
SAI KUNG DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW ITS WORK t » » * *
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW ITS WORK IN THE PAST YEAR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS SEVERAL APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMMITTEE.
AFTER THE MEETING, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELI) TO PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO 17 COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE TWO-WEEK SPECIAL OFFER SCHEME FOR El,DERI.Y IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE S.A I KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IM THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, <HAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS INSTALLATION OF RAILINGS «»»»»»
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE INSTALLATION OF RAILINGS ALONG GLOUCESTER ROAD NEAR THE WAN CHAI POLICE STATION AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY AN INFORMATION PAPER PREPARED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME APPLIED TO THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
/Note to .......
MONDAY, MARCH 1J, 1989
- 18 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
0
YUEN LONG DB COMMITTEE TO MEET ♦ » * ♦ *
THE CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS SIXTH MEETING FOR 1988-89 ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
MEMBERS WILL STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS ON CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS, ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, LIBRARY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES, AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
0 -------
DB RECREATION, SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET
THE RECREATION. SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PLANNED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THE DISTRICT DURING THIS MONTH AND NEXT MONTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE RECREATION. SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE. 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/19........
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1989
- 19 -
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WORKING GROUP TO MEET * * * * »
THE WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP WILL RESUME DISCUSSIONS ON IMPROVEMENT TO THE FACILITIES OF MARICULTURE ZONES IN TAI PO, AND THE PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF A NEW MARICULTURE ZONE IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE BOUNDARY OF THE SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE AND THE DISCONNECTION OF THE IRRIGATION WATER SUPPLY TO WAI TAU, LAM TSUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON TAI PO ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN KAI LENG INTERCHANGE AND PAK FUK TSUEN FROM WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
THE OUTER-MOST LANE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM ON MARCH 15 TO 8 PM ON MARCH 17.
THE CENTRE LANE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY DAILY ON MARCH 15, 16, 17, 19 AND 20.
IN ADDITION, THE INNER-MOST LANE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM ON MARCH 17 TO 2 AM ON MARCH 22.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/20........
MONDAY, MARCH 13,
1989
- ao -
SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLIES IN THREE DISTRICTS
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN TAI KOK TSUI PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 1-80 FUK TSUN STREET, 4-8 LIME STREET, 1-45 PINE STREET, 1-21 AND 70-100 BEECH STREET, AND 1-43 IVY STREET.
ALSO TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 16) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT BLOCKS 32-41 SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN CHAI WAN PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY TO 10 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT CHAI WAN ROAD, WAN TSUI ROAD, FEI TSUI ROAD, SUI MAN ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, WING TAI ROAD, CHEUNG MAN ROAD, LOK MAN ROAD, HONG MAN STREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, KUT SHING STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, NING FOO STREET, YEE FUNG STREET, YEE SHING STREET, YEE SHUN STREET, WAH HA STREET, SAN HA STREET, SHEUNG ON STREET, KA YIP STREET, FUNG YIP STREET, SUN YIP STREET, ON YIP STREET, SUN ON STREET, WING PING STREET, HONG PING STREET, KAM YUEN LANE AND THE WHOLE AREA OF HENG FA CHUEN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT COMMITTED TO UPGRADING MEDICAL SERVICES: SIR D^VID...... 1
GOVT SHARES OBJECTIVE TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE: GOVERNOR ......... 3
SENIOR DIRECTORATE STAFF CHANGES ANNOUNCED ..................
ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT ON HK 1988 .......................... 5
INTENSIVE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE QUALITY AWARENESS................. 6
NEW WATER RATES FROM APRIL 1 .................................... 7
14 QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA..................................... 9
AUCTION OF SPECIAL C*R NUMBERS ................................. 10
TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TaRGETTED FOR IMPROVEMENT .... 11
INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE FOR TUEN MUN .......................... 12
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED........................................ 12
INFORMATION KIT FOR EASTERN DISTRICT NEW RESIDENTS.............. 12
KWUN TONG DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC ..................... 13
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS.................. 1^
HEALTH EXHIBITION AT TUEN MUN ...............................
JAPANESE BAND GIVES CONCERTS IN HONG KONG ...................... 15
TRAFFIC mRRmNGEMENTS IN KOWLOON, HK ISLAND...................
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CHEUNG SHAN aREA, TSUEN WAN............ 16
URBaN CLEARWAYS IN MONG KOK, TUEN MUN........................... 17
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
GOVT COMMITTED TO UPGRADING MEDICAL SERVICES: SIR DAVID » » » ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO EXPANDING AND UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN PUBLIC AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RISING EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID HE WISHED TO MAKE THIS OBJECTIVE CLEAR, WHEN SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF AN EXTENSION AT UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL.
"THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN JUST OVER TWO WEEKS THAT I HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR A MAJOR NEW HOSPITAL PROJECT — IN FACT THE THIRD TIME OVER THE LAST FOUR MONTHS.
"THIS SHOWS THE EFFORT THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO PUT INTO UPGRADING BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
HONG KONG HAD BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS A SYSTEM OF HEALTH CARE IN WHICH EVERYONE WAS ASSURED OF SUBSIDISED MEDICAL TREATMENT AT A NOMINAL FEE, HE SAID, AND NO-ONE WAS TURNED AWAY.
HOWEVER, THIS OBJECTIVE HAD ADDED TO THE STRESS AND PRESSURE ON HOSPITALS, AS WELL AS ON THE MEDICAL STAFF, WHO HAD RESPONDED WITH DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION EVEN THOUGH THEIR TASK HAD NOT BEEN EASY.
"THE CONCERNS THEY HAVE EXPRESSED IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS ARE ALSO THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERNS," HE STRESSED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT URGENT ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF, TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING CONDITIONS AND THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE.
"WHILE THESE CONSULTATIONS PROCEED, IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT PATIENTS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE PROPER ATTENTION AND ARE NOT INCONVENIENCED OR PUT AT RISK IN ANY WAY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE COULD BE NO DOUBT THAT IN THE LONGER TERM A MORE COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION WAS NEEDED.
"WHAT IS BEING DONE IS TO STREAMLINE THE STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION OF OUR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AND ESTABLISH A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO OVERSEE THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN ALL GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
"THIS WILL INEVITABLY TAKE TIME, JUST AS IT TAKES TIME TO BUILD AND EQUIP HOSPITALS AND TO PROVIDE THE TRAINED STAFF TO OPERATE THEM," HE SAID.
/IN LAYING .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
- 2 -
IN LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE RUN RUN SHAW BUILDING OF THE HOSPITAL, SIR DAVID DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS THE SINGLE LARGEST EXPANSION EVER UNDERTAKEN BY A MEDICAL SUBVENTED ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG.
THE $1.1 BILLION PROJECT WILL PROVIDE 24 NEW HOSPITAL WARDS AND A FULL ARRAY OF SUPPORT FACILITIES.
’’THIS MEANS THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BEDS WILL BE MORE THAN DOUBLED: FROM 640 TO 1,400. THE PROJECT WILL IN THIS WAY INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PROVISION OF HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN EASTERN KOWLOON,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT WHEN HE VISITED THE HOSPITAL LAST JUNE, HE WAS ABLE TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE EXCELLENT WORK BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE STAFF.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE HOSPITAL’S CONCEPT OF HEALTH CARE.
"THIS EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE HOSPITAL AND EMBRACES THE TOTAL WELL-BEING OF THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE HOSPITAL HAD EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF ITS SERVICES THROUGH ITS COMMUNITY NURSING PROGRAMMES, COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECTS AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES.
"THE HOSPITAL IS TO BE CONGRATULATED ON ITS PIONEERING APPROACH IN THESE MATTERS. THESE NEW ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WILL ALLOW THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL TO EXPAND STILL FURTHER ITS SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY OF KWUN TONG," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO HAD HELPED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS BRINGING THE EXTENSION PROJECT TO FRUITION.
HE ESPECIALLY THANKED SIR RUN RUN FOR HIS GENEROUS DONATION AT THE OUTSET OF THE HOSPITAL’S FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN WHICH HAD MADE THE PROJECT POSSIBLE.
"IT IS RIGHT THAT, IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION, THE NEW BUILDING SHOULD BEAR YOUR NAME.” SIR DAVID SAID.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
5
GOVT SHARES OBJECTIVE TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE: GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNMENT SHARES THE SAME OBJECTIVE OF MEDICAL STAFF TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE AND HOSPITAL SERVICES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF AN EXTENSION AT THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL. SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD SPOKEN AT A RECEPTION TO A GROUP OF VERY IMPRESSIVE YOUNG DOCTORS AND OTHER MEDICAL STAFF WHO EXPRESSED THEIR OBJECTIVES FOR IMPROVEMENT.
’’THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE NOW HAVE TO IMPROVE. SOMETHING FROM THE PAST WE HAVE TO PUT RIGHT.” HE SAID.
THE PROCESS WILL TAKE TIME. SOMETHING WE CAN DO STRAIGHTAWAY, SOME WILL TAKE LONGER.” HE ADDED.
”WE MUST DO IT THROUGH CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE MEDICAL STAFF AND THE GOVERNMENT.
"THAT’S THE ATTITUDE THE GOVERNMENT HAS. I BELIEVE IT IS THE ATTITUDE THAT THE MEDICAL STAFF AND THE DOCTORS WILL ALSO HAVE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR REITERATED THAT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HOSPITAL PROJECTS WERE A DEMONSTRATION OF THE WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THERE MUST BE MORE RESOURCES PUT IN TO IMPROVE MEDICAL SERVICES.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON A REQUEST FROM SUBVENTED HOSPITAL STAFF FOR REPRESENTATIONS AT HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEES, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT WERE HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WOULD LOOK AT OTHER WAYS OF ENSURING THAT THERE WERE ADEQUATE COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE SUBVENTED SECTOR.
"THE IMPORTANT POINT I THINK IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE PROPER CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION.
"WITH THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, YOU ALSO HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE WISH OF THE SUBVENTED SECTOR TO HAVE A DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT THERE SHOULD ALWAYS BE DIALOGUE --DIRECT OR INDIRECT.
"THERE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE DIALOGUE AND THAT MEANS THE BEST WAY AS SEEN BY BOTH SIDES.
’’THEN. IF THEY’RE NOT ADEQUATE, WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT THEY’RE IMPROVED AND THAT THEY ARE ADEQUATE,” HE EMPHASISED.
A.....
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TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
SENIOR DIRECTORATE STAFF CHANGES ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING SENIOR
DIRECTORATE STAFF CHANGES WHICH WILL HAVE IMMEDIATE EFFECT:
* MR KENNETH KWOK WAI-KAI, DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, TO TAKE UP THE DUTIES OF SECRETARY FOR WORKS (DESIGNATE);
* DR NIP KAM-FAN, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES, TO SUCCEED MR KWOK AS DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT;
» DR E. W. BRAND, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, TO FILL THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES VICE DR NIP; AND
* MR C. R. SAUNDERS, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER, TO UNDERTAKE THE DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (DESIGNATE).
MR KWOK WILL HEAD THE NEW WORKS BRANCH WHEN IT IS SET UP IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AS SECRETARY FOR WORKS.
AT THAT TIME, MR GRAHAM BARNES WILL BECOME SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LAND. UNTIL THEN HE WILL REMAIN IN HIS PRESENT POST OF SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.
THE APPOINTMENTS FOLLOW ORGANISATION CHANGES PROPOSED AS A RESULT OF AN INTERNAL GOVERNMENT STUDY TO CONSIDER THE REGROUPING OF THE FUNCTIONS PRESENTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE SECRETARY OF LANDS AND WORKS.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MR KENNETH KWOK WAI-KAI
AGED 57. MR KWOK JOINED THE HONG KONG ENGINEER IN APRIL 1960.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN JUNE 1983 AND TO HIS PRESENT TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT IN JANUARY 1986.
CIVIL SERVICE AS AN
OF NEW TERRITORIES
RANK OF DIRECTOR OF
DR NIP KAM-FAN
AGED 56. DR NIP JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN AUGUST 1956.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN FEBRUARY 1981 AND TO DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT IN OCTOBER 1984. HE HAS BEEN THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES SINCE JUNE 1986.
/DR E.........
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
- 5 -
DR E. W. BRAND
AGED 50. DR BRAND JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER IN MAY 1978.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER IN SEPTEMBER 1979. HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
MR C. R. SAUNDERS
AGED 57. MR SAUNDERS JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ENGINEER IN MAY 1963.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN NOVEMBER 1981 AND TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN JUNE 1984. HE HAS BEEN A DEPUTY SECRETARY (LANDS AND WORKS) IN THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SINCE JULY 1987.
0
ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT ON HK 1988 * * » » »
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT YESTERDAY (MONDAY) THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1988. THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF A WHITE PAPER IN LONDON ON THE SAME DAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AGREED IN 1985, DURING THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES ON THE HONG KONG BILL, TO PRODUCE ANNUAL REPORTS ON HONG KONG AND TO LAY THEM BEFORE PARLIAMENT. THE PURPOSE OF THIS SERIES OF REPORTS IS TO KEEP PARLIAMENT INFORMED OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG."
HE SAID THE REPORT, THE FOURTH IN THE SERIES, CONTAINED A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE MAIN EVENTS IN HONG KONG DURING THE YEAR 1988,
IT COVERS VISITS TO HONG KONG BY MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY AND GOVERNMENT MINISTERS: VISITS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG; THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION; THE FURTHER PROGRESS MADE DURING THE YEAR IN IMPLEMENTING THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS.
/IT ALSO .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
6
IT ALSO COVERS MATTERS CONCERNING THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE; EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION; THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY; CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS; AND THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT; SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ORDER.
THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY) AND WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE REPORT, AVAILABLE BILINGUALLY. FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES SECTION AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, CENTRAL.
_ _ 0 - -
INTENSIVE PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE QUALITY AWARENESS »»»*«»
SHOULD HONG KONG FALL BEHIND IN THE WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT TOWARDS QUALITY ASSURANCE, ITS EXPORTS COULD BE PLACED AT A DISADVANTAGE VIS-A-VIS ITS COMPETITORS IN THE NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE SPRING DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFICATION LABORATORIES LTD.
WITH OVER 90 PER CENT OF ITS MANUFACTURING OUTPUT BEING EXPORTED, HONG KONG SHOULD PROTECT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE ITS ACCESS RIGHTS AGAINST TECHNICAL BARRIERS BUILT ON GROUNDS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE, MR LEUNG SAID.
IN FACT, CONSULTANTS HAD POINTED OUT THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF CONSISTENT CONFORMITY TO QUALITY STANDARDS THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, IF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS WERE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN WORLD MARKET.
MR LEUNG OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE IN THIS FIELD.
THE PROGRAMME OF WORK, WHICH WAS BEING CO-ORDINATED BY A NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT SET UP WITHIN THE QUALITY SERVICES DIVISION OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, INVOLVED SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES IN THREE MAIN AREAS, HE SAID.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SERVICES INCLUDED FURTHER EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRODUCTS STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU; DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY; AND EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF THE HONG KONG LABORATORIES ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS).
/SECONDLY, MR
TUESDAY, MARCH 1^, 1989
SECONDLY, MR LEUNG SAW A QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WAS UNDER ACTIVE PLANNING AND WAS SCHEDULED FOR LAUNCHING EARLY NEXT YEAR.
"THE CAMPAIGN WILL PRIMARILY BE TARGETTED AT DECISION MAKERS IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AS WELL AS THEIR EMPLOYEES.
"THE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE WOULD BE THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROPER QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WOULD HELP REDUCE COSTS, IMPROVE OUTPUT AND SECURE MARKETS," HE SAID.
THIRDLY, A VOLUNTARY SCHEME OF ACCREDITATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF COMPANIES CONFORMING WITH STANDARDS BASED ON THE APPROPRIATE PARTS OF THE ISO 9000 SERIES OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARDS, ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION (ISO), WAS ESSENTIAL.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT PLANNING HAD STARTED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GOVERNMENT SPONSORED AGENCY WHOSE PRIME FUNCTION WAS TO ASSESS QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN FACTORIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACCREDITATION. THE AGENCY WAS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL LATER THIS YEAR.
"ASSESSMENT OF THE FIRST GROUP OF FACTORIES IS TARGETTED FOR MID-1990 AND IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT ACCREDITATION OF A NUMBER OF THESE WILL BE ACHIEVED SHORTLY THEREAFTER.
"WHERE NECESSARY, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR MANUFACTURERS TO HAVE ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCIES," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG EXPECTED THAT THE SCHEME WOULD EXPAND CONSIDERABLY AS THE QUALITY MESSAGE BECAME MORE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD AND BETTER APPRECIATED.
0
NEW WATER RATES FROM APRIL 1 * t * »
NEW WATER RATES ARE TO BE INTRODUCED FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR TO REFLECT MORE REALISTICALLY OPERATING COSTS AND INFLATION ON VARIOUS ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE. A WATER AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE ANNUAL REVIEW WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE NEW RATES ABOUT 222,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A FREE SUPPLY OF WATER WHILE 720,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL NEED TO PAY NO MORE THAN AN EXTRA 80 CENTS PER WEEK.
/The balance ........
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
8 -
THE BALANCE OF ABOUT 444,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL PAY JUST OVER ONE DOLLAR EXTRA PER WEEK.
HE ADDED THAT THE INCREASE IN PERCENTAGE TERM CAME TO ABOUT 11.5 PER CENT, BUT IN TERMS OF DOLLARS AND CENTS IT WAS STILL SMALL BECAUSE OF THE LOW BASIC RATE.
"CHARGES FOR CONNECTION AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES WILL ALSO BE REVISED TO REFLECT THE INCREASE IN MATERIAL AND STAFF COSTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NUMBER OF UNITS IN EACH TIER WILL ALSO BE REDUCED IN LINE WITH THE LEVEL OF REDUCTION IN THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE, FROM 5.5 PERSONS IN 1979 TO 4.1 PERSONS AS AT THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988.
ON THIS BASIS, THE WATER AUTHORITY WILL RESTRUCTURE THE TIER
SYSTEM ACCORDINGLY OVER THE NEXT FOUR 1989/90 YEARS AS FOLLOWS: UNITS
TIER EXISTING UNITS 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93
FIRST TIER 18 17 16 15 14
SECOND TIER 18 17 16 15 14
THIRD TIER 28 26 25 23 21
FOURTH TIER 28 26 25 23 21
FIFTH TIER OVER 92 OVER 86 OVER 82 OVER 76 OVER 70
THE NEW TARIFF RATE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 IS TABULATED BELOW:
$
WATER AMOUNT PER UNIT
$
WATER AMOUNT PER UNIT
(A) FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, PER 4 MONTH PERIOD -
(I) 0-17 UNITS FREE
( II) 18-34 UNITS 1 -47
(III) 35-60 UNITS 2.66
(IV) 61 - 86 UNITS 4.13
(V) FOR THE REMAINDER 5-79
(B) FOR TRADE PURPOSES 2.66
/THE EXISTING
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 19^9
THE EXISTING WATER RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WATER AMOUNT
$
PER UNIT
(A) FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, PER 4 MONTH PERIOD -
(I) 0 - 18 UNITS FREE
(II) 19 - 36 UNITS 1.32
(III) 37 - 64 UNITS 2.39
( IV) 65 - 92 UNITS 3.70
(V) FOR THE REMAINDER 5.19
2.39
(B) FOR TRADE PURPOSES
-----0------
14 QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA ♦ ♦ t ♦
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 14 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL*S MEETING TOMORROW.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1989 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
SECOND READING DEBATES ON THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 WILL BE RESUMED, AFTER WHICH EACH BILL IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL MOVE ONE UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
- - - - 0 --------
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
10 -
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS » ♦ » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL
SATURDAY (MARCH 18) AT THE CITY nALilj
RECITAL HALL. THE auction will BEGIN AT 10 AM.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
BIDDING. THEY ARE
DY148 DZ128 DY1 AA728
DZ1686 CK55 DY843 AB132
6779 DZ884 AZ690 DZ659
BY988 AZ786 AA2881 HK389
DX7 BB8 DZ168 8317
DZ1088 DZ5251 DZ9899 DZ8886
DZ381 DZ3888 BC6687 DZ795
AY 16 1 CE182 DZ3 DY515
DZ8980 AR903 DY8302 DZ7555
AC938 DY887 AK4 7 DY9394
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED^IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION* IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 136TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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/11
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
11
TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TARGETTED FOR IMPROVEMENT
»*««»♦
SIX INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN TSUEN WAN HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS TARGET BUILDINGS FOR IMPROVEMENT BY THE NEWLY FORMED TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE (IBMCC).
THE TSUEN WAN IBMCC WAS FORMED TO SPEED UP CO-ORDINATION OF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL ACTION SPECIFICALLY TO UPGRADE MANAGEMENT STANDARDS, THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE TARGETTED BUILDINGS AND THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF NEARBY DOMESTIC DWELLINGS.
THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, WHO HEADS THE TEAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE SIX BUILDINGS WERE SELECTED BECAUSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE AS WELL AS.COMPLAlNTS FROM RESIDENTS.
THE IMPROVEMENT ACTION WAS ENDORSED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD LAST WEEK.
THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM (IBMCT) CONSISTS OF A HOUSING MANAGER, AN ASSISTANT HOUSING MANAGER AND TWO HOUSING ASSISTANTS SECONDED FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
MR SHIU SAID THAT THE IBMCT HAD CARRIED OUT DETAILED SURVEYS ON THE SIX INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND SOME MAJOR PROBLEMS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED.
"THESE INCLUDED ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY PUNCTURED CHIMNEYS, BROKEN PIPES OR CHOKAGE OF UNDERGROUND DRAINAGE, UNAUTHORISED DRAINAGE WORKS, STRUCTURAL DEFECTS, POOR SANITATION AND OBSTRUCTIONS TO FIRE ESCAPES,” HE SAID.
THE IBMCT HAS BEEN LIAISING WITH THE CHAIRMEN OF THE OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES OF THE BUILDINGS TO IMPRESS UPON THEM THE NEED FOR EFFECTING IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS, REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTIONS BLOCKING THE FIRE ESCAPES AND UPGRADING SANITARY CONDITION.
THE ROLE OF THE IBMCT IS BASICALLY ADVISORY AND IMPROVEMENT TO THI TARGET BUILDINGS DEPENDS VER\ MUCH ON THE CO-OPERATION AND EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERS.
"THE IBMCT WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE POSITIVE ASSISTANCE TO HELI’ STIMULATE A MORE EFFECTIVE SELF-HELP PROCESS AMONG THE OWNERS,” MR SHIU EXPLAINED.
"I AM SURE THAT WITH CONCERTED EFFORTS FROM ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED. AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE TARGET BUILDINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED.”
0 -
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
- 12 -
INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE FOR TUEN MUN
* » * | »
A MODERN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WILL BE BUILT IN AREA 16 OF TUEM MUN TO PROVIDE MORE SPORT FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MAJOR FACILITIES IN THE 4,000 SQUARE METRE CENTRE WILL INCLUDE A MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALL WHICH CAN PROVIDE EITHER TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, OR TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS OR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE THREE AIR-CONDITIONED SQUASH COURTS, TWO GAMES ROOMS AND CHANGING AND SHOWER FACILITIES.
THE CENTRE WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT UPON ITS COMPLETION.
- - 0 • - - -
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF UNITED CONTINENTAL FINANCE LTD. AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
INFORMATION KIT FOR EASTERN DISTRICT NEW RESIDENTS
******
NEW RESIDENTS OF EASTERN DISTRICT CAN GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR HOME DISTRICT AND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD FROM A COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION KIT PREPARED BY THE BOARD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD SAID 10,000 COPIES OF THE INFORMATION KIT HAD BEEN PRINTED FOR DISTRIBUTION FREE-OF-CHARGE TO RESIDENTS RECENTLY MOVED INTO THE DISTRICT.
"AS SEVERAL LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS WOULD BE READY FOR OCCUPANCY IN THE NEAR FUTURE, IT IS NECESSARY TO HELP NEW RESIDENTS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE BASIC COMMUNITY FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT.
/’’THE INFORMATION
TUESDAY, MARCH 1989
13
"THE INFORMATION KIT WOULD ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT BY PROVIDING A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO ITS GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.
"IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT BY LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT, THE RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.
THE INFORMATION KIT, ENTITLED "LIVING IN EASTERN DISTRICT", TAKES THE SHAPE OF A HOUSE BUILT OF BRICKS BEARING THE LOGO OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
IT CONTAINS SIX LEAFLETS OUTLINING THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT, THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AS WELL AS CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE LEAFLETS WAS TAILOR-MADE FOR RESIDENTS LIVING IN THREE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DISTRICT, NAMELY, CAUSEWAY BAY/NORTH POINT, QUARRY BAY/SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.
THIS LEAFLET PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE MEDICAL SERVICES, LIBRARY SERVICES, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AVAILABLE IN THESE SPECIFIC AREAS.
"PLANS ARE IN HAND TO DISTRIBUTE THE KITS TO RESIDENTS THROUGH THE MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF THE NEW HOUSING ESTATES," THE SPOKESMAN , SAID.
-------O----------
KWUN TONG DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC *****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON FRIDAY (MARCH 17) TO ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
AT THE CLOSE OF NOMINATIONS ON MARCH 10, TWO MEMBERS -- MR HAU SHUI-PUI AND MR PANG KAM-FAI -- HAD BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE SEAT.
THE SPECIAL MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4.15 PM.
PRIOR TO THAT, A FORUM WILL BE HELD FROM 2.30 PM TO 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO ENABLE BOARD MEMBERS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR PLATFORMS.
/MEMBERS OF........
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
14
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND BOTH THE ELECTION FORUM AND THE SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IN TUNG YAN STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING AND ELECTION FORUM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 17) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
THE FORUM WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AND THE MEETING AT 4.15 PM.
-----0------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS ♦ * ♦ * »
THE HOUSING COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESIDENTS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AND SQUATTERS AREAS AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 16).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN SHUN TIN ESTATE UPON THE COMPLETION OF THREE ADDITIONAL HOUSING BLOCKS WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE 7,000 PEOPLE.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE COMMITTEE FOR 1989-90.
WORK PLAN OF THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S HOUSING COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY (MARCH 16), BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
-------O - -
/15.......
TUESDAY, MARCH 14,
1989
- 15 -
HEALTH EXHIBITION AT TUEN MUN * * * *
THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A WEEK-LONG HEALTH EXHIBITION AT THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA STARTING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE EXHIBITION, ENTITLED "HEALTH FOR ALL, ALL FOR HEALTH", AIMS TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION AS THE KEY TO GOOD HEALTH.
IN ADDITION TO DISPLAY MATERIALS, THERE WILL BE SLIDE AND VIDEO SHOWS. EDUCATIONAL LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM TOMORROW. IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON THE OTHER DAYS EXCEPT ON THE FINAL DAY ON MARCH 21 WHEN IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 1 PM.
-----0------
JAPANESE BAND GIVES CONCERTS IN HONG KONG
*****
THE HAKATA GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL WIND BAND FROM FUKUOKA, JAPAN GAVE A LUNCH-TIME CONCERT AT THE LANDMARK IN CENTRAL TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE JAPANESE BAND ARRIVED IN HONG KONG YESTERDAY FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT.
TOMORROW, THE BAND WILL GIVE CONCERTS AT BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL AND CHEN ZAO MEN SECONDARY SCHOOL. IT WILL ALSO HAVE MUSIC EXCHANGE WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE 60-MEMBER BAND IS VERY POPULAR IN JAPAN AND RECEIVES REGULAR INVITATIONS TO PERFORM IN SCHOOLS, YOUTH AND CULTURAL CENTRES AS WELL AS MUSIC FESTIVALS.
IT WAS AWARDED THE SILVER PRIZE IN THE KYUSHU BAND CONTEST IN 1981, 1982, 1983 AND 1985.
THE BAND WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON THURSDAY (MARCH 16).
-----0------
/16........
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
16
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON, HK ISLAND t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SEVERAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 17).
PO LOI STREET IN HUNG HOM BETWEEN BAKER STREET AND HUNG HOM WAN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
IN ADDITION, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM HUNG HOM WAN STREET EASTBOUND BETWEEN WHAMPOA STREET AND PO LOI STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, SHUNG YAN STREET IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN FU YAN STREET AND HONG NING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
IN ADDITION, THE LEFT-TURN FROM HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO SHUNG YAN STREET; AND THE RIGHT-TURN FROM HONG NING ROAD NORTHBOUND TO SHUNG YAN STREET WILL BE BANNED.
IN SHEUNG WAN, ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM WING KUT STREET, FROM THE SAME TIME.
------0-------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CHEUNG SHAN AREA, TSUEN WAN ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 5, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CHEUNG SHAN AREA, TSUEN WAN. FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 17) FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS.
CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH LO WAI ROAD AND CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD EAST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
ON THE OTHER HAND, CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH LO WAI ROAD AND CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
IN ADDITION, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD EAST WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD HEADING FOR CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD EAST OR KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST.
/AT THE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1989
17
AT THE SAME TIME, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD EAST AND A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
REGARDING BUS SERVICES, CHEUNG SHAN BUS TERMINUS WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST WITH CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD EAST.
KMB ROUTES 32B AND 32M WILL TERMINATE AT THE NEW TERMINUS AND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST ON JOURNEYS TO CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE.
KMB ROUTE 32 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST BEFORE RESUMING ITS NORMAL ROUTEING ON JOURNEYS TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY.
FOR GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, GMB ROUTES 81 AND 81M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND OMIT CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE.
MOREOVER, GMB ROUTES 82, 82M AND 94 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE ROAD WEST BEFORE RESUMING THEIR NORMAL ROUTEINGS ON JOURNEYS TO SHING MUN RESERVOIR OR KWAI SHING.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN MONG KOK, TUEN MUN
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN MONG KOK WILL BE DESIGNATED PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND
4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 17):
« THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FLOWER MARKET ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH YUEN PO STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 165 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION:
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FLOWER MARKET ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH YUEN NGAI STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 16 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF YUEN NGAI STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF YUEN PO STREET BETWEEN FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST.
AT THE SAME TIME, IN TUEN MUN, THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HO PONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
■ • • •<•«»«■»• ..
■ - • • • ;
n-’
»• .................. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
.............................. CONTENTS PAGE NO. LEGISLATIVE GQUNGU. MEETING 1
RESOLUTION S .MHD- SPLIT PASSED............................ 1
MEMBERS' RB-UUKS-WILL BE BORNE IN MIND: SHW ............... 4
SPLIT-BEGINS-A-PROGRESSIVE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER .......... 6
CLARIFICATION-ON SPnli NEEDED ............................. 7
services cannot be divided ................................ 7
FUNDING MOTION PASSED ..................................... 9
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE PROCEDURE EXPLAINED................. 10
MORE SITES' FOR PUBLIC USES IN NEXT. DECADE ............... 10
NO MOVE TO- ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY ......................... 11
NO IMPAIRMENT OF POLICE A-‘D FIRE SERVICES ................ 11
2 % OF BEDS OCCUPIED BY TERMINAL CANCER PATIINTS........... 1?
NUMEROUS DEPARTMENTAL CONTACTS WITH CHINA ................. 14
WIDE RANGE OF PUBLICITY ON SAFETY OF YOUNG ................ 15
INSPECTIONS OF SANITATION ON FERRIES ...................... 18
maintenance, inspection help reduce braking noise.......... 19
AMENTMENTS PROPOSED ON BURGLaR ALARM CONTROL .............. 20
$400 MILLION IN 'ADDITIONAL REVENUE1 ...................... 21
DRINKING WnTER MEETS WHO GUIDELINES ....................... 21
NINE FINED FOR SMOKING OFFENCES ........................... 22
COST OF PROVIDING KINDLR&iRTEN FEE ASSISTANCE ............. 2J
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER .ADVERTISING SIGNS SOUGHT ............ REINSURERS GIVEN MORE TIME TO COMPLY .......................... 25
MONEY CHANGERS AMENDMENT BILL BACKED ...................... 25
TWO BILIS PASSED........................................... 27
/28........
NEW MW ON MONEY CHaNGERS EFFECTIVE ON JULY 1 .......... 28 CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISL.JJD EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION .... 29 QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE TO BE LOWERED.... JO POSTAL SERVICES DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS .................... JO WORK ON FIRST UFI PROJECT IN SHA TIN TO COMMENCE .................... J1 SHA TIN DB ELECTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ......................>>«•.»•■ J2 SOUTHERN DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC TOMORROW ................ Jg DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POLLUTION PROBLEM ................................................... J3 DB COMMITTEE TO. DISCUSS TSING YI TRAFFIC PROBLEM.................... J4 DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS .JBATTOIR PRIVATISATION ............. > DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME................. J5 OPERA SHOW FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS ............................. j6 FEAST FOR ELDERLY IN NORTH DISTRICT..................................................... j6 GOVERNMENT LAND TO LEJ? BY TENDER ........................... 37 URBaN CLEhRWaYS IN KWUN TONG, W.N CHAI ...................... 37
NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION FOR PLB'S .......................... j8
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
1
RESOLUTION ON MHD SPLIT PASSED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMING SPLIT OF THE DEPARTMENT INTO TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS.
ON APRIL 1, THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OF HOSPITAL SERVICES.
PASSED A RESOLUTION MEDICAL AND HEALTH
EXISTING DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT
"THE PURPOSE OF THE RESOLUTION IS TO TRANSFER TO THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH OR THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES FUNCTIONS PRESENTLY EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES UNDER A NUMBER OF LEGAL ENACTMENTS," THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, SAID WHEN MOVING THE RESOLUTION.
SPEAKING AGAINST THE MOTION THAT THE RESOLUTION BE PASSED, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID SHE OBJECTED IN PRINCIPLE TO THE PROPOSED RE-ORGANISATION BECAUSE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES COULD NOT IN REALITY BE DIVIDED.
DR IP, WHO ABSTAINED FROM VOTING, QUESTIONED WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT SET UP A STEERING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW MEDICAL SERVICES AS A WHOLE, INSTEAD OF CONFINING THE REVIEW TO HOSPITAL SERVICES ONLY.
THE HON RONALD CHOW, WHO VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION, SAID HE SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE THE PROPOSED SPLIT, BUT HE FELT CONFUSION WOULD ENSUE UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS.
HE SAID HE CONTINUED TO GET DIFFERENT EXPLANATIONS FROM OFFICIALS, AND IN VIEW OF THE CONFUSION FURTHER CLARIFICATION AND CONSULTATION WAS NECESSARY BEFORE A SPLIT WAS IMPLEMENTED.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG SAID THAT MANY "GREY AREAS" WOULD REMAIN AFTER THE SPLIT, AND IT WAS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT MANY FRONT-LINE WORKERS WOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CAREERS.
IT WAS CRUCIAL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO AFFIRM THAT THE SPLIT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A PROGRESSIVE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER, AND THAT THIS MOVE WOULD BE REVIEWED ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE WORKING STAFF.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, MR CHAU SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS INCLUDING HEALTH EDUCATION, SURVEILLANCE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH PROGRAMMES.
/"IT WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
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"IT WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, FOR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES AND FOR A NUMBER OF HEALTH SERVICES SUCH AS CHILD ASSESSMENT, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, DENTAL SERVICES AND FORENSIC PATHOLOGY," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HE SAID ITS RESPONSIBILITIES LAY IN THE MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING OF ALL SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, AS WELL AS THE CO-ORDINATION AND MONITORING OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY SUBVERTED HOSPITALS.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE RE-ORGANISATION, MR CHAU SAID THE CREATION OF THE NEW DEPARTMENTS WAS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO ASSUME OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES.
IN 1985, THE GOVERNMENT HAD COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS, HE POIRTED OUT.
THE CORSULTARTS LATER IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE MANAGEMENT AND CO-ORDINATION OF SERVICES PROVIDED IN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT SUBVERTED HOSPITALS.
FOLLOWIRG A PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIOR, PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMERT OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMERT ARD DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD BEEN ENDORSED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER 1987.
NOTING THAT THE TARGET DATE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS APRIL 1, 1990, MR CHAU SAID THERE WERE SOUND REASONS FOR SPLITTING THE SERVICES OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE.
"ALTHOUGH, IN MANY RESPECTS, THE HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OPERATE SEPARATELY THEY, NEVERTHELESS, SHARE MANY CENTRAL DEPARTMENTAL RESOURCES, SUCH AS ACCOMMODATION, FINANCE, STAFF MANAGEMENT, PROCUREMENT ETC," HE SAID.
"THE DIVISION OF THESE FUNCTIONS BETWEEN THE TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS IS A MAJOR LOGISTICAL EXERCISE AND SOME TEETHING PROBLEMS WILL BE INEVITABLE."
MR CHAU SAID THE NEXT 12 MONTHS SHOULD PROVIDE AMPLE TIME FOR THESE PROBLEMS TO BE OVERCOME SO THAT ALL INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WERE FUNCTIONING SMOOTHLY IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT STEP OF ESTABLISHING THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
/"WHEN THE........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
5 -
"WHEN THE AUTHORITY COMES INTO EXISTENCE THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE SUBSUMED WITHIN THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE NEW AUTHORITY; THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL REMAIN A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
MR CHAU STRESSED THAT THE CREATION OF THE TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS WOULD NOT LEAD TO ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OR DISRUPTION TO THE PRESENT OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
"FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF STAFF, THE RE-ORGANISATION WILL ENTAIL NO MORE THAN A CHANGE IN THE DEPARTMENTAL DESIGNATION OF THE POSTS WHICH THEY PRESENTLY OCCUPY," HE SAID.
"STEPS WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE CAREER PROSPECTS OF STAFF EMPLOYED IN GRADES WHICH WILL BE COMMON TO BOTH DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
"SPECIFICALLY, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE DEPARTMENTS TO EXERCISE JOINT RESPONSIBILITY ON MATTERS SUCH AS POSTINGS, PROMOTION, PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL, TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT."
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WERE DELEGATED WITH STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES UNDER A LARGE NUMBER OF ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS.
THE RESOLUTION PASSED TODAY WOULD EFFECT THE TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO THE APPROPRIATE NEW AUTHORITIES AS PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 54A OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
MOREOVER, NEW HEADS OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS WOULD ALSO BE CREATED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
MR CHAU ADDED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD ALREADY APPROVED, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE 1989-90 DRAFT ESTIMATES, THE TRANSFER FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF 5,226 AND 22,425 POSTS RESPECTIVELY TO THE department of health and the department of hospital services.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO BEEN ASKED TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF 10 NEW DIRECTORATE POSTS IN THE TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS.
THE RESOLUTION WAS MOVED UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
MEMBERS’ REMARKS WILL BE BORNE IN MIND: SHW
*****
EVEN AFTER THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL SERVICES COME INTO BEING ON APRIL 1, NOTHING SHOULD BE REGARDED AS SET IN CONCRETE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS WHEN SPEAKING IN REPLY TO MEMBERS' COMMENTS ON A RESOLUTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
"THE REMARKS MADE BY MEMBERS TODAY WILL CERTAINLY BE BORNE IN MIND.
"IF EXPERIENCE SHOULD INDICATE THAT ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED I SEE NO REASON WHY LATER ON, EVEN AFTER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN SET UP, THE DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE TWO SEPARATE BODIES CANNOT BE FURTHER DEFINED OR ADDRESSED," MR CHAU SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE STEPS BEING TAKEN TO RE-ORGANISE THE MEDICAL SERVICES HAD CREATED UNCERTAINTY AMONGST STAFF.
THIS, MR CHAU SAID, WAS A PROBLEM WHICH COULD NOT BE FULLY RESOLVED UNTIL THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ON THE NEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO BE APPLICABLE UNDER THE NEW HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD BEEN FINALISED AND ACCEPTED BY STAFF.
"IN THE INTERIM, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ASSURED STAFF THAT WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY MAY BE, THEY WILL HAVE AN OPTION EITHER TO JOIN THE NEW AUTHORITY OR REMAIN A CIVIL SERVANT.
"THIS WILL BE A GENUINE OPTION AND FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN A CIVIL SERVANT THEY WILL HAVE THEIR LEGITIMATE INTERESTS PROTECTED," MR CHAU STRESSED.
MEANWHILE, HE SAID CONSULTATION WITH STAFF WOULD CONTINUE AFTER THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT TO SECURI THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT OF STAFF IN A MAJOR AND COMPLEX RE-ORGANISATION EXERCISE WHICH WOULD BEGIN ON APRIL 1.
"THE GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF STAFF CONSULTATION IN A RE-ORGANISATION EXERCISE INVOLVING 27,000 MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT," MR CHAU SAID.
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT SPECIAL MEASURES ON STAFF CONSULTATIONS WERE ADOPTED TO MAKE SURE THAT STAFF UNDERSTOOD THE OBJECTIVES OF THE RE-ORGANISATION, WHAT IT INVOLVED AND HOW THEIR LEGITIMATE INTERESTS ARE BEING SAFEGUARD."
/THE CONSULTATIVE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 5 -
THE CONSULTATIVE MEASURES INCLUDED OVER 60 MEETINGS SINCE THE SUMMER OF 1987 WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO SET UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND TO RE-ORGANISE THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MR CHAU SAID.
THESE MEETINGS INCLUDED THOSE JOINTLY HELD WITH ALL GRADES OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE FORMAL DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OR SEPARATELY WITH DIFFERENT GRADE REPRESENTATIVES COVERING MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICERS, NURSES, PARAMEDICS, GENERAL GRADE OFFICERS AND MODEL SCALE ONE OFFICERS.
IN ADDITION, TWO SPECIAL ROUNDS OF OPEN CONSULTATION SESSIONS WERE HELD IN THE AUTUMN OF 1987 AND IN THE SUMMER OF 1988 IN ALL HOSPITALS AND MOST CLINICS.
THESE SESSIONS ENABLED STAFF WHO DID NOT BELONG TO ASSOCIATIONS TO BE DIRECTLY BRIEFED ON THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS TO MANAGEMENT.
"TO ENSURE THAT EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT IS AWARE OF THE CHANGES BEING INTRODUCED, TWO BILINGUAL DEPARTMENTAL CIRCULARS WERE ISSUED. ONE ON OCTOBER 12, 1987, ANOTHER ON JULY 25, 1988," MR CHAU CONTINUED.
"THESE CIRCULARS WERE GIVEN THE WIDEST CIRCULATION POSSIBLE, AND IN BOTH CASES A HOTLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER WAS GIVEN IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE STAFF TO SEEK CLARIFICATION AND TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON THE MATTER."
A FURTHER DETAILED CIRCULAR WOULD BE ISSUED SHORTLY TO EXPLAIN TO STAFF THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND TO REPEAT THE ASSURANCES OF THEIR CIVIL SERVICE STATUS, MR CHAU SAID.
A GROUP OF 43 STAFF ASSOCIATIONS HAD ALSO FORMED THEMSELVES INTO A LEAGUE REPRESENTING ALL GRADES OF STAFF OTHER THAN THE DOCTORS AND HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF THE STAFF WITH THE APPROACHING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THEIR LATEST MEETING WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS HELD ON MARCH 7 WHERE THEY INDICATED CLEARLY THEY UNDERSTOOD THE REASONS FOR, AND DID NOT OBJECT TO, THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON APRIL 1.
"IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FROM INDIVIDUAL STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, ADDITIONAL MEETINGS HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRANGED WITH VARIOUS STAFF REPRESENTATIVES AND GROUPS TO FURTHER EXPLAIN THE DETAILS OF RE-ORGANISATION AND TO ALLAY THEIR ANXIETIES," HE SAID.
"THESE MEETINGS HAVE GENERALLY BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE STAFF."
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
6
ON THE QUESTION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, MR CHAU SAID IT WAS INDEED THE INTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO START A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND WITH A DEGREE OF URGENCY.
"IN DRAWING UP THE TERMS OF REFERENCE I WILL CERTAINLY PAY REGARD TO DR IP’S REMARKS."
"BUT I DOUBT VERY MUCH WHETHER AFTER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN SET UP NEXT YEAR, AND IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF ITS INFANCY WE SHOULD ENLARGE THAT ORGANISATION BY RE-INJECTING INTO IT, OR INJESTING INTO IT, THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENTS CLINICS, THEREBY MAKING IT AN EVEN BIGGER ORGANISATION.
"BUT, AS I SAID, NOTHING IS SET IN CONCRETE," MR CHAU SAID.
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SPLIT BEGINS A PROGRESSIVE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
*****
THE SPLITTING OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WAS BEING DONE IN PREPARATION FOR THE FORTHCOMING HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND IT WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE RESOLUTION ON THE SPLIT, DR LEONG SAID HE HOPED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT FOR A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WOULD ACT AS A CATALYST TO A MORE SPEEDY CONSIDERATION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN HONG KONG.
"THE MEDICAL PROFESSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN SCEPTICAL AND UNDERSTANDABLY DISAPPOINTED BY THE FACT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS IGNORED A TOTAL REVIEW OF MEDICAL HEALTH IN HONG KONG AND HAS SO FAR ONLY LAID EMPHASIS ON THE DELIVERY OF HOSPITAL CARE," HE SAID.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, WHICH WAS JUST AS IMPORTANT IN THE TOTAL PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE, HAD NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED, DR LEONG SAID.
OBVIOUSLY MANY "GREY AREAS” WOULD REMAIN AFTER THE SPLIT. MANY FRONT-LINE WORKERS WOULD BE FEELING AT A LOSS IN RELATION TO THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING AND SUFFER DISILLUSION WITH THEIR CAREER.
IN THESE SENSITIVE TIMES, IT WAS CRUCIAL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO AFFIRM THAT THE EXERCISE OF THE SPLIT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A PROGRESSIVE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER, AND THAT THIS MOVE WOULD BE REVIEWED ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH FULL INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION WITH THE WORKING STAFF.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
7
CLARIFICATION ON SPLIT NEEDED * * * * *
THE SPLITTING UP OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE DEFERRED AS THERE WOULD STILL BE CONFUSION REGARDING THE OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE AFTER THE RE-ORGANISATION, THE HON RONALD CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID HE FORESAW CHAOS, ESPECIALLY IN THE NURSING SERVICE WHICH FORMED A MAJOR PART OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. ANYTHING THAT WENT WRONG WITHIN THIS WOULD INEVITABLY HINDER THE OVERALL RUNNING OF THE SYSTEM.
SPEAKING AGAINST THE RESOLUTION TO SPLIT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, MR CHOW SAID HE DID SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE THE PROPOSED SPLIT, BUT HAD RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE, THAT WAS SET FOR APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENTS ON THE SUBJECT DID NOT PROVIDE CLEAR AND CONCRETE SOLUTIONS TO THE CONFUSION IN THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS, ESPECIALLY THE PART RELATED TO NURSING SERVICE.
FURTHER CLARIFICATIONS AND CONSULTATION WERE NECESSARY BEFORE THE SPLIT WAS IMPLEMENTED.
MR CHOW SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF WAS NOT SATISFACTORY, AND MANY STAFF STILL COMPLAINED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION AND THE EXPLANATIONS GIVEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION WERE CONFUSING.
GIVEN THAT MOST OF THE NURSING STAFF DID NOT HAVE MUCH CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE GOVERNMENT’S INSISTENCE ON SPLITTING THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FROM APRIL 1 WOULD AGGRAVATE THE SITUATION AND REDUCE STAFF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, HE SAID.
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SERVICES CANNOT BE DIVIDED
* * »
THE PROPOSED RE-ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTO TWO SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS WAS CRITICISED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR IP SAID SHE OBJECTED IN PRINCIPLE TO THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BECAUSE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES COULD NOT IN REALITY BE DIVIDED.
/SHE ABSTAINED .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
8
SHE ABSTAINED FROM VOTING ON THE RESOLUTION WHICH SOUGHT TO ACHIEVE THE RE-ORGANISATION. SHE SAID SHE WOULD VOTE AGAINST THE USE OF FUNDS WHICH WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR THE RESOLUTION TO TAKE EFFECT.
DR IP SAID THERE WAS A FINE DISTINCTION BETWEEN HOSPITAL SERVICES AND HEALTH SERVICES.
TO QUOTE SOME EXAMPLES, SHE SAID, THE RESOLUTION HAD GROUPED THE RELEVANT STATUTORY FUNCTIONS UNDER THREE SCHEDULES, ONE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH SERVICES, ONE TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES AND ONE TO BOTH THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES.
SO, IN ESSENCE, THE GOVERNMENT ADMITTED THAT IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FUNCTIONS COULD NOT BE DIVIDED, SHE SAID.
DR IP NOTED THAT THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH REGULATIONS, WHICH BOTH WERE TO DO WITH HEALTH AS THEIR TITLES IMPLIED, WOULD BE PUT UNDER THE HOSPITAL SERVICES, AND YET THE MAJORITY OF MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS WERE IN THE COMMUNITY AND NOT IN HOSPITALS.
SHE ALSO NOTED THAT ORDINANCES INVOLVING DRUGS, ANTIBIOTICS, PHARMACY, POISONS AND RADIATION — ALL OF WHICH AFFECTED HOSPITAL SERVICES, WOULD BE UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES.
THE ORDINANCE GOVERNING DOCTORS, DENTISTS, NURSES AND MIDWIVES, MOST OF WHOM WERE WORKING IN HOSPITALS, WOULD BE UNDER THE HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SUCH A RE-ORGANISATION WOULD NOT ONLY CONFUSE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL SERVICES FURTHER BUT WOULD ALSO INVOLVE THE USE OF LARGE SUMS OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY.
IT WOULD REQUIRE A DUPLICATION OF THE SENIOR POSTS OF DIRECTOR, DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND A FEW SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE, EXECUTIVE AND ACCOUNTING PERSONNEL AS WELL AS CLERICAL WORKERS AND OFFICE PREMISES.
DR IP ALSO QUESTIONED WHY GOVERNMENT CLINICS WERE TO BE OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RATHER THAN BY THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WAS REASONABLE FOR SOME TO SUSPECT THAT FOR ALL PURPOSES THIS WAS NO MORE THAN A PLOY OF THOSE REMAINING IN THE FUTURE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO MAINTAIN THE SIZE OF A SHRINKING DEPARTMENT, SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN EFFECT PRE-EMPTED THE SETTING UP OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY EVEN BEFORE A STEERING COMMITTEE WAS SET UP TO REVIEW HOSPITAL SERVICES.
IF THE GOVERNMENT GENUINELY WANTED TO REVIEW MEDICAL SERVICES AS A WHOLE, AS IT SHOULD HAVE, WHY DID IT NOT SET UP A STEERING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW MEDICAL SERVICES AS WHOLE INSTEAD OF CONFINING THE REVIEW TO HOSPITAL SERVICES ONLY, SHE ASKED.
/DR IP .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1?89
- 9 -
DE IP CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND CONSIDER WHETHER THEY SHOULD BE ABSORBED NTO THE INDEPENDENT HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
");• SO, THE AUTHORITY SHOULD BE BETTER TERMED THE INDEPENDENT MEDIC J / iiD'HEALTH AUTHORITY. WE CAN THEN OFFER UNFRAQMENTED MEDICAL TREAT I TO PATIENTS," SHE SAID.
TP i WOULD LEAVE A SMALLER DEPARTMENT WHICH SHOULD BETTER RETAIN TP EXISTING NAME OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST THE G"VII LENT IN POLICY MAKING.
0
FUNDING MOTION PASSED » » » »
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION PROVIDING FUNDS ON ACCOUNT TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY ON EXISTING SERVICES BETWEEN THE START OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR ON APRIL 1 AND THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL.
THE FUNDS INVOLVED AMOUNT TO $31.3 BILLION.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE FUNDS ON ACCOUNT SOUGHT UNDER EACH SUBHEAD HAVE BEEN DETERMINED BY REFERENCE TO PERCENTAGES OF THE PROVISION SHOWN IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES.
AS THE DRAFT ESTIMATES WERE CHANGED FROM TIME TO TIME, BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED POWERS, THE PROVISION TO WHICH THE PERCENTAGES WERE APPLIED WOULD ALSO CHANGE, MR NENDICK SAID.
"THUS THE PROVISION ON ACCOUNT UNDER EACH HEAD IS NOT CONSTANT BUT MAY VARY, WITH EVERY INCREASE BEING MATCHED BY AN EQUAL DECREASE.
"THE INITIAL PROVISION ON ACCOUNT UNDER EACH HEAD IS SHOWN IN A FOOTNOTE TO THIS SPEECH.
"THE AGGREGATE TOTAL UNDER ALL HEADS IS FIXED, HOWEVER, AT $31,313,335,000 AND CANNOT BE EXCEEDED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THIS COUNCIL," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE MOTION WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO VARY THE FUNDS ON ACCOUNT IN RESPECT OF ANY SUBHEAD, PROVIDED THAT THESE VARIATIONS DID NOT CAUSE AN EXCESS OVER THE AMOUNT OF PROVISION ENTERED FOR THAT SUBHEAD IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OR AN EXCESS OVER THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS ON ACCOUNT FOR THE HEAD.
/"A VOTE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 198?
"A VOTE ON ACCOUNT WARRANT WILL BE ISSUED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AUTHORISING HIM TO MAKE PAYMENTS UP TO THE MOUNT SPECIFIED IN THIS MOTION AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS CONDITIONS, E SAID.
"THE VOTE ON ACCOUNT WILL BE SUBSUMED UPON THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, AND THE GENERAL WARRANT ISSUED AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL WILL REPLACE THE VOTE ON ACCOUNT WARRANT AND WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, 1989."
THE MOTION WAS MOVED UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE PROCEDURE EXPLAINED
*****
UNDER THE EXISTING PROCEDURES OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME, A STUDENT MAY REGISTER WITH A DOCTOR ONLY IN THE AREA IN WHICH HE GOES TO SCHOOL.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM.
ASKED WHETHER A STUDENT COULD CONSULT A DOCTOR WHO HAD JOINED THE SCHEME BUT WHOSE CLINIC WAS OUTSIDE THE DESIGNATED ZONE OF HIS SCHOOL, MR CHAU SAID WHEN THE STUDENT WAS SICK HE SHOULD SEEK TREATMENT UNDER THE SCHEME ONLY FROM THAT DOCTOR WITH WHOM HE WAS REGISTERED, AND MIGHT NOT CONSULT ANOTHER DOCTOR, EVEN IF THE LATTER WAS A PARTICIPANT IN THE SCHEME.
- 0 - -
MORE SITES FOR PUBLIC USES IN NEXT DECADE *****
THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE NEXT DECADE WILL REDUCE POPULATION DENSITY AND FREE SUITABLE SITES FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY USES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR BARNES SAID THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF SITES IN THE URBAN AREAS FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES.
/"THE FACILITIES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
11
"THE FACILITIES MOST LACKING ARE OPEN SPA^E, DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND INDOOR RECREATION CENTRES," HE SAID.
WHILE THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES PROVIDED A THEORETICAL BASIS FOR THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ACCORDING TO POPULATION, ACTUAL REQUIREMENTS WOULD VARY DEPENDING ON DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN EACH DISTRICT.
"PROVIDING THE FACILITIES THEMSELVES ALSO DEPENDS UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE SITES, RESOURCES AND THE PRIORITY ASSIGNED TO EACH," MR BARNES SAID.
IN THE CASE OF NEW TOWNS, WHERE ENOUGH SITES HAD BEEN SPECIFICALLY RESERVED AT THE OUTEST, THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES WOULD GENERALLY CATCH UP WITH DEMAND AS THESE AREAS DEVELOPED TO MATURITY IN THE EARLY 1990’S, HE ADDED.
NO MOVE TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT CONSIDER TAKING STEPS TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY IN HONG KONG.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES MCGREGOR.
"THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT THE DEATH PENALTY IS THE APPROPRIATE SENTENCE FOR THE CRIME OF MURDER," SIR DAVID SAID.
NO IMPAIRMENT OF POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES *****
THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPAIRMENT OF POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES DESPITE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN STAFF WASTAGE RATES IN THE TWO DEPARTMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD, IN THE MONTHS AHEAD, MONITOR THE SITUATION VERY CAREFULLY AND PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO EFFORTS TO STEP UP RECRUITMENT AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY.
MR BARNES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MIRIAM LAU.
/"THE ADMINISTRATION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 12 -
"THE ADMINISTRATION SHARES THE PUBLIC’S WISH THAT THE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES, AMONGST OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, SHOULD BE KEPT UP TO STRENGTH AND THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY DETERIORATION IN THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICES PROVIDED,” HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THAT A TELEVISED PROGRAMME BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, TO WHICH MRS LAU HAD REFERRED, DID NOT DETRACT FROM THE RELEVANCE OF THE INFORMATION WHICH HE PROVIDED IN THE COUNCIL LAST MONTH.
THE STATISTICS HE GAVE THEN SHOWED THAT AT THE END OF 1988 THE POLICE WASTAGE RATE WAS SIX PER CENT WHILE THE VACANCY RATE WAS LESS THAN ONE PER CENT.
FOR THE FIRE SERVICES, THE WASTAGE AND VACANCY RATES WERE 3.3 PER CENT AND 6.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
QUOTING STATISTICS FROM THE END OF LAST MONTH, MR BARNES SAID THE POLICE WASTAGE RATE FOR THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR WAS ESTIMATED TO INCREASE SLIGHTLY TO 6.2 PER CENT WHILE THE VACANCY RATE WOULD REMAIN AT LESS THAN ONE PER CENT.
AS FOR THE FIRE SERVICES, HE SAID, THE WASTAGE RATE WAS ESTIMATED TO INCREASE SLIGHTLY TO 3.6 PER CENT WHILE THE VACANCY RATE WOULD DECREASE TO 5.7 PER CENT.
’’THESE FIGURES SHOW THAT THE VACANCY RATES OF THESE TWO DEPARTMENTS COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WHERE THE AVERAGE VACANCY RATE IN 1988 WAS 6.1 PER CENT,” MR BARNES SAID.
”FOR WASTAGE THE POLICE RATE IS SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE CIVIL SERVICE RATE OF 5.6 PER CENT. THE FIRE SERVICES WASTAGE RATE, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER.”
REFERRING TO POLICE SERVICES, MR BARNES SAID THAT IN 15)88 THE OVERALL CRIME RATE DROPPED BY THREE PER CENT, AND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE DROPPED BY 16.5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1987 .
FOR THE FIRE SERVICES. IN 1988, 80 PER CENT OF THE FIRE CALLS WERE ANSWERED WITHIN THE TARGET RESPONSE TIME OF SIX MINUTES, WHILE THE AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME WAS ONLY 5.23 MINUTES.
"IT IS CLEAR FROM THESE INDICATORS THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPAIRMENT OF SERVICES,” HE ADDED.
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/13........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- U -
2 % OF BEDS OCCUPIED BY TERMINAL CANCER PATIENTS
* ♦ » ♦ »
ABOUT TWO PER CENT OF THE HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR ARE CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY CANCER PATIENTS IN THE TERMINAL STAGE OF THEIR ILLNESS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PAUL CHENG ON HOSPICE CARE IN HONG KONG.
AT PRESENT, MR CHAU SAID, HOSPICE CARE WAS AVAILABLE IN THE NAM LONG HOSPITAL, OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL, HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL AND THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL.
'‘WHILE SOME OF THIS SERVICE IS SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, SOME IS SUPPORTED BY FUNDS OBTAINED BY THE ORGANISATIONS THEMSELVES,” HE SAID.
"THERE ARE ALSO TWO VOLUNTEER VISITING SCHEMES FOR TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL."
MR CHAU EXPLAINED THAT THE CONCEPT OF HOSPICE CARE WAS "TO PROVIDE BETTER CARE FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL, MAINLY CANCER PATIENTS, THE NEEDS OF WHOM IN TERMS OF EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL AND MEDICAL SUPPORT ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PATIENTS WHO ARE ABLE TO LOOK FORWARD TO RECOVERY."
HE NOTED THAT THE SUBJECT OF HOSPICE CARE WAS CONSIDERED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN 1987.
THE COMMITTEE'S ADVICE WAS THAT WHILE, IN PRINCIPLE, HOSPICE CARE SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG, IT COULD BEST BE PROVIDED THROUGH SUBVENTION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
ANOTHER SUGGESTION WAS THAT A PILOT SCHEME COULD BE SET UP IN ONE OR TWO REGIONAL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS TO CO-ORDINATE EFFORTS IN IMPROVING CARE PROVIDED TO THE TERMINALLY ILL.
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/14
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
14
NUMEROUS DEPARTMENTAL CONTACTS WITH CHINA
*****
ALMOST EVERY GOVERNMENT BRANCH OR DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG HAS CONTACTS WITH ITS COUNTERPART IN CHINA AND THESE CONTACTS ARE VERY NUMEROUS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN BARROW, SIR DAVID SAID THAT TO GIVE ONLY ONE EXAMPLE IN 1988, OFFICIALS FROM THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH MADE 18 VISITS TO CHINA TO DISCUSS MATTERS SUCH AS HONG KONG’S WATER SUPPLY OR TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION ON TIDES.
’’THE NATURE AND FREQUENCY OF WORKING LEVEL EXCHANGES WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT VARIES GREATLY.
"THERE ARE ALMOST DAILY MEETINGS BY BORDER LIAISON OFFICIALS FROM POLICE, CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WITH THEIR OPPOSITE NUMBERS IN SHENZHEN TO DISCUSS MATTERS AS DIVERSE AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION TO SMUGGLING OF ENDANGERED SPECIES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THIS IS AUGMENTED BY A TELEPHONE LINK FOR URGENT COMMUNICATION," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT MANY OF THESE EXCHANGES, SUCH AS THE JOINT WORKING GROUP ON ROAD TRAFFIC LINKS, TOOK PLACE REGULARLY AND WERE ORGANISED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE BORDER LIAISON REVIEW SYSTEM.
"PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF THESE IS THE JOINT WORKING GROUP ON CONTROLS AND ENTRY/EXIT POINTS WHICH MEETS QUARTERLY AND DEALS WITH ALL MATTERS RELATED TO BORDER CONTROLS INCLUDING IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS PROCEDURES AND TRAFFIC QUOTAS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ALSO TOOK PART IN A VARIETY OF MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS AS PART OF THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION.
"INDEED, SEVERAL HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE CURRENTLY IN PEKING ATTENDING THE 12TH MEETING OF THE JLG," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMED SUCH VISITS AND EXCHANGES WHICH IT FELT WOULD ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.
"AS I HAVE JUST DESCRIBED MANY OF THESE MEETINGS ARE REGULAR FIXED EVENTS.
"MANY MORE ARE ONE-OFF EVENTS OCCURRING IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC NEEDS.
"ALTHOUGH IT IS THEREFORE IMPOSSIBLE TO PLAN THE FREQUENCY OF EXCHANGES WE EXPECT THAT, AS IN RECENT YEARS, THERE WILL BE AN INCREASED NUMBER OF SUCH CONTACTS IN 1989," HE SAID.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
WIDE RANGE OF PUBLICITY ON SAFETY OF YOUNG
* « » » »
THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, REGARDING ACCIDENTS IN GENERAL, WHICH REMIND PARENTS OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO LOOK AFTER THEIR CHILDREN PROPERLY.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG.
DR LEONG HAD ASKED WHAT PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES WERE OR WOULD BE TAKEN TO AFFORD MORE PROTECTION TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES.
"THIS IS A VERY WIDE RANGING QUESTION SINCE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES CAN HAPPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COURSE OF ANY OF THEIR DAILY ACTIVITIES," MR CHAU SAID.
"IT THEREFORE TOUCHES ON NUMEROUS POLICY AREAS AND I HAVE CONSULTED WIDELY WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION SO AS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE REPLY."
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING, TO WHICH DR LEONG HAD REFERRED, FOUND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT IN 1986 INJURY AND POISONING ACCOUNTED FOR 65 PER CENT OF ALL MALE DEATHS AT ABOUT THE AGE OF 25 YEARS.
IT ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR 55 PER CENT OF ALL FEMALE DEATHS OCCURRING AT ABOUT SAME AGE.
"THE PHRASE 'INJURY AND POISONING’ WAS ONE OF THE CATEGORIES OF MORTALITY QUOTED IN THE REPORT, BUT THIS SHOULD BE VIEWED IN THE PERSPECTIVE THAT POISONING RESULTED IN 1986 IN THE DEATH OF TWO PER CENT OR LESS OF PERSONS IN ALL AGF GROUPS, INCLUDING THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 25," MR CHAU SAID.
"DEATHS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE RESULTING FROM OTHER TYPES OF ACCIDENT SUCH AS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTAL FALLS, FOR EXAMPLE, WERE CONSIDERABLY GREATER."
AS REGARDS ACCIDENTS IN GENERAL, MR CHAU SAID THERE WERE, IN PARTICULAR, CAMPAIGNS ON HOME SAFETY INCLUDING THE USE OF ELECTRICAL AND GAS APPLIANCES IN THE HOME.
THERE WERE ALSO CAMPAIGNS ON THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED, AND ROAD SAFETY.
THE COMING HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN WOULD BE ON CHILD NEGLECT.
/MR CHAU .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
16
MR CHAU SAID IN CONJUNCTION WITH THESE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS, THB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD INCLUDED THE SUBJECT OF HOME SAFETY IN ITS BOOKLETS ON GOOD PARENTING.
THESE BOOKLETS, OF WHICH OVER ONE MILLION HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED, REMINDED PARENTS NOT TO LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AND URGED THEM TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THEIR CHILDREN’S PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING.
THE BOOKLETS ALSO REMINDED PARENTS TO BE ALERT TO SUDDEN CHANGES IN THEIR CHILDREN’S HABITS, HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR.
THE INFORMATION BOOKLETS WERE SUPPLEMENTED BY A WIDE RANGE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND CAMPAIGNS CONDUCTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
IN ADDITION, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT PROVIDED GENERAL HEALTH EDUCATION TO PARENTS AND ADVICE ON HOW THEY SHOULD CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S HEALTH.
AS REGARDS THE PREVENTION OF POISONING, MR CHAU SAID WARNINGS SUCH AS "KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN" WERE PRINTED ON ALL MEDICINE LABELS ISSUED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
CERTAIN MEDICINES WERE ALSO REQUIRED TO CARRY A LABEL MARKED "POISON" UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT AS YOUNG PEOPLE SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF THEIR TIME IN SCHOOL, THE HONG KONG EDUCATION REGULATIONS 1971 REQUIRED SUPERVISORS AND HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO ENSURE PUPILS' SAFETY.
THESE REGULATIONS SPECIFICALLY COVERED SCHOOL PREMISES AND STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS, ROOF PLAYGROUNDS, SCHOOL WORKSHOPS AND SCIENCE LABORATORIES, FIRE PRECAUTIONS, AND HEALTH AND SANITATION, HE SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUED CIRCULARS, GUIDELINES AND SPECIAL BOOKLETS TO TEACHERS TO ENSURE THAT THE REGULATIONS WERE OBSERVED.
SIMILAR REGULATIONS WERE CONTAINED IN THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ORDINANCE, AND A CODE OF PRACTICE ON CHILD CARE CENTRES WAS ISSUED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO OPERATORS OF THESE CENTRES.
MR CHAU NOTED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL WERE SPECIFICALLY CONCERNED WITH SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE SAID SAFETY TRAINING WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES REGARDING YOUNG PEOPLE AT WORK, AND OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PAID REGULAR VISITS TO SCHOOLS TO TALK TO SENIOR STUDENTS ABOUT SAFETY AT WORK.
/ONE-DAY PROGRAMMES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 17
ONE-DAY PROGRAMMES ON SAFETY AT WORK WERE PROVIDED EVERY YEAR FOR STUDENTS TAKING UP SUMMER JOBS.
ON MEASURES TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ROAD ACCIDENTS, MR CHAU SAID THERE WAS LEGISLATION ON THE WEARING OF SEAT BELTS IN PRIVATE CARS, AND THIS WOULD BE EXTENDED TO TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THAT TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ON ROAD SAFETY, THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL HAD PRODUCED ROAD SAFETY TEACHING KITS FOR USE IN KINDERGARTENS AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND RAN CYCLING PROFICIENCY COURSES FOR YOUNG PERSONS.
A ROAD USERS CODE WAS ALSO PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND TWO CHAPTERS OF THIS WERE AIMED AT CHILDREN.
IN ADDITION, THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION ORGANISED VARIOUS PROGRAMMES, SUCH AS SCHOOL CROSSING PATROLS, AND THERE WAS OFF-STREET TRAINING FOR MOTOR-CYCLISTS, MANY OF WHOM WERE YOUNG PERSONS.
OF POTENTIAL DANGER TO YOUNGER CHILDREN WERE IMPROPERLY CONSTRUCTED CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SUCH AS TOYS, MR CHAU SAID.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD A PROGRAMME FOR TESTING A VARIETY OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING THOSE USED BY AND AFFECTING THE YOUNGER AGE GROUP, HE SAID.
WHEN UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS PRODUCTS WERE IDENTIFIED, THE COUNCIL WOULD APPROACH MANUFACTURERS OR IMPORTERS AND, IF NECESSARY, ALERT THE PUBLIC.
A WORKING GROUP ON TOY SAFETY HAD RECENTLY RECOMMENDED THAT LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO ADOPT CERTAIN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON TOY SAFETY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE POINTED OUT.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RECOMMENDATION HAS BEEN ACCEPTED, IN PRINCIPLE, BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND THE WORKING GROUP IS NOW EXAMINING WHICH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SHOULD BE ADOPTED," HE SAID.
"A SEPARATE WORKING GROUP ON PRODUCT SAFETY IS NOW EXAMINING WHETHER LEGISLATION IS REQUIRED TO CONTROL UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS PRODUCTS WHICH ARE NOT ALREADY COVERED BY SPECIFIC LEGISLATION SUCH AS THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE."
MR CHAU SAID RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS SPORTS, PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN A CHILD’S UPBRINGING.
DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS THEREFORE COVERED FACILITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS, SPORTS GROUNDS, INDOOR GAMES HALLS AND SO ON.
/THE URBAN .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 18 -
THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, WHICH OPERATED THESE FACILITIES, EMPLOYED QUALIFIED STAFF AND PROVIDED THEM WITH FULL TRAINING ON SAFETY ASPECTS AND ON HOW TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
THERE WERE REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS ON TELEVISION AND RADIO WARNING CHILDREN AND PARENTS OF THE POTENTIAL DANGERS INVOLVED IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS HIKING, SWIMMING AND CANOEING.
THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW MATTERS RELATING TO SAFETY IN SPORT AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES.
THE COUNCIL ALSO ORGANISED TWO MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS, ONE ON LAND SPORTS AND ANOTHER ON WATER SPORTS EACH YEAR.
"THERE ARE, OF COURSE, VARIOUS OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS RELATING FOR EXAMPLE TO THE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS," MR CHAU SAID.
"BUT I TRUST THAT THIS REPLY GIVES AT LEAST A BROAD IMPRESSION OF THE EFFORTS BY THE ADMINISTRATION, IN ALL AREAS OF YOUNG PEOPLES’ ACTIVITIES, TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND TO HELP TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES," HE ADDED.
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INSPECTIONS OF SANITATION ON FERRIES
»»«»*»
GOVERNMENT STAFF MAKE INSPECTIONS ON SANITATION REGARDING FOOD SALES ON FERRIES AND TO SEE THAT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR LEUNG SAID THE MARINE HAWKERS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS PROVIDED FOR THE LICENSING AND CONTROL OF MARINE HAWKERS.
THIS COVERED THE SALE OF FOOD ITEMS ON FERRIES OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
THE REGULATIONS REQUIRED A LICENSEE TO MAINTAIN THE VESSEL’S CLEANLINESS, INCLUDING ITS EATING UTENSILS, AND TO COLLECT AND DISPOSE OF THE REFUSE.
THE LICENSEE WAS ALSO SUBJECT TO SUCH MEDICAL REGULATIONS AS THOSE IMPOSED ON RESTAURANTS.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED REGULAR INSPECTIONS TO CHECK IF THE RELEVANT ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS WERE OBSERVED.
/THE MUNICIPAL .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 19 -
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS’ INSPECTORS ALSO INSPECTED THOSE VESSELS WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINTS OF INSANITARY SALE OF FOOD TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT ENSURED THAT FOOD WAS SOLD IN READILY DISPOSABLE FORM, CAUSING LITTLE INCONVENIENCE TO OTHER PASSENGERS.
BEVERAGES WERE GENERALLY SOLD IN DISPOSABLE CUPS OR CANS AND FOOD WAS WRAPPED OR WAS IN DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS. LITTER BINS WERE PROVIDED ON BOARD AND ANY LITTER WAS COLLECTED BY THE CREW FOR DISPOSAL.
HE SAID THAT AS REGARDS THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH ACTIVITIES CAUSING POLLUTIOIN TO THE HARBOUR, THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE DEALT WITH THE OFFENCE OF LITTERING IN HONG KONG WATERS.
THE FERRY SERVICES REGULATIONS PROHIBITED LITTERING ON VESSELS AND PIERS, WHILE THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY BY-LAWS PROHIBITED THE THROWING OF RUBBISH FROM VESSELS AND PIERS, MR LEUNG ADDED.
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MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION HELP REDUCE BRAKING NOISE
» « » t »
REDUCTION OF BRAKE SQUEAL FROM BUSES AND HEAVY VEHICLES CAN BEST BE ACHIEVED BY PROPER MAINTENANCE BY VEHICLE OWNERS AND REGULAR INSPECTION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, GAVE THIS ANSWER IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY, MR LEUNG SAID THAT TO CONTAIN THE INCIDENCE OF BRAKE SQUEAL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CHECKED ALL IMPORTED BUSES AND HEAVY VEHICLES, INCLUDING THEIR BRAKING SYSTEMS, TO ENSURE THAT THEY CONFORMED WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO CARRIED OUT PRE-REGISTRATION AND ANNUAL ROADWORTHINESS INSPECTIONS.
HE SAID ALL BUSES WERE SUBJECT TO RANDOM SPOT CHECKS FOR ROADWORTHINESS, INCLUDING EXCESSIVE NOISE FAULTS. BUS OPERATORS HAD TO RECTIFY ANY DETECTED FAULTS BEFORE BUSES COULD PASS THE INSPECTION.
FROM TIME TO TIME, DESIGN FAULTS IN BRAKING SYSTEMS ON BUSES HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, AND MANUFACTURERS HAD BEEN ASKED TO REMEDY THE BRAKE SQUEAL FAULT.
/MR LEUNG
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 19^9
- 20 -
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN GIVING PUBLICITY THROUGH THE MEDIA TO PROMOTE ’’DEFENSIVE DRIVING” AMONG DRIVERS. THIS WAS ALSO A FEATURE OF THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES' DRIVER TRAINING TO REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF HARD BRAKING.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION OF INTRODUCING CONTROLS UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE TO COVER BRAKING NOISE AS IT WOULD BE IMPRACTICAL.
BRAKE SQUEAL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF DRUM BRAKES, MR LEUNG POINTED OUT.
IT COULD BE CAUSED BY INCORRECT ADJUSTMENT, DIRT OR WEAR AND TEAR TO BRAKE LININGS AND BRAKE SHOES, OVERHEATING OF BRAKE DRUMS FROM HEAVY USAGE OR DESIGN FAULTS IN BRAKE SYSTEMS.
OFTEN THE SQUEAL OCCURRED WHEN BRAKES WERE COOLING AFTER HEAVY USAGE.
IT WAS MORE PREVALENT IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, HILLY TERRAIN, THE EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY AND HEAVY LOADINGS WHICH CAUSED MORE WEAR AND TEAR THAN WAS EXPERIENCED ELSEWHERE, MR LEUNG SAID.
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AMENDMENTS PROPOSED ON BURGLAR ALARM CONTROL
» ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS DRAFTED PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE POLICE FORCE ORDINANCE AND THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE BETTER CONTROL OVER BURGLAR ALARMS.
THIS HAD BEEN DONE ON THE ADVICE OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AND THE PROPOSALS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
MR BARNES SAID THE PROPOSALS INCLUDED:
» EMPOWERING THE POLICE TO EXAMINE ALARM SYSTEM AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THEIR IMPROVEMENT. FAILURE TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE AND TO COMPLY WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD RESULT IN LIABILITY TO A FINE; AND
» PROVIDING FOR ALL AUDIBLE ALARMS TO BE FITTED WITH A DEVICE TO CUT OFF THE SOUND AFTER 15 MINUTES.
-------0---------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
21
$400 MILLION IN ’ADDITIONAL REVENUE’ * ♦ t * *
THE “ADDITIONAL REVENUE" ARISING FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE "CLAWBACK" PROVISION IN SALARIES TAXATION IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $400 MILLION FOR EACH OF THE FINANCIAL YEARS 1987-88 AND 1988-89.
THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN.
MR NENDICK EXPLAINED THAT THE "ADDITIONAL REVENUE" DERIVED FROM THE "CLAWBACK" PROVISION WAS, IN EFFECT, THE REDUCED COST TO THE REVENUE OF GRANTING ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCE.
"THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ’CLAWBACK’ PROVISION INVOLVED A COMPUTER PROGRAMMING COST OF $60,000 IN 1987-88."
"THEREAFTER, NO OTHER COST HAS BEEN INCURRED IN ITS ADMINISTRATION," HE SAID.
------0-------
DRINKING WATER MEETS WHO GUIDELINES t » » *
THE QUALITY OF RAW WATER FROM CHINA IS WELL WITHIN THE LIMITS THAT TREATMENT WORKS IN HONG KONG ARE CAPABLE OF HANDLING TO PRODUCE WATER THAT MEETS THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ELSIE TU.
MR BARNES SAID THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT REGULARLY MONITORED RAW WATER QUALITY AT THE MUK WU PUMPING STATIONS, WHERE WATER WAS RECEIVED FROM CHINA, AND ALSO AT ALL WATER TREATMENT WORKS.
"THE QUALITY OF WATER FROM CHINA HAS ALWAYS BEEN SATISFACTORY AND NO SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION HAS BEEN DETECTED SO FAR," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS NO FORMAL UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE QUALITY OF WATER PROVIDED.
"THIS WILL BE AN AGENDA ITEM IN THE COMING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITY ON WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA BEYOND 1994.
"WE THINK IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO INCLUDE A CLAUSE GOVERNING WATER QUALITY IN THE RESULTING AGREEMENT." HE SAID.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 22 -
ON THE USE OF SEA WATER FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES, MR BARNES SAID THAT TO ADD TO THE SEAWATER FLUSHING SUPPLY SYSTEMS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE, NEW SYSTEMS WERE BEING PLANNED FOR ALL MAJOR AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS WERE NOW IN HAND WITH A VIEW TO COMMISSIONING SEAWATER FLUSHING SYSTEMS WITHIN TWO TO FIVE YEARS FROM NOW IN WAN CHAI, WONG CHUK HANG, AP LEI CHAU, SHAU KEI WAN, TAI PO, SHA TIN, MA ON SHAN AND JUNK BAY.
"FOR OTHER AREAS WHERE FRESH WATER IS STILL USED FOR FLUSHING WE REVIEW THE SITUATION ON A REGULAR BASIS.
"OUR GENERAL INTENTION IS TO EXTEND SEAWATER FLUSHING SYSTEMS TO ALL THESE AREAS AS AND WHEN THE LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED FLUSHING DEMAND REACHES THE STAGE WHERE IT BECOMES COST EFFECTIVE TO INSTALL THE SEPARATE SYSTEM OF PUMPING STATIONS, SERVICE RESERVOIRS AND SUPPLY MAINS THAT IS REQUIRED," MR BARNES SAID.
0
NINE FINED FOR SMOKING OFFENCES *****
NINE PEOPLE WERE FINED FOR SMOKING ON TRAINS OR PREMISES OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION LAST YEAR.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
"THE FINES WERE BETWEEN $300 AND $500,” HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT KEPT STATISTICS ON SMOKING ON TRAINS OR PREMISES OF THE KCRC.
HOWEVER, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAD ADVISED THAT NO SEPARATE STATISTICS WERE KEPT ON CONVICTIONS ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC LIFTS OR NON-SMOKING AREAS.
"THEY ARE CLASSIFIED UNDER 'MISCELLANEOUS OFFENCES'," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 23 -
COST OF PROVIDING KINDERGARTEN FEE ASSISTANCE *****
THE ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST OF PROVIDING FEE ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $2.64 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, GAVE THIS FIGURE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN.
MR BRIDGE SAID THAT OF THIS SUM APPROXIMATELY $1 MILLION WAS INCURRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND $1.64 MILLION BY THB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
ON THE MAXIMUM FEE ASSISTANCE LEVELS FOR HALF DAY AND WHOLE DAY KINDERGARTENS, HE EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE INTENDED TO COVER 100 PER CENT OF THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEES FOR NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS.
"THE LEVELS ARE SET EACH YEAR BASED ON THE ACTUAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE FEES IN THAT YEAR PLUS THE PROJECTED INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE FEES IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR.
"THE PROJECTED FEE LEVELS FOR 1988-89 ARB $209 AND $370 FOR HALF DAY AND WHOLE DAY KINDERGARTENS RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
PROJECTED FIGURES WERE USED SINCE FEE ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS HAD TO BE PROCESSED WELL BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, HE NOTED.
MR BRIDGE SAID FEES IN PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS WERE GENERALLY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN NON-PROFIT-MAKING ONES.
"IN 1988-89, THE AVERAGE IS $252 PER MONTH (HALF DAY) AND $559 PER MONTH (WHOLE DAY)," HE SAID.
"THE MAXIMUM FEE ASSISTANCE LEVELS THEREFORE COVER 83 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE WEIGHTED FEE IN A PROFIT-MAKING HALF DAY KINDERGARTEN, AND 66 PER CENT OF THE FEE IN A PROFIT-MAKING WHOLE DAY KINDERGARTEN."
IN THE CURRENT YEAR, 49 PER CENT OF KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENT WAS IN NON-PROFIT-MAKING INSTITUTIONS, AND THIS WAS PROJECTED TO RISE T9O 60 PER CENT IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR, HE ADDED.
/24........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 24
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER ADVERTISING SIGNS SOUGHT *****
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1989 IS TO STRENGTHEN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTROL OVER POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ADVERTISING SIGNS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIMARY CONCERN WAS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEATH AND INJURY CAUSED BY POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS WAS REQUIRED TO LOCATE THE OWNER AND SERVE A NOTICE ON HIM BEFORE A DANGEROUS SIGN COULD BE REMOVED, EVEN IN URGENT CASES.
IT WAS ONLY WHEN THE OWNER COULD NOT BE READILY LOCATED THAT THE DIRECTOR COULD TAKE ANY IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION SUCH AS DEMOLITION.
’’VERY OFTEN IT IS NOT EASY TO IDENTIFY THE OWNER OF A DANGEROUS SIGN WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND SERVE A NOTICE.
"IN URGENT CASES, THE DANGEROUS SIGN REALLY OUGHT TO BE REMOVED WITHOUT ANY DELAY," MR BARNES SAID.
CLAUSE 2 (C) OF THE BILL THEREFORE SOUGHT TO GIVE THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS THE POWER TO TAKE SUCH IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION.
"THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS TO REMOVE OR DISPOSE OF THE REMAINING MATERIALS AFTER A SIGN HAS BEEN REMOVED.
"THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO INCLUDE IN THIS BILL SEVERAL MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS PRIMARILY TO REFLECT THE PRESENT POSITION THAT THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, RATHER THAN THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, IS THE AUTHORITY FOR THE CONTROL OF DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS," MR BARNES ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
25
INSURERS GIVEN MORE TIME TO COMPLY
« » » * »
THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT CERTAIN INSURERS MAY AT PRESENT FALL SHORT OF THE PROPOSED NEW SOLVENCY MARGIN REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN CLAUSE 3 OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
THE ACT!N(i FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID NENDICK, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE DISCUSSION OF THE BILL.
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT WE HAVE PROPOSED A GRACE PERIOD OF UP TO JANUARY 1, 1991 FOR EXISTING AUTHORISED INSURERS TO COMPLY," HE SAID.
"WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE NEW SOLVENCY REQUIREMENTS ARE THE MINIMUM NECESSARY FOR THE ADEQUATE PROTECTION OF POLICY HOLDERS AND SHOULD HE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE."
HOWEVER, MR NENDICK SAID HAVING REGARD TO REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE GRACE PERIOD BE EXTENDED BY THREE MONTHS TO APRIL 1, 1991.
"THIS WILL ALLOW EXISTING AUTHORISED INSURERS TWO FULL YEARS IN WHICH TO COMPLY," HE SAID.
"IN THE INTERESTS OF EXISTING AND FUTURE POLICY HOLDERS, I HOPE THAT THE AUTHORISED INSURERS WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MEET THE NEW SOLVENCY MARGIN REQUIREMENTS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER."
MR NENDICK THEREFORE MOVED THAT CLAUSE 6(B) OF THE BILL BE AMENDED.
THE BILL WAS SUBSEQUETLY PASSED BY THE UOl'NU I I,.
MONEY CHANGERS AMENDMENT BILL BACKED
« ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, WHICH SOUGHT TO BETTER REGULATE THE MONEY CHANGING TRADE, WAS SUPPORTED BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE HON CHUN'- PUI-LAM NOTED THAT THE Bill, SOUGHT TO MAKE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
/THESE PROVIDED
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
26
THESE PROVIDED FOR THE DISCLOSURE BY MONEY CHANGERS OF EXCHANGE RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS AND PERMITTED CUSTOMERS TO CONSENT IN ADVANCE TO THE TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION.
MR CHUNG, CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP SET UP TO EXAMINE THE BILL, SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE IN 1985 THERE HAD STILL BEEN AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF MALPRACTICE WITHIN THE TRADE.
"THIS GENERATES A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ADVERSE PUBLICITY BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS," HE SAID.
THE AMENDMENT BILL REQUIRED THE MONEY CHANGER TO MAINTAIN A BOARD OR OTHER DEVICE DISPLAYING THE NET RATES OF EXCHANGE.
IT ALSO PROHIBITED A MONEY CHANGER FROM DISPLAYING NOTICES AND STATEMENTS WHICH WERE FALSE OR MISLEADING FOR THE CUSTOMERS.
MR CHUNG SAID THE BILL WOULD ENABLE THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH COMPLAINT CASES ON NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE.
"I BELIEVE THAT THE BILL WILL SERVE TO REGULATE THE TRADE, AFFORD BETTER PROTECTION TO CUSTOMERS AND ENHANCE HONG KONG’S IMAGE AS A FAVOURABLE VISITOR DESTINATION," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON DAVID LI SAID HE HEARTILY ENDORSED ANY MEASURE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG AS A PLACE WHERE ONE COULD EXPECT FAIR AND HONEST TREATMENT FROM THOSE CONNECTED, IN WHATEVER WAY, WITH THE FINANCIAL FIELD.
"WHILE ONE ACCEPTS THAT IT TAKES ONLY A FEW ROTTEN APPLES TO SPOIL THE BARREL, NEVERTHELESS IT REMAINS A FACT THAT OFTEN THE FIRST AND LAST ACT OF PEOPLE VISITING HONG KONG IS TO CHANGE MONEY.
"WE DO NOT WISH PEOPLE TO FLY OUT FROM KAI TAK WITH THEIR MEMORY OF HONG KONG SOURED BY ILL TREATMENT AT THE HANDS OF A SMALL MINORITY," HE SAID.
THE HON MARTIN BARROW MOVED TWO AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
ONE AMENDMENT PROVIDED THAT IF A CUSTOMER REFUSED TO PROCEED WITH AN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION, THE MONEY CHANGER SHOULD IMMEDIATELY HAND BACK TO THE CUSTOMER THE CURRENCY TENDERED BY THE CUSTOMER.
"THE AMENDMENT WAS PROPOSED TO ENSURE THAT MONEY CHANGERS DO NOT IMPOSE A HANDLING FEE IN RESPECT OF TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE CANCELLED," MR BARROW SAID.
THE OTHER AMENDMENT PROHIBITED ADVERTISEMENTS RELATING TO THE CHARGING OR NON-CHARGING OF COMMISSIONS OR OTHER CHARGES BY THE MONEY CHANGERS.
/THE DISPLAY .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1% 1989
- 27 -
THE DISPLAY OF THE NET RATE OF EXCHANGE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE FOR THE CUSTOMERS TO JUDGE THE TERMS OFFERED BY INDIVIDUAL MONEY CHANGERS AND THERE WAS NO NEED FOR THE MONEY CHANGERS TO MAKE KNOWN THEIR PROFIT MARGIN, MR BARROW SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE, THE HON PEGGY LAM SAID THAT SINCE THE TRANSACTION NOTE WAS REQUIRED TO BE BILINGUAL, THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP CONSIDERED IT APPROPRIATE TO PROVIDE A CHINESE TRANSLATION FOR THE HEADING "TRANSACTION NOTE" SO AS TO COMPLETE THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE NOTE.
SHE MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE.
-----0-----
TWO BILLS PASSED ♦ * » ♦
TWO BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1989 WAS INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THIS BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
IN ADDITION, THE COUNCIL PASSED A RESOLUTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMING SPLIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT INTO TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS.
THE HON RONALD CHOW VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION, AND DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP ABSTAINED.
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING GOVERNMENT FUNDING PENDING PASSAGE OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1989 WAS PASSED.
-----0-----
/28
I
I
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
28 -
NEW LAW ON MONEY CHANGERS EFFECTIVE ON JULY 1 » ♦ * ♦ *
THE MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 COMPLETED ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR, IN ORDER TO GIVE THE TRADE ADEQUATE TIME TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW LAW, AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID THE MAIN CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE LEGISLATION WERE:
» A MONEY CHANGER MUST DISPLAY CLEARLY ON A NOTICE BOARD THE NET BUYING AND SELLING RATES HE IS PREPARED TO OFFER, I.E. AFTER DEDUCTING ALL CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS.
» BEFORE COMPLETING AN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION, A MONEY CHANGER MUST MAKE OUT A TRANSACTION NOTE IN DUPLICATE IN THE FORM SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE. THE MONEY CHANGER MUST GIVE THE CUSTOMER THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE NOTE. THE NOTE IS TO BE BILINGUAL AND EASILY UNDERSTOOD.
» A MONEY CHANGER SHALL NOT ADVERTISE THAT HE CHARGES, OR DOES NOT CHARGE, A COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION FEE.
* A MONEY CHANGER SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS TO A CUSTOMER ABOUT THE RATE OF EXCHANGE, THE TERMS OF AN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION OR THE APPLICATION OF THE MONEY CHANGERS ORDINANCE.
» CRIMINAL LIABILITY IS EXTENDED TO DIRECTORS, MANAGERS AND SECRETARIES OF CORPORATE MONEY CHANGERS.
MR BARCLAY ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE ENFORCED VIGOROUSLY BY THE POLICE WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1.
MONEY CHANGERS WERE STRONG! ADVISED TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE NEW ORDINANCE AND ENSURE THAT THEY WEh'E ABLE TO COMPLY WITH IT.
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/29
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 29 -
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION ON THE SITE OF THE EXISTING CHAI WAN COMPOSTING PLANT ON HONG KONG ISLAND EAST.
THE STUDY WILL CONSIDER WAYS OF BUILDING THE REFUSE TRANSFER STATION WHEREBY MUNICIPAL WASTE, COLLECTED BY URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT VEHICLES, IS TRANSFERRED TO ENCLOSED CONTAINERS.
THE REFUSE WILL THEN BE TRANSPORTED IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER TO LARGE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES EITHER BY BARGES OR BULK VEHICLES.
THE STUDY WILL ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER TO INCORPORATE THE TRANSFER STATION WITHIN A MULTI-USER DEVELOPMENT WITH INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL/GOVERNMENT USERS.
STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, TO AVOID ODOUR, DUST AND BIRD NUISANCE, WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF THE NEW PLANT SO AS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY.
THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $6.2 MILLION, WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE TRANSFER STATION IS EXPECTED TO START UPON COMPLETION OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDY.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1992, THIS TRANSFER STATION WILL ACCEPT ABOUT 1,000 TONNES OF HOUSEHOLD REFUSE EACH DAY.
WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE ISLAND EAST TRANSFER STATION, THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR WILL BE CLOSED FOR USE.
THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN EPD ’ 8 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR MIKE STOKOE, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF ERI (ASIA) LTD. IN ASSOCIATION WITH LG MOUCHEL AND PARTNERS ASIA.
0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
30
QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE TO BE LOWERED
*****
THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR RECEIVING OLD AGE ALLOWANCE (OAA) WILL BE LOWERED TO 67 STARTING APRIL 1, THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR CARLOS LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNAR NEW YEAR RECEPTION HELD BY THE WONG FUNG TING HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY OF THE WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB IN EASTERN DISTRICT, MR LEUNG SAID APPLICANTS FOR THE OAA MUST HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR NO LESS THAN FIVE YEARS.
TO QUALIFY FOR THE ALLOWANCE, A SINGLE PERSON’S MONTHLY INCOME SHOULD BE LOWER THAN $1,800 AND HIS PERSONAL ASSETS UNDER $100,000 WHILE THOSE OF A MARRIED COUPLE SHOULD BE $3,000 AND $150,000 RESPECTIVELY.
’’STARTING FROM APRIL, THE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE AGED 67 TO 69 WILL BE INCREASED TO $310 FROM $280, AND THAT FOR PEOPLE AGED 70 OR ABOVE WILL BE RAISED TO $355 FROM $320,” MR LEUNG NOTED.
’’THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO LOWER THE ELIGIBILITY AGE FOR THE OAA SO THAT BY 1991 THE 65 YEAR OLD GROUP CAN BE BENEFITTED,” HE SAID.
TO APPLY FOR THE OAA, THE ELIGIBLE ELDERLY COULD APPROACH THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG ALSO COMMENDED THE WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB FOR PROVIDING A NUMBER OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
------o--------
POSTAL SERVICES DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS
*****
THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON MARCH 24 AND 26, AND ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON MARCH 25 AND 27, DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS (FROM MARCH 24 TO 27), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR SERVICE DURING THE HOLIDAYS, EXCEPT ON MARCH 25 AND MARCH 27 WHEN 12 POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
THE 12 POST OFFICES INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND: THE KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TS I M SHA TSUI POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON; AND THE TSUEN WING STREET, SHA TIN CENTRAL AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DETAILS OF THE 12 POST OFFICES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE LOCAL POST OFFICES OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-231071.
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/31 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
WORK ON FIRST UFI PROJECT IN SHA TIN TO COMMENCE ******
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE FIRST URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT (UFI) PROJECT IN SHA TIN WILL START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE $1.1 MILLION PROJECT TO RECONSTRUCT A VAN TRACK AT SHAP YI WAT VILLAGE WAS HELD AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AFTER THE CEREMONY, SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, SAID OVER THE PAST SEVEN DECADES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THROUGH THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME.
"NEVERTHELESS, WITH THE RAPID POPULATION GROWTH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND CONSEQUENT URBANISATION IN AREAS SURROUNDING THE NEW TOWNS, THERE IS A NEED TO RATIONALISE AND EXTEND EXISTING PROGRAMMES TO IMPROVE LIVING STANDARDS IN THESE AREAS," MR YUNG SAID.
"TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE, THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (TDD) HAS INTRODUCED THE UFI SCHEME.
"WHILE TDD CONTROLS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) ACTS AS THE AGENCY FOR CARRYING OUT SOME OF THE WORKS FOR THE UFI PROJECTS."
WHILE NOTING THAT THE PROJECT TO RECONSTRUCT A VAN TRACK AT SHAP YI WAT VILLAGE WAS THE FIRST UFI PROJECT IN SHA TIN, MR YUNG SAID THIS WAS ALSO THE FIRST CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE TO A COMPANY ON THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH’S LIST OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT IN THE PAST ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE CNTA DISTRICT CONTRACTORS’ LIST WERE EMPLOYED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON CONTRACTS WORTH UP TO $500,000.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SET OF PROCEDURES IN APRIL 1987, WORKS SECTIONS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES WERE EMPOWERED TO AWARD CONTRACTS AT BETWEEN $500,000 AND $1.5 MILLION TO CONTRACTORS ON THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH'S LIST, HE SAID.
THE $1.1 MILLION UFI PROJECT AT SHAP YI WAT VILLAGE HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE, INVOLVES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF 616 METRES OF VAN TRACK TO PROVIDE A 3.5-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY WITH A TURNING AREA, PASSING PLACES AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE.
ON COMPLETION, THE VAN TRACK WILL PROVIDE IMPROVED ACCESS FROM SHA TIN PASS ROAD TO SHAP YI WAT VILLAGE.
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/52........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
52
SHA TIN DB ELECTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
* * * » t
THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SIX COMMITTEES OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WERE ELECTED AT THE BOARD’S MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THREE OF THEM WERE RE-ELECTED. THEY ARE DR FANNY CHEUNG OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; MR WONG PO-MING OF THE CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE; AND MR ANDREW WONG OF THE FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
THE OTHER THREE NEWLY ELECTED COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ARE MR CHOY KAN-PUI OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE; MR WONG HONG-CHUNG OF THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE; AND MR CHING CHEUNG-YING OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS ENDORSED THE COMMITTEES* MEMBERSHIP AND THE DATES OF MEETING FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS SIX COMMITTEES FOR 1989-90.
THEY ALSO DETERMINED THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPOINTING CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEES.
------0-------
SOUTHERN DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC TOMORROW
* » » * ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR ITS NEW TERM BEGINNING APRIL 1 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE TWO NOMINEES RUNNING FOR THE UC SEAT ARE ELECTED MEMBER MR TENNY HUNG AND APPOINTED MEMBER MR ALBERT POON.
THE MEMBERS WILL ALSO ELECT THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S FIVE COMMITTEES AND ENDORSE THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE COMMITTEES FOR THE YEAR 1989-90.
AT THE MEETING, A NUMBER OF TERRITORY-WIDE AND LOCAL ISSUES WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
THESE INCLUDE A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON A SET OF PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE IN THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE, AND THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY IN RESPECT OF THE MA HANG REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME CONDUCTED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
FOR MEMBERS’ ENDORSEMENT WILL BE GUIDELINES ON THE CRITERIA FOR VETTING APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR CARRYING OUT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS, AND THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS FOR CARRYING OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
/OTHER ITEML .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 35 -
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT ON A SEMINAR JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DB AND THE DISTRICT’S AREA COMMITTEES, AND REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, AREA COMMITTEES AND THE BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----0------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POLLUTION PROBLEM
******
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE POLLUTION PROBLEM CAUSED BY A PAINT FACTORY NEAR SAI KUNG TOWN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (LANDS) OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, MR SARINDER DILLON, WILL REPORT ON THE LATEST SITUATION OF THE PROBLEM AND HIS LIAISON WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE "SAVE HO CHUNG RIVER OPERATION" PROPOSED BY THE GREEN POWER.
AFTER THE MEETING, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TO PRESENT AWARDS TO THE VILLAGES THAT HAD TAKEN PART IN THE SAI KUNG CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION WAS HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 15 AND 22 THIS YEAR. THE THREE WINNING VILLAGES ARE WONG CHUK WAN, TAI HANG HAU AND PAN LONG WAN VILLAGES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
-----o-----
WEDNESDAY. MARCH 15, 1989
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TSING YI TRAFFIC PROBLEM
THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE NEWLY-DEVELOPED AREAS IN TSING YI WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE LORRY PARKING PROBLEM WILL BE ANOTHER ITEM FOR DISCUSSION.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF THE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS, AND THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SCHEME AND THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT KWAI CHUNG ROAD SOUTH AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON AN INFORMATION PAPER PREPARED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FOR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
THEY WILL ALSO STUDY THE COMMITTEE’S BUDGET AND WORK PLAN FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM. 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ABATTOIR PRIVATISATION ♦ ♦ ♦ t t
PRIVATISATION OF THE KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL EXAMINE THE ROLE OF THE DB IN THIS YEAR’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WHICH FALLS ON JUNE 5.
ALSO. THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AND THE PROGRESS OF MINOR ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT WORKS LN THE DISTRICT.
/A MtMBER
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
- 35 -
A MEMBER WILL ASK ABOUT THE FUTURE USAGE OF THE WHITTY STREET COMPOUND AFTER IT IS CLEARED.
ANOTHER MEMBER WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT THE JUNCTION OF CAINE ROAD AND ARBUTHNOT ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT ROOM 1416. HARBOUR BUILDING. 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME
*****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FOR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE WILL RAISE THE QUESTION OF PROPER USE OF THE TAXI STAND AT LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROGRAMME FOR THE 1989 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS UNDER THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/36........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15,
1989
OPERA SHOW FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS
♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
OVER A THOUSAND SENIOR RESIDENTS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WERE TREATED TO A FREE SHOW STAGED BY THE HON FUNG CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
THE PROGRAMME WAS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE KENNEDY TOWN KAIFONG ASSOCIATION TAM PAK HUNG SOCIAL CENTRE FOR PEOPLE AGED OVER 60.
ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR AMBROSE LAU, SAID THIS WAS THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THE TWO ORGANISATIONS HAD STAGED A CANTONESE OPERA SHOW.
"I HOPE OUR MUTUAL GOOD RELATIONSHIP WILL ENABLE MORE COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN FUTURE,” MR LAU SAID.
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE FUNCTION AND PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SHOW.
0
FEAST FOR ELDERLY IN NORTH DISTRICT
ABOUT 1,200 ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT. ALL AGED ABOVE 65, WILL BE TREATED TO A FEAST TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD. THE FEAST IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES AS A TOKEN OF RESPECT TO SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE CANTONESE OPERA AND SINGING PERFORMANCES AS WELL AS A LUCKY DRAW.
AMONG THOSE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER. MR WILLIAM HUI: DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR RAYMOND PANG; FRONTIER POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MICHAEL WATSON; AND THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER. MR STEPHEN CHAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT’S FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY. WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CHOI WAH PALACE RESTAURANT. CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
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/37........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1989
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET BY TENDER THREE SITES IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, TWO OF WHICH ARE FOR PUBLIC CARPARK AND THE OTHER FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE TWO SITES FOR FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARKS FOR THE PARKING OF LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES ARE A 8,000 SQUARE METRE LOT AT HING WAH STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN AND A 3,300 SQUARE METRE LOT IN AREA 10A, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE INITIAL LEASES FOR THE CHEUNG SHA WAN LOT AND THE TUEN MUN LOT ARE THREE YEARS AND TWO YEARS RESPECTIVELY AFTER WHICH PERIOD THE TENANCIES CAN BE EXTENDED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
THE SITE FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSE IS OFF FAT TSEUNG STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,000 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR NINE MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR ALL THE THREE LOTS IS NOON ON MARCH 31.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE TENDER DOCUMENTS OF THE TUEN MUN LOT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN.
- O -------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG, WAN CHAI *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THREE ROAD SECTIONS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18) FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
THEY ARE:
» THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HIP WO STREET BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 28 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG YAN STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH MUT WAH STREET;
/* THE WESTERN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1?89
- 38 -
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HIP WO STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG YAN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
« THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HIP WO STREET BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 93 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG YAN STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD.
IN WAN CHAI, ALSO FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN O’BRIEN ROAD AND HOUSE NO. 139 WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARDS TO HOUSE NO. 125.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON HARBOUR ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN FLEMING ROAD AND A POINT 45 METRES TO THE EAST WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARDS BY ABOUT 60 METRES.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
-----0------
NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION FOR PLB’S
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18), KWAI HING ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO KWAI HING MTR STATION AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FORM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS THERE.
-------O---------
1
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
YAU TSTM A PIONEERING AREA IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT............. 1
BETTER ENVIRONMENT IN STORE FOR YAU TSIM ....................... 2
STANDING COMMISSION TO REVIEW NON-DIRECTORhTE SALARY STRUCTURE ...................................................... 4
GOVT' CLARIFIES POSITION ON TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS...... 5
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER -JANUARY ........................................................ 7
QE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ALLOCATION OF GRANTS ................... 8
REGIONAL SECRETARY VISITS S~I KUNG .......................... 10
FINDINGS OF 1988 ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY RELEASED ...................................................... 11
COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS ........................................................ 12
TAC TO MEET LhNTaU TAXI OPERATORS ............................. 13
THREE DB'S ELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO UC ........................ 14
TUEN MUN DB COMMITTEE CHaIRMEN EIECTED ........................ 14
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SUCCESS IN KWaI TSING .......... 15
BOOK EXHIBITION IN KOWLOON CITY ............................... 16
DAILY PROVIDENT FUND ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA.................. 17
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN KWUN TONG ....................... 18
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE FACILITIES .... 18
painting, c^lligr.iPhy, sculpture exhibition in north district 19
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DFCC MEETING TOMORROW...................... 19
FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES .................. 20
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KWaI CHUNG ................... 21
CONSTRUCTION OF CONTROLLED TIP AUTHORISED ..................... 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROaD............................. 22
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN FaNLING ............................. 22
SALT WATER CUT IN HO MAN TIN .................................. 22
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
1
YAU TSIM A PIONEERING AREA IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT » * t * »
YAU TSIM DISTRICT IS ONE OF THE PIONEERING AREAS FOR WORKING OUT AND IMPROVING LIVING ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE FORMATION OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS TO PROVIDE BETTER MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A TOUR OF THE DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAD ALSO BEEN EFFECTIVE IN ENCOURAGING THE SETTING UP OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
"WHEN YOU’VE GOT AN OLD AREA OF THE CITY WHERE IT’S ALL PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, THERE ISN’T THE OPTION OF SIMPLY PUTTING UP PUBLIC HOUSING," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO TRY TO MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU'VE GOT, AND TRYING TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS IS THE WAY TO DO IT," HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE WORK OF THE OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND URBAN RENEWAL PLANS WERE BOTH NECESSARY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
"IF YOU’VE GOT OLD BUILDINGS, YOU’VE GOT TO TRY TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE OLD BUILDINGS AND MANAGEMENT IS THE WAY TO DO THAT.
"WITH SOME OF THE VERY OLD BUILDINGS YOU NEED RE-DEVELOPMENT AND FOR THAT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS RIGHT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IT’S NOT A QUESTION OF ONE OR THE OTHER. YOU NEED BOTH OF THEM," HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID SOME OF THE WORK WHICH HAD BEEN DONE TO DEAL WITH SIGNS FOR VICE ESTABLISHMENTS HAD HAD AN EFFECT IN THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE THINGS BEING DONE TO HELP REDUCE THE NUISANCE OF VICE ESTABLISHMENTS THERE.
"THE OTHER IS TO BRING IN NEW REGULATIONS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE POWERS FOR CLOSING DOWN VICE ESTABLISHMENTS IF THEY ARE GUILTY, OVER SEVERAL TIMES, OF OFFENCES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"RULES FOR THAT ARE BEING WORKED ON AND WILL, I HOPE, BE BROUGHT IN OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS," HE ADDED.
ASKED WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS AN IMMENSE AMOUNT THAT HAD TO BE DONE.
"WE HAVE TO TRY TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS LIKE IS BEING DONE NOW.
/"WE HAVE .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
- 2
"WE HAVE TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND THAT’S BEEN GOING UP THE WHOLE TIME. THE HOUSING NOW BEING BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS OF A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD THAN THE OLDER HOUSING. GRADUALLY WE HAVE TO RE-DEVELOP THOSE OLD HOUSING BLOCKS," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE HAVE TO LOOK FOR GREATER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND THAT’S WHY IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE LAND RECLAMATION SO WE CAN HAVE OPEN AREAS," HE ADDED.
OTHER AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT INCLUDED TRANSPORT FACILITIES, EDUCATION, LAW AND ORDER AND THE ENVIRONMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CHANGE ITS POLICY FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT ON GREEN ISLAND WHERE VIETNAMESE DETAINEES ASKED TO BE TREATED SIMILARLY TO VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, SIR DAVID SAID: "THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME HERE FROM CHINA AFTER BEING SETTLED IN CHINA, MUST GO BACK TO CHINA.
"THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN SETTLED SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SO THEY MUST GO BACK TO CHINA AGAIN.
"AND THAT'S THE POLICY WHICH HAS TO BE EXPLAINED TO THESE PEOPLE. "
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BETTER ENVIRONMENT IN STORE FOR YAU TSIM
* » » » *
THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT WOULD BE GREATLY IMPROVED AS A RESULT OF JOINT EFFORTS BEING MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THESE JOINT EFFORTS UNDERLINED THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RESIDENTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE DISTRICT.
"I AM VERY PLEASED THAT PLANS ARE IN HAND TO RECLAIM MORE LAND IN WEST KOWLOON TO RELIEVE THE PROBLEMS OF OVERCROWDING AND THE LACK OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE OLDER PARTS OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT.
"I AM ALSO IMPRESSED BY THE EFFORTS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS THROUGH BETTER MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON, ACCOMPANIED BY YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER MR WONG HON-HO, STARTED THEIR TOUR OF THE DISTRICT BY VISITING THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE PLANNED CLEARANCE OF DWELLING BOATS THERE.
/SIR DAVID
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
- 3 -
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT FOLLOWING THREE RE-HOUSING EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE DWELLING-BOAT POPULATION FELL FROM 547 FAMILIES COMPRISING 2,518 PEOPLE IN SEPTEMBER 1984 TO 2T22 PEOPLE IN 49 FAMILIES EARLY THIS MONTH.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL THE DWELLING BOATS IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER WILL HAVE BEEN CLEARED BY JULY THIS YEAR WHEN THE SHELTER WILL BE DECLARED A CLOSED AREA FOR THOSE VESSELS. THE BOAT DWELLERS WILL BE REHOUSED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ACCORDING TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY.
AS REGARDS THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER, SIR DAVID LEARNED THAT CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO RECLAIMING THE SHELTER AS PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND TO REPLACING IT AT A NEW LOCATION.
THE RECLAMATION OF THE SHELTER WILL PROVIDE MORE OPEN SPACE AND LAND FOR RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO BOOMAN HOUSE IN JORDAN ROAD WHERE SIR DAVID LEARNED HOW THE OWNERS’ CORPORATION HAD SUCCESSFULLY IMPROVED THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE BUILDING.
IT WAS GIVEN A NEW LOOK FOLLOWING RENOVATION WORK CARRIED OUT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE'S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
SIR DAVID ALSO LEARNED THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN MAY 1985, THE YAU TSIM BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM HAS HELPED TACKLE BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN 120 BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE NEXT STOP ON SIR DAVID’S VISIT WAS A HOSTEL IN TEMPLE STREET SET UP BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY IN 1984 FOR SINGLE MEN AGED BETWEEN 50 AND 70.
SIR DAVID THEN VISITED A GUEST HOUSE IN RECLAMATION STREET WHICH CATERS MAINLY FOR TOURISTS FROM CHINA AND TAIWAN.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (BUILDING MANAGEMENT) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, ON PLANS TO LICENSE GUEST HOUSES IN THE TERRITORY.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID MET WITH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A TEA RECEPTION IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
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A....
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
STANDING COMMISSION TO REVIEW NON-DIRECTORATE SALARY STRUCTURE « » » * »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INVITED THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO CARRY OUT A REVIEW OF THE NON-DIRECTORATE SALARY STRUCTURE OF NON-DISCIPLINED SERVICES GRADES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INDICATED IT WOULD CONSIDER DOING SO FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE RENNIE REPORT ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
"THE STANDING COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED IN JANUARY 1979 AND UNDERTOOK AS ITS FIRST TASK A COMPREHENSIVE SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW OF ALL THE 600 GRADES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AT THE TIME," HE SAID.
"TEN YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THIS REVIEW AND CONSIDERABLE CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE OVER THIS PERIOD.
IT IS THEREFORE TIMELY THAT A
FURTHER REVIEW OF THE CIVIL
SERVICE PAY STRUCTURE SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THE LIGHT OF PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES."
MR GREWAL SAID THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AND MODEL SCALE 1 CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WILL BE INVITED TO COMMENT ON THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW AND STAFF CONSULTATION WOULD BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE REVIEW.
"THE DETAILED WORK PROGRAMME WILL BE DRAWN UP BY THE STANDING COMMISSION AFTER TAKING FULL ACCOUNT OF STAFF VIEWS," HE SAID.
"GIVEN THAT THE REVIEW WILL BE A LENGTHY PROCESS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO THE STANDING COMMISSION THAT PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EXAMINING THE SALARY STRUCTURES OF THOSE GRADES WITH SERIOUS RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION DIFFICULTIES.
"THESE INCLUDE COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS, DOCTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, NURSES AND SOCIAL WORKERS.
"THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS BEEN INVITED TO MAKE INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS IN RESPECT OF THESE GRADES AND TO PRODUCE PERIODIC REPORTS AS THE REVIEW PROGRESSES.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS REQUESTED THE STANDING COMMISSION TO PRODUCE A FIRST REPORT WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. THIS WILL ENABLE AN EARLY EXAMINATION OF THE MORE PRESSING ISSUES TO BE UNDERTAKEN."
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
5
GOVT CLARIFIES POSITION ON TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS ******
THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE HAS DECIDED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WILL NOT REOPEN ASSESSMENTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN RAISED NOR, FOR THE CURRENT YEAR (1988/89), SEEK TO TAX BENEFITS WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN TREATED AS CHARGEABLE UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S EXISTING PRACTICE.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO CLARIFY THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT POSITION ON TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS FOLLOWING THE DECISION ON THE DAVID HARDY GLYNN V. THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE CASE, BY THE COURT OF APPEAL LAST DECEMBER.
’’THE WIDE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECISION OBVIOUSLY REQUIRE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE ADMINISTRATION," MR AU-YEUNG SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE COMING YEAR (1989/90) TO DEFINE PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH FRINGE BENEFITS SHOULD BE CHARGEABLE TO TAX.
"IT IS LIKELY THAT THE LEGISLATION WILL ADOPT THE PRACTICE FOLLOWED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE GLYNN CASE," HE SAID.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AND AS THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR (1988/ 89) WAS DRAWING TO A CLOSE WITH SALARIES TAX FORMS FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE YEAR ABOUT TO BE ISSUED, HE HAD THEREFORE DECIDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT REOPEN ASSESSMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN RAISED NOR SEEK TO TAX BENEFITS WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN TREATED AS CHARGEABLE UNDER THE PRACTICE FOLLOWED BY THE IRD BEFORE THE GLYNN CASE, MR AU-YEUNG EXPLAINED.
THE PRE-GLYNN PRACTICE WOULD ALSO APPLY IN CASES WHERE IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO RAISE 1989/90 ASSESSMENTS PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATION.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CONCESSION IN RESPECT OF BENEFITS BY WAY OF THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION, THE DISCHARGE OF PERSONAL LIABILITIES OR THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS FREE OF CHARGE OR AT AN UNDERVALUE, ALL OF WHICH WERE REGARDED BY THE INLAND REVENUE AS CHARGEABLE PRIOR TO THE GLYNN CASE IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS UNDER WHICH THEY WERE PROVIDED.
MR AU-YEUNG NOTED THAT THE DECISION HANDED DOWN BY THE COURT OF APPEAL ON DECEMBER 23, 1988 IN THE GLYNN CASE HAD DRAWN A GREAT DEAL OF COMMENT FROM TAXATION PRACTITIONERS, THE MEDIA AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES BECAUSE OF ITS IMPLICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS RECEIVED BY EMPLOYEES.
IN BROAD TERMS, THE GLYNN CASE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE QUESTION OF WHETHER SCHOOL FEES PAID BY MR GLYNN’S EMPLOYER IN RESPECT OF HIS DAUGHTER’S EDUCATION, ESCAPED CHARGEABILITY TO SALARIES TAX BY VIRTUE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS USED TO MAKE THE PAYMENTS.
/MR AU-YEUNG .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 19&?
6
MR AU-YEUNG SAID THAT PRIOR TO THE GLYNN CASE IT WAS GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY TAX PRACTITIONERS AND THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT THAT PRINCIPLES DERIVED FROM UK CASE LAW DETERMINED WHETHER FRINGE BENEFITS WERE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX.
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S ASSESSING PRACTICE WAS BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT CASE LAW HAD ESTABLISHED THAT BENEFITS RECEIVED IN A FORM OTHER THAN MONEY COULD NOT BE TREATED AS CHARGEABLE INCOME UNLESS THEY TOOK THE FORM OF "MONEY’S WORTH".
A BENEFIT WAS REGARDED AS CONSTITUTING "MONEY’S WORTH" IF:-
(I) IT WAS CAPABLE OF BEING CONVERTED INTO MONEY BY THE RECIPIENT; OR
(II) IT WAS THE DISCHARGE BY THE EMPLOYER OF A PERSONAL LIABILITY OF THE EMPLOYEE.
"ON THE BASIS OF THESE MONEY’S WORTH ’RULES’ IT WAS GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT THE FORM IN WHICH A BENEFIT WAS PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE BY HIS EMPLOYER COULD DETERMINE WHETHER THE BENEFIT WAS CHARGEABLE TO TAX," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO EDUCATION BENEFITS, HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT CONSISTENTLY TOOK THE VIEW THAT THEY WERE CHARGEABLE TO TAX IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS USED TO PROVIDE THE BENEFITS.
"THE BASIS FOR THIS PRACTICE WAS AN UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR AN EMPLOYEE AS A PARENT TO TRANSFER THE LIABILITY FOR THE EDUCATION OF HIS CHILDREN TO A THIRD PARTY.
"AS SUCH, ANY PAYMENT MADE BY THE EMPLOYER WAS TREATED AS DISCHARGING THE EMPLOYEE’S LIABILITY AND WAS THEREFORE CONSIDERED TO CONSTITUTE 'MONEY'S WORTH’," MR AU-YEUNG ADDED.
THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT OF APPEAL HELD IN THE GLYNN CASE THAT THE PAYMENTS IN QUESTION HAD CORRECTLY BEEN TREATED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS BEING CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX, BUT THE TERMS OF THE DECISION WENT A LOT FURTHER THAN SIMPLY REACHING THIS FINDING, HE NOTED.
"ALL THREE MEMBERS OF THE COURT AGREED THAT IT HAD WRONGLY BEEN ASSUMED THAT THE UK AUTHORITIES WERE DIRECTLY RELEVANT AND APPLICABLE IN HONG KONG WHILE THE MAJORITY FOUND, IN ESSENCE, THAT SUBSTANCE WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN FORM AND THAT UNDER THE PRESENT TERMS OF THE LAW ALL BENEFITS DERIVED BY AN EMPLOYEE FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT ARE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX," MR AU-YEUNG SAID.
- - O-----
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
7
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER - JANUARY
*****
THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DECLINED FURTHER WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED AT A VERY LOW LEVEL DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1988 - JANUARY 1989, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES SHOW THAT THE TIGHT LABOUR MARKET SITUATION CONTINUED.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1988 -JANUARY 1989 WAS 1.3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1.5 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1988 AND 1.8 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASES OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN NOVEMBER 1988 - JANUARY 1989 WAS ESTIMATED AT 35,400, COMPARED WITH 41,100 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1988 AND 48,900 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1988.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1988 - JANUARY 1989 WAS 0.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 0.6 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1988. THE RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1987 - JANUARY 1988 WAS 0.9 PER CENT.
THE INCREASE OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR NOVEMBER 1988 - JANUARY 1989 WAS 19,900, COMPARED WITH 17,000 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1988 AND 26,000 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1988.
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 AID STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST TIME JOB-SEEKERS (FOR EXAMPLE, 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........
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
8
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 TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION. THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1988 - FEBRUARY 1989 WAS 1.2 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.6 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 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 ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1988 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND MARCH 20 AT $10 PER COPY.
------0-------
QE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ALLOCATION OF GRANTS
♦ ♦ * » *
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENIALLY DECIDED TO MAKE GRANTS OF ABOUT $3.8 MILLION TO AGENCIES AND TWO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN HONG KONG.
HANDICAPPED HAS
NINE VOLUNTARY
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY DR HENRIETTA IP, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY H'• NDTCAPPED AT \ PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR 'I HE MENTALLY HAND I CAPPED WAS ESTABLISHED IN JULY 1988 WITH THE PURPOSE OF FURTHERING THE WELFARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN HONG KONG AND PROMOTING THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS.
/THE SOURCES .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
9
THE SOURCES OF FINANCE OF THE FOUNDATION INCLUDE THE NET PROFIT OF $30 MILLION ON THE SALE OF THE GOLD COINS TO COMMEMORATE THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO HONG KONG IN 1986, A DONATION OF $30 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, A FURTHER MATCHING CONTRIBUTION OF $30 MILLION FROM GENERAL REVENUE AND A DONATION OF $1 MILLION FROM THE SHAW FOUNDATION.
"IN RESPONSE TO THE COUNCIL’S FIRST CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRANT IN OCTOBER 1988, A TOTAL OF 38 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED," DR HENRIETTA IP SAID.
"HOWEVER, DUE TO THE LIMITED INCOME GENERATED BY THE FUND AT THE INITIAL STAGE OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT PROJECTS WHICH WILL FILL EXISTING SERVICE GAPS, PROVIDE TRAINING AND PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS."
DR IP SAID THAT MAJOR GRANTS TO BE MADE WERE THOSE PROJECTS WHICH WOULD RUN FOR TWO YEARS.
THESE INCLUDE A GRANT OF $817,992 FOR COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING, A GRANT OF $570,000 FOR PROVIDING A HOME FOR THE MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, A GRANT OF $546,232 FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SCHEME AND A GRANT OF $526,805 FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICE.
OTHER ALLOCATIONS ARE A GRANT OF $415,818 FOR ORGANISING THE GATEWAY MOVEMENT AIMED AT PROMOTING THE INTEGRATION OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS THROUGH SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, A GRANT OF $328,517 FOR OPERATING A HOTLINE SERVICE AND A GRANT OF $131,320 FOR RUNNING SUMMER ACTIVITIES CLASSES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
DR IP SAID THAT AMONG CAPITAL GRANTS TO BE MADE INCLUDED A SUM OF $200,000 FOR ORGANISING A TRAINING COURSE ON CLEANING AND SERVICING, AND A SUM OF $53,510 FOR ORGANISING PREVOCATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND SELF-PRODUCTION SCHEME.
"OTHERS INCLUDE A SUM OF $34,180 FOR ORGANISING PARENTS TRAINING PROGRAMME AND TEACHING AIDS RESOURCE CENTRE AND A SUM OF $32,000 FOR RUNNING A TRAINING COURSE ON MUSIC THERAPY."
DR IP ADDED THAT A NUMBER OF GRANTS AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $95,000 WOULD ALSO BE MADE TO VARIOUS AGENCIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING EQUIPMENT FOR THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
SHE SAID THAT IN THE NEXT ALLOCATION EXERCISE SPECIAL EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON PROJECTS WHICH AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER PROJECTS SUCH AS ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED; EXHIBITION AND VIDEO FILM PRODUCTION ON EMPLOYMENT OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED; AND DIRECTORY ON WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
/DR IP .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
10
DR IP POINTED OUT THAT MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, LACK OF SUITABLE VACANCIES, AS WELL AS DISABILITY PROBLEMS WERE THE MAIN DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED JOB-SEEKERS.
HOWEVER, SHE ADDED THAT EMPLOYING MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS WOULD NOT ONLY HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE BUT ALSO GIVE THE DISABLED AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE THEIR WORKING ABILITIES AND EARN THEIR OWN LIVING.
"IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE BY ALL CONCERNED TO PROVIDE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND SUSTAIN THEIR EMPLOYMENT," SHE SAID.
REGIONAL SECRETARY VISITS SAI KUNG
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED SAI KUNG TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IS UNDERWAY IN JUNK BAY, WHICH IS BECOMING A SELF-CONTAINED NEW TOWN.
AT A VANTAGE POINT AT JUNK BAY, MR HSU WAS GIVEN A BRIEFING ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN.
MR HSU WAS TOLD THAT JUNK BAY’S ISOLATED AND ENCLOSED POSITION HAD PROMPTED PLANNERS TO PROVIDE FOR THREE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS.
THESE WERE THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW TOWN WILL HAVE A LARGE DEGREE OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN COMMUNITY FACILITIES; THE NEED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TRANSPORT LINKS, AND THE NEED TO AVOID AIR STAGNATION THAT WOULD LEAD TO POLLUTION.
LIKE OTHER NEW TOWNS, JUNK BAY IS BEING DEVELOPED WITH THE CONCEPT OF PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS, AS WELL AS SCHOOLS AND MEDICAL, SHOPPING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, CLOSE TO THE MAIN RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
MR HSU WAS TOLD THAT AS TENANTS MOVED INTO NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN JUNK BAY, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ASSISTED THE NEW RESIDENTS IN FORMING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN ORDER TO FOSTER A GOOD NEIGHBOURLY SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF BELONGING.
A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD, OVER A YEAR, BEEN HELPING RESIDENTS IN SETTLING DOWN IN THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT, AND MONITORING PROGRESS.
/AFTER THE .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
11
AFTER THE JUNK BAY VISIT, MR HSU ALSO TOOK A LOOK AT DEVELOPMENT AT HANG HAU TOWN, AND AT THE WORK IN REDUCING POLLUTION IN THE HO CHUNG RIVER IN THE DISTRICT.
MR HSU’S NEXT STOP WAS SAI KUNG TOWN, WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON IMPROVEMENT WORKS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, MR HSU MET MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AT A LUNCH.
AT THE LUNCH, HE LEARNED THAT THE BOARD WAS NOW WELL ESTABLISHED AND WAS FULLY ACCEPTED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AS THE MOST IMPORTANT BODY FOR DISCUSSING DISTRICT MATTERS AND RESOLVING PROBLEMS.
ALTHOUGH HAVING ONLY 12 MEMBERS NOW, THE BOARD WOULD INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP AS THE POPULATION IN SAI KUNG GREW, MR HSU WAS TOLD.
- 0 --------
FINDINGS OF 1988 ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY RELEASED »»*»»♦
ALTHOUGH MANY MANUFACTURERS HAVE SHIFTED THEIR PRODUCTION FACILITIES TO CHINA OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, EMPLOYERS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY STILL HAVE DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING SUFFICIENT WORKERS TO MEET THEIR MANPOWER NEEDS.
ACCORDING TO THE JUST PUBLISHED 1988 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF 15,000 WORKERS IN THE INDUSTRY IN JUNE LAST YEAR, WITH 12,000 AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL.
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WHICH CONDUCTED THE SURVEY, SAID IN THE REPORT THAT IF THIS SHORTAGE PERSISTED, MORE PRODUCTION PLANTS WOULD BE SHIFTED TO CHINA AND PROBABLY ALSO TO THAILAND IN THE COMING YEARS.
THE SURVEY FOUND THAT THE TOTAL WORKFORCE IN THE INDUSTRY HAD RISEN BY 3.6 PER CENT A YEAR FROM AROUND 93,000 IN 1986 TO AROUND 100,000 IN 1988.
AS THE INDUSTRY GOES UPMARKET, AND WITH THE EXPANSION IN THE CLOCKS AND WATCHES SECTORS AND INCREASING INVESTMENTS IN AUTOMATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGY, THE INDUSTRY SHOULD CONTINUE TO GROW STEADILY AND HAVE A CONTINUING DEMAND FOR TECHNICAL MANPOWER AT ALL LEVELS, THE REPORT NOTED.
EMPLOYERS FORECAST THAT IN MAY THIS YEAR THE MANPOWER FOR THE WHOLE INDUSTRY WOULD REACH 115,000, 60 PER CENT OF WHICH SHOULD BE AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL.
/THE TRAINING
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 19&9
12 -
THE TRAINING BOARD ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL 530 TECHNOLOGISTS, 1,100 2,900 OPERATIVES A YEAR TO COPE WITH THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THAT EMPLOYERS WOULD NEED TECHNICIANS, 390 CRAFTSMEN THE GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY
AN AND
IN
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE MANPOWER STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY ARE CONTAINED IN THE SURVEY REPORT WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CENTRAL, Al $20 A OP .
-------0--------
COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS
THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION (SDTFR) AND THE JOCKEY CLUB GRANT (JCG) FOR PERMANENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR YOUTH.
THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING BOTH THE SDTFR FOR CAPITAL AND NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS AND ADVISING ON THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE JCG.
THE SDTFR IS INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE RECREATIONAL AND RELATED PROJECTS AIMING AT PROMOTING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PARTICULARLY OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE JCG IS USED PRIMARILY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION WORK OF PERMANENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR MEETING THE NEED OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
WITH EFFECT FROM THIS MONTH, A SINGLE APPLICATION FORM WILL BE USED FOR THE SDTFR - CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS AND THE JCG. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED EITHER UNDER THE SDTFR - CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS OR THE JCG.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
THEY CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE AND SHOULD BE SIGNED BY A SENIOR OFFICIAL OF THE ORGANISATION. FOR THOSE CENTRES/DIVISIONS RECEIVING SUBVENTION FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED TN TRIPLICATE.
/COMPLETED APPLICATION .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
- 13 -
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, 25TH FLOOR, SHUI ON CENTRE, 6-8 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IS MAY 20 WHILE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS WILL BE RECEIVED AND PROCESSED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
------0-------
TAC TO MEET LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS
t * * *
A MEETING WILL BE ARRANGED SHORTLY BETWEEN LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS AND MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE OPERATORS’ REQUEST TO OPERATE ON NGONG PING ROAD.
AT A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TAXI OPERATORS TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, EXPLAINED THAT ROAD SAFETY WAS THE MAIN CONCERN.
NGONG PING ROAD HAS A STEEP GRADIENT, SHARP BENDS, NARROW ROAD, INSUFFICIENT PASSING BAYS AND LACK OF PROPER LIGHTING, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO ALLOW TOO MUCH CONFLICTING FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
PRIORITY SHOULD THEREFORE BE GIVEN TO SCHEDULED SERVICES PROVIDED BY BUSES.
HOWEVER, THE OPERATORS’ REQUEST WILL BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED ONCE IMPROVEMENT WORKS, CURRENTLY BEING CARRIED OUT ON NGONG PING ROAD, ARE COMPLETED.
PLANS ARE ALREADY IN HAND TO WIDEN NGONG PING ROAD AT VARIOUS SECTIONS TO A WIDTH OF SIX METRES WITH SUITABLY LOCATED PASSING BAYS TO ALLOW FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. LIGHTING IS ALSO BEING INSTALLED.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1990 OR EARLY 1991.
MEANWHILE, THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY HAS INTRODUCED EXTRA AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES TO OPERATE TO PO LIN MONASTERY DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND.
THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING SPECIAL WEEKEND AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULED BUS SERVICES WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED WITH THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY AND THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
-----0------
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
14
THREE DB'S ELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO UC
*****
THREE DISTRICT BOARDS - KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN AND SOUTHER.. HELD SEPARATE MEETINGS TODAY (THURSDAY) TO ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATE NUMBER OF VOTES
KOWLOON CITY MR FONG PUI-SHEUNG 15
(ELECTED)
MR WONG SIU-YEE 9
WONG TAI SIN MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG
(ELECTED) 16
MR ALBERT LI SZE-BAY 15
SOUTHERN MR POON SHUN-KWOK, ALBERT 14
(ELECTED)
MR TENNY HUNG 5
(ABSTENTION) 1
THE ELECTED DB REPRESENTATIVES WILL SIT ON FOR THE TERM FROM APRIL 1, 1989 TO MAY 31, 1991.
THE URBAN COUNCIL
-----0------
TUEN MUN DB COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ELECTED
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD HELD A SPECIAL MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) TO ELECT THE CHAIRMEN OF ITS FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES.
THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ELECTED ARE: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY--MR YIP HING-CHUNG; CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS--MR KWU HONG-KEUNG; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT--MR ALFRED TSO; FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLICITY, MR TANG WING-KWONG; SOCIAL SERVICE--MR SO SH1U-SHING; AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT--MR WONG KIN-HONG.
/IN ADDITION .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
IN ADDITION, MR KWU HONG-KEUNG, MR ALFRED TSO, MADAM LEE YING, MR FUNG YAU-WAI AND MR YEUNG SHUCK-CHUEN HAVE BEEN NAMED AS CO-OPTED MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
Till'. BOARD ALSO ELECTED FOUR MEMBERS TO SIT ON THE TUEN MUN/YUF". LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING OF THE LIGHT LAIL TRANSIT SERVICES. THEY ARE MR YEUNG SHUCK-CHUEN, MR VIM TIN-SANG, MR CHU WAI-BUN AND MR KWU HONG-KEUNG.
h RI. BUILDING MANAGEMENT SUCCESS IN KWAI TSING * ♦ » * »
IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM (IBMCT) HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN HELPING 20 MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS SOLVE THEIR MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE KWAI CHUNG ROTARY CLUB TODAY (THURSDAY), THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE IBMCT, MR LEE KANG-SUM, SAID THAT THESE BUILDINGS, ALL OVER 10 YEARS OLD, HAD IMPLEMENTED SELF-HELP IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES WITH ADVICE FROM THE TEAM.
MR LEE SAID KWAI TSING DISTRICT HAD ABOUT 160 MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF INDUSTRIES.
THE COMMON PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THESE BUILDINGS WERE ILLEGAL DISCHARGE OF TRADE EFFLUENTS, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND ALTERATIONS, OBSTRUCTION OF COMMON AREAS, AND LACK OF BUILDING MAINTENANCE.
THE SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT WAS FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY OFFENSIVE TRADES SUCH AS LEATHER TANNING AND THE BOILING OF LARD.
MR LEE SAID THAT THE IBMCT DID NOT HAVE POWER TO TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AND COULD ONLY RELY ON PERSUASION.
IT WOULD THEREFORE TAKE SOME TIME TO GAIN THE CONFIDENCE AND
CO-OPERATION OF THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS," HE POINTED OUT.
IN THE LONG TERM, HOWEVER, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WOULD BE ESSENTIAL IN HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE IBMCT AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18).
/THE SEMINAR
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
- 16
THE SEMINAR WILL DISCUSS THE WORK OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, ROLES OF THE HOUSING MANAGER, EFFLUENT DISCHARGE AND THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, AIR POLLUTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
AS WELL AS MR LEE OF THE IBMCT, SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTE OF HOUSING (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR FRANK WONG; BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, MR DAVY YUEN; SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR C.M.CHAU; AND SENIOR CONSULTANT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL,MR K.L. TSANG.
A NEW 44-PAGE HANDBOOK ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO PARTICIPATING INDUSTRIALISTS AND FACTORY OWNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18).
THE EVENT WILL START AT 2 PM IN THE FOUR SEASONS SUITE OF THE NEW WORLD HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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BOOK EXHIBITION IN KOWLOON CITY
* * * *
OVER 10,000 BOOKS, PUBLICATIONS AND STATIONERY ITEMS WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY IN A BOOK EXHIBITION TO BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MARCH 20 AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ LIAISON COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EXHIBITION IS THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE BOOK EXHIBITION IN KOWLOON CITY.
IT IS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, AND IS AIMED AT INTRODUCING TO STUDENTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC A RICH VARIETY OF HEALTHY READING MATERIALS.
TAKING PART IN THE EXHIBITION WILL BE 10 PUBLISHING COMPANIES, ONE TEACHING AIDS COMPANY AND ONE STUDENT SERVICE CENTRE.
ALL ITEMS ON DISPLAY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT A 20 PER CENT DISCOUNT AT THE VENUE.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
- 17 -
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, AND FROM NOON TO 7 PM ON MONDAY.
ADMISSION TO THE EXHIBITION IS FREE. SCHOOLS WISHING TO ARRANGE GROUP VISITS FOR THEIR STUDENTS MAY TELEPHONE 3-7110171 EXT. 33 TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOOK EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 5 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE.
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DAILY PROVIDENT FUND ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * * * * ♦
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A DAILY ACCUMULATED PROVIDENT FUND FOR WORKERS IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER TWO APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS AMOUNTING TO $17,310.
THEY ARE FOR ORGANISING A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR WORKING YOUTHS AND AN "EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SERVICES CARNIVAL" WITH CIVIC EDUCATION AS ITS THEME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/18........
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
18
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN KWUN TONG
» » » * *
A TOTAL OF 42 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE SIDE AND REAR LANES OF 14-86 SHUI WO STREET, KWUN TONG, WERE CLEARED IN AN OPERATION TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CLEARANCE FORMED PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
IT WAS CARRIED OUT JOINTLY BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SITUATED IN THE TOWN CENTRE, 39 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES WHILE THE REMAINING THREE WERE DOMESTIC UNITS.
EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TOTALLING $286,715 WERE GRANTED TO ELIGIBLE SHOP OPERATORS.
- 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE FACILITIES
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ADEQUACY AND LOCATION OF FACILITIES SUCH AS REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS. PUBLIC TOILETS AND AQUA PRIVIES IN YUEN LONG.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME. THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND THE VILLAGE LIGHTING PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 . .10 PM.
/19
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
19
PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY, SCULPTURE EXHIBITION IN NORTH DISTRICT
*****
MORE THAN 300 PIECES OF CHINESE AND WESTERN PAINTINGS, CALLIGRAPHY AND SCULPTURE WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 18) UNTIL MONDAY, MARCH 20.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION (NDAAA) AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO PROMOTE THE APPRECIATION OF ART.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE WORKS BY LOCAL ARTISTS AND MEMBERS OF THE NDAAA’S PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY CLASSES. THERE WILL ALSO BE A DEMONSTRATION OF CHINESE PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY, AND FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT PAINTING. CALLIGRAPHY AND SCULPTURE EXHIBITION ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18) AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEUNG SHUI .
IT WILL START AT 11 AM.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DFCC MEETING TOMORROW
*****
A MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, DR HO KAM-FAI, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DISTRICT’S LAW AND ORDER SITUATION BY THE COMMANDERS OF THE CENTRAL AND THE WESTERN POLICE DISTRICTS, MR WILLIAM KIRKHOPE AND MR ROBERT TOAL.
/THE COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE ACTIVITIES IT ORGANISED IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AND STUDY A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE WORK OF ALL THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER LAST YEAR,
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- 0 - -
FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES
*****
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN EASTERN DISTRICT PLANNING TO ORGANISE RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THIS SUMMER ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS OFFERED UNDER THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP).
A SPOKESMAN FOR DISTRICT’S YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID THE ANNUAL SYP WAS AIMED TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL, TO APPRECIATE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AND TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
"THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME, 'SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’, WAS CHOSEN WITH THE AIM OF PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 TO BECOME USEFUL ASSETS OF THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
THE PROGRAMME IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. APPLICATION FORMS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, HONG KONG BY APRIL 3.
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/21
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
21 -
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KWAI CHUNG * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
WORK HAS JUST STARTED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE IN KWAI CHUNG TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $2.38 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF THE OPEN SPACE IN AREA 10B, HING SHING ROAD.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE THREE-HECTARE SITE INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND REST GARDENS.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS. UPON COMPLETION, THE OPEN SPACE WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
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CONSTRUCTION OF CONTROLLED TIP AUTHORISED * t * * t
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CONTROLLED TIP AND RELATED WORKS AT NIM WAN, TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE SOLID WASTES DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THE WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 35.15 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED SITUATED AT NIM WAN, TUEN MUN. THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER SUCH FORESHORE AND SEABED THAT WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE MARCH 9, 1990.
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/22
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1989
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD » » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE TRAFFIC LANES OF TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN TURN FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 19).
ONLY ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR TRAFFIC DURING THE FOLLOWING PERIODS:
* TUEN MUN ROAD EASTBOUND AT TING KAU VIADUCT FROM 9 AM TO
4 PM ON MARCH 19.
* TUEN MUN ROAD EASTBOUND AT TSING LUNG TAU BRIDGE BETWEEN
8 PM AND 7 AM THE NEXT DAY DAILY FROM MARCH 20 TO 23 AND
FROM MARCH 28 TO APRIL 1; AND ALSO FROM 7 AM ON MARCH 24 TO
7 AM ON MARCH 28.
MEANWHILE. TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR THE REST OF THE TIME FROM MARCH 20 TO APRIL 1.
MOTORISTS MAY USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTEING VIA CASTLE PEAK
ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN FANLING t # * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD AT KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT LEADING FROM ROAD D3 TO TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 19) FOR TWO NIGHTS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM SHEUNG SHUI VIA ROAD D3 TO KOWLOON ARE ADVISED TO USE JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, TAI PO ROAD AND WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE.
0 - -
SALT WATER CUT IN HO MAN TIN * * » »
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN HO MAN TIN PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 1 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18) TO 1 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CHUN MAN COURT, OI MAN ESTATE, HO MAN TIN ESTATE, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE, FAT KWONG STREET RESITE AREA. HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD AND SHEUNG SHING STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
12TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ........ 1
ESTABLISHMENT OF OLI EXPECTED IN MAY ........................ 2
APPROVED CAUSEWAY BaY OZP GAZETTED .......................... 4
APPROVAL TO CARRY OUT ELECTRICITY WORKS IN NT ............... 5
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF CHOI HA ROhD IN NGAU TAU KOK........... 6
NEW PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE IN YUEN LONG ................ 7
AMENDMENT TO LAI CHI KOK ROaD IMPROVEMENT WORKS.............. 8
TASK FORCES FORMED TO ENSURE SITE SaFETY..................... 9
EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN CHILD CARE SERVICES ..... 10
IMPORTANT ROLE FOR RECREATION, SPORTING ACTIVITIES........... 11
1056 PER ANNUM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS 1989............... 12
CHAIRMEN CHOSEN FOR SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEES .................. 12
KWUN TONG DB ELECTS UC REPRESENTATIVE ....................... 1?
YAU TSIM DB ELECTS UC REPRESENTATIVE......................... 13
KWrtl TSING SEHINaR ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT........ 14
HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION STaRTS TOMORROW IN FANLING........... 14
MA ON SHAN FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY............... 15
POLICE CIVILIAN SThFF AWaRDED LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES ..... 16
CSD OPENS TEMPORARY RECRUITING CENTRE ....................... 17
PREMISES AT TO KWA WAN ROAD TO BE CLOSED..................... 17
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL......... 18
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI, TAI PO........... 21
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
12TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ♦ * * * »
FOLLOWING IS THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE 12TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP:
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS TWELFTH MEETING IN BEIJING FROM MARCH 14-17, 1989. THE GROUP DISCUSSED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS AND ACHIEVED POSITIVE RESULTS.
ON THE BASIS OF THE WORK DONE BY THE STANDING SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL KIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP REACHED FULL AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF), THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (IBRD), THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (IFC) AND THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (IDA).
THE GROUP NOTED WITH PLEASURE THAT THE FIRST PIECE Ob LOCALISED LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG, THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1989 DEALING WITH CIVIL ASPECTS OF ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION, HAD BEEN ENACTED ON FEBRUARY 23, 1989. THE GROUP CONTINUED THEIR EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON CERTAIN QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON MERCHANT SHIPPING AND REACHED FULL AGREEMENT. THE GROUP ALSO EXCHANGED VIEWS ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON CIVIL AVIATION.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD A FURTHER DETAILED EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS PUBLIC ORDER.
THE GROUP CONTINUED THEIR EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE QUESTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG.
THE GROUP AGREED THAT EXPERTS SHOULD CONTINUE 1E1R DETAILED WORK ON FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUG VE OFFENDERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES, TIE BA> 1C PRINCIPLES OF WHICH WERE AGREED AT THE GROUP'S ELEVENTH MEEi'lLG.
THE TWO SIDES EXCHANGED VIEWS ON THE POST-1997 Hm’Ll CATIONS OF THE QUESTION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND BOAT PEOPLE IN .(. KONG.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP DECIDED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE IN LONDON FROM JULY 18-21, 1989.
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/2........
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 2 -
ESTABLISHMENT OF OLI EXPECTED IN MAY
*****
THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE (OLI) IS EXPECTED TO BE ESTABLISHED FORMALLY ABOUT MAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTE’S PLANNING COMMITTEE, MR CHENG HON-KWAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
A BILL WHICH SOUGHT TO SET UP THE INSTITUTE HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR CHENG SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE.
THE OLI BILL WOULD BE GAZETTED ON MARCH 23, AND THEN PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE ADDED.
THE OLI PLANNING COMMITTEE FINISHED ITS THREE-DAY SEVENTH PLENARY SESSION TODAY, AND MR CHENG REPORTED PROGRESS IN MAJOR AREAS OF WORK TO PREPARE FOR THE FIRST INTAKE OF STUDENTS THIS YEAR.
MR CHENG SAID THE RECRUITMENT OF SENIOR STAFF HAD PRODUCED GOOD RESULTS.
"APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ALL THE DIRECTORATE POSTS, APART FROM THE POST OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION) FOR WHICH RECRUITMENT FORMALITIES ARE STILL IN PROGRESS."
MR CHENG ANNOUNCED THAT DR GAJARAJ DHANARAJAN HAD BEEN APPOINTED THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ACADEMIC); MR ANDREW WONG LAP-SANG, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (RESOURCES); PROFESSOR CEDRIC NICHOLAS REID, THE DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; DR ROBERT DAVID BACK, THE DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF COMMERCE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES; AND DR JOSEPH CHENG YU-SHEK, THE DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES.
IN ADDITION, MR CHENG SAID 20 STAFF HAD ALSO BEEN APPOINTED, INCLUDING THE PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION OFFICER, PRINCIPAL FINANCE OFFICER, AND SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.
FURTHERMORE, 14 OFFERS WOULD BE MADE SHORTLY, WHICH INCLUDED THE POSTS OF LIBRARIAN, PRINCIPAL PERSONNEL OFFICER, REGISTRAR, PRINCIPAL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIST, SENIOR PUBLISHING OFFICER AND SENIOR LECTURERS.
"THE INITIAL DEGREE LEVEL PROGRAMMES TO BE OFFERED BY THE OLI HAVE BEEN REFINED FOLLOWING FURTHER DELIBERATION BY THE PLANNING COMMITTEE," MR CHENG SAID.
• THESE PROGRAMMES ARE:
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BSC DEGREE IN:
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
/BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 1?t 19^9
- 3 -
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTRONICS MATERIALS AND MECHANICAL DESIGN SYSTEMS AND INFORMATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF COMMERCE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
BBA DEGREE IN: (I) ACCOUNTING, (II) COMPUTER SCIENCE, (III) MARKETING AND HUMAN RESOURCES (IV) ORGANISATION MANAGEMENT (V) NON-SPECIALIST
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
BA DEGREE IN: HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE LITERATURE AND HISTORY ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE "A REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ON THE WORK OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE IS BEING DRAFTED,” MR CHENG SAID.
THE NEXT PLENARY MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE IN MAY.
--------0--------
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 4 -
APPROVED CAUSEWAY BAY OZP GAZETTED *****
THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CAUSEWAY BAY, APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FIRDAY).
• THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CAUSEWAY BAY WAS FIRST APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON JULY 22, 1969. THE PLAN WAS LATER REFERRED BACK FOR AMENDMENT IN 1975.
SINCE THEN, THE PLAN HAD BEEN FURTHER AMENDED AND GAZETTED SEVERAL TIMES AND OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENTS WERE RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED.
THE PLAN WAS SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 29 LAST YEAR.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 96.18 HECTARES AND INCLUDES THE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE WEST OF VICTORIA PARK AND THE DISTRICTS COMMONLY KNOWN AS SO KON PO AND TAI HANG.
THE DEVELOPMENT IN SO KON PO IS MAINLY FOR RECREATION, GOVERNMENT; INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES WHILE TAI HANG IS MAINLY A RESIDENTIAL AREA.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN IS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY LAND USE PATTERN AND ROAD NETWORK AS A BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RE-DEVELOPMENT.
THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT 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 MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE COST IS $10 FOR THE UNCOLOURED VERSION AND $50 FOR THE COLOURED PRINTED VERSION.
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/5.......
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 5
APPROVAL TO CARRY OUT ELECTRICITY WORKS IN NT
* « » * »
WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH AN APPROVED SCHEME OF ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION NETWORK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO LINK THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT WITH HONG KONG WILL SOON BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD. (CLP).
THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS (STATUTORY EASEMENTS) (APPLICATION OF ORDINANCE) ORDER 1989, WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), WILL ENABLE CLP TO EXERCISE CERTAIN RIGHTS CONTAINED IN SECTIONS 4 AND 8 OF THE ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARRYING OUT WORKS RELATED TO THE APPROVED SCHEME.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "SUCH RIGHTS INCLUDE, MAINLY, THE RIGHT TO PLACE AND RETAIN ANY ELECTRIC LINE ABOVE OR BELOW GROUND ACROSS ANY LAND SITUATED ON THE ROUTE OF THE ELECTRICITY NETWORK IN THE APPROVED SCHEME AND THE RIGHT TO ENTER ON AND CROSS OVER ANY LAND IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SITE OF ANY WORKS RELATING TO THE ELECTRICITY NETWORK."
HE SAID THE ELECTRICITY NETWORK COMPRISED APPROXIMATELY 32 KM OF 400 KV OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES MOUNTED OVER 91 PYLONS IN THE NFW TERRITORIES, ON TWO SEPARATE ROUTES, VIZ. (A) TAI PO (HONG LOK YUEN) TO THE BORDER; AND (B) YUEN LONG (AU TAU) TO THE BORDER.
CLP WILL START CONSTRUCTION WORKS NEXT MONTH. SUCH WORKS WILL AFFECT PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT LAND. THE COMPANY WILL BE STATUTORILY LIABLE TO PAY COMPENSATION TO OWNERS WHOSE LAND IS AFFECTED.
ALTERNATIVELY, THESE AFFECTED OWNERS MAY CHOOSE TO ACCEPT AN EX-GRATA COMPENSATION WHICH WILL BE OFFERED TO THEM IN DUE COURSE BY THE GOVERNMENT ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY.
"CLP WILL REGISTER THE ORDER AGAINST ALL AFFECTED PRIVATE LOTS IN THE LAND OFFICE WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE GAZETTAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, CLP WILL ALSO ADVERTISE ONCE IN EACH OF TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKS THE REGISTRATION OF THE ORDER AND ITS EFFECTS, IN TWO CHINESE LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS AND ONE ENGLISH NEWSPAPER."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION UNDER SECTION 10 OF THE ORDINANCE MIGHT BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD. AT ITS REGISTERED OFFICE NOT LATER THAN 12 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF REGISTRATION OF THE ORDER.
"IF THE PARTIES FAIL TO AGREE, CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR FINAL DETERMINATION," HE SAID.
/6........
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
6
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF CHOI HA ROAD IN NGAU TAU KOK » » » * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO EXTEND CHOI HA ROAD IN NGAU TAU KOK NORTHWARDS TO JOIN CHOI WAN ROAD.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 250-METRE-LONG CARRIAGEWAY WITH FOOTWAYS ON BOTH SIDES, AND ANCILLARY SLOPE WORKS, RETAINING STRUCTURES, LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE CUL-DE-SAC AT CHOI HA ROAD WILL BE REMOVED THEREBY IMPROVING THE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
THE PROJECT IS PROGRAMMED TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE REGARDING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN MAY 16 THIS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
NEW PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE IN YUEN LONG *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE TO LINK LONG PING ESTATE AND YEUNG UK IN YUEN LONG.
TOGETHER WITH THE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGES THROUGH LONG PING ESTATE AND ACROSS THE YUEN LONG NORTHERN BY-PASS, THE PROPOSED BRIDGE WILL FORM AN EXCLUSINVE GRADE-SEPARATED SYSTEM FOR PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE MOVEMENT FROM THE NORTHWESTERN PORTION OF YUEN LONG TOWN THROUGH LONG PING ESTATE TO YEUNG UK.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
A COPY OF THE PLAN OF THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKINGS SHOWING THE AREAS AND THE EXISTING ROADS OR FOOTWAYS TO BE AFFECTED CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
» CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUH-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY;
» DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NINTH TO 11TH FLOORS, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO 'DIE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN MAY 16 THIS YEAR.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
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AMENDMENT TO LAI CHI KOK ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND IMPROVEMENT WORKS INTENDED TO BE CARRIED OUT IN LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
THE ORIGINAL AUTHORISED WORKS WERE DESCRIBED IN THE PLAN AND SCHEME PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON FEBRUARY 5 AND 12 LAST YEAR.
NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON MAY 27.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS INCLUDE THE REVISION OF THE LAYOUT OF THE AUTHORISED IMPROVEMENT WORKS AND THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS LAI CHI KOK ROAD AT PEI HO STREET.
FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE AMENDMENT WORKS, ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES INCLUDING TWO VERANDAHS AND ABOUT 100 ADVERTISEMENT SIGN BOARDS HAVE TO BE REMOVED.
A NOTICE' CONCERNING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
>
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET;
* SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD /RITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN MAY 16 THIS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 9 -
TASK FORCES FORMED TO ENSURE SITE SAFETY *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A FOUR-PRONGED OPERATION STARTING FROM NEXT MONTH TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN BUILDING SITES FOLLOWING A SURGE IN THE ACCIDENT TOLL IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT FROM 57,403 CASES IN 1987 TO 59,508 LAST YEAR.
"ALTHOUGH ACCIDENTS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DROPPED BY FOUR PER CENT DURING THE PERIOD, FIGURES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD LEAPT BY 14 PER CENT OF A RECORD HIGH OF 27,125 CASES, COMPARED WITH 23,846 IN 1987," THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID.
"IT MEANS THAT ON AVERAGE MORE THAN ONE OUT OF THREE WORKERS IN THE 72,OOO-STRONG CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE WERE INJURED IN ACCIDENTS, WHILE THE INJURY RATE FOR WORKERS IN ALL OTHER INDUSTRIES WAS A MERE 3.4 PER CENT LAST YEAR.
"THE DEATH TOLL IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD ALSO RISEN FROM 55 TO 58, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 84 FATALITIES RECORDED IN ALL INDUSTRIES IN 1988," HE NOTED.
AS TO THE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR YIP SAID MOST WERE RELATED TO STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS, FALL OF PERSONS AND OBJECTS, MANUAL LIFTING OF LOADS AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY.
"WE, IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, ARE KEEN TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY RECORD IN THE INDUSTRY AND TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS," MR YIP STATED.
"THIS IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT IN VIEW OF THE LABOUR SHORTAGE IN HONG KONG BECAUSE IF WE CONTINUE TO LOSE STAFF THROUGH ACCIDENTS, WE WILL CERTAINLY FURTHER STRAIN OUR LIMITED HUMAN RESOURCES."
TO STEM THE INCREASING NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID A SIX-MONTH ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMME WOULD BE LAUNCHED FROM APRIL 1.
"SPECIAL TASK FORCES MADE UP OF EXPERIENCED FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL VISIT BUILDING SITES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO ASSIST CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS TO IDENTIFY BLACK SPOTS AND TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE OF SAFETY REGULATIONS BY ALL CONCERNED," HE SAID.
"THE EXERCISE WILL INCLUDE FOUR PHASED PROGRAMMES GEARED TO TACKLE DIFFERENT PROBLEM AREAS LIKELY TO CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
/"THEY ARE .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
10 -
“THEY ARE MAINLY AIMED AT WORKERS WORKING AT HAZARDOUS EDGES, IN CAISSONS, NEAR SHAFT OPENINGS, AND ON BUILDINGS OVER THREE-STOREY HIGH THAT ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
"IT IS HOPED THAT, THROUGH STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION, WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS WILL COME TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AT WORK AND THAT THE RISING TREND IN SITE ACCIDENTS COULD BE CHECKED."
MR CHAN SAID FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY MEASURES MAY BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICES AND TO THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.
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EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN CHILD CARE SERVICES
*♦»♦»♦
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES, IS INTRODUCING VARIOUS EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS TO FURTHER IMPROVE CHILD CARE SERVICES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (FAMILY WELFARE), MR ALFRED CHUI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR CHUI SAID THE PROJECTS INCLUDED TEMPORARY CHILD CARE SERVICES IN EXISTING NURSERIES, SHORT TERM CHILD CARE SERVICES IN HOSPITAL, EXTENSION OF NORMAL SERVICE HOURS IN CHILD CARE CENTRES, AND NEIGHBOURHOOD CARE OF CHILDREN.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A DAY-CARE NURSERY IN TIN MA COURT IN WONG TAI SIN OPERATED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
THE PROJECTS AIMED AT MINIMISING THE RISK OF CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME FOR WHATEVER REASONS — PARENTS HAVING TO WORK, SICKNESS, OR TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM THE HOME -- AND PROVIDE TEMPORARY CHILD CARE SERVICES.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO INCREASE THE PLACEMENT IN DAY-CARE NURSERIES BY 1,600 PER ANNUM," MR CHUI SAID.
"TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES, CHILD CARE CENTRES HAVE BEEN CATEGORISED AS A STANDARD COMMUNITY SERVICE ITEM. UNDER THE CURRENT POLICY, THERE ARE 100 PLACES FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX PER 20,000 POPULATION.
"COMPARED WITH LAST DECADE, THE NUMBER OF DAY-CARE CENTRES INCREASED BY 60 PER CENT TO 246 AND THE NUMBER OF PLACEMENTS ROSE BY 80 PER CENT TO 28,418."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW PROJECTS COULD SUPPLEMENT THE EXISTING SERVICES AND BE TAILORED TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF VARIOUS TARGET GROUPS.
/HIS DEPARTMENT........
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
HIS DEPARTMENT PLANNED TO ALLOCATE ADDITIONAL PLACES IN EXISTING NURSERIES TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS HAD TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES FOR A FEW HOURS, MR CHUI SAID.
’’THE TEMPORARY CHILD CARE SERVICE IN HOSPITAL WAS INTRODUCED BY THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL LAST MARCH, AIMING AT PROVIDING TEMPORARY CHILD CARE SERVICES FOR PATIENTS OR VISITORS ON A SHORT TERM OR HOURLY BASIS,” HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT ANOTHER EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT WAS PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE.
"AT PRESENT, THE AGENCY IS OPERATING TWO NURSERIES WHICH PROVIDE EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS TO 9 PM,” HE SAID.
"THE SCHEME IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR SINGLE PARENTS OR FAMILIES WITH PROBLEMS, OR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WHICH, FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, REQUIRE CHILD CARE SERVICES.”
IN ADDITION, HIS DEPARTMENT ALSO ENCOURAGED NEIGHBOURS TO HELP EACH OTHER IN CARING FOR CHILDREN AND THUS PREVENT CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED.
"SOME COMMUNITY WORKING GROUPS ARE TAKING A POSITIVE APPROACH IN PROMOTING THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
MR CHUI PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO WELFARE SERVICES.
THE GROUP INTRODUCED CHILD CARE SERVICES IN 1977 AND IS NOW OPERATING ll NURSERIES AND PROVIDING DAY-CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN.
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IMPORTANT ROLE FOR RECREATION, SPORTING ACTIVITIES t ♦ * ♦ t
PARTICIPATION IN RECREATION AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES REPRESENTS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"ALTHOUGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT, THIS SHOULD NOT BE TO THE DETRIMENT OF A BALANCED PROGRAMME OF ACADEMIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION,” HE NOTED.
MR OXLEY WAS ADDRESSING THE 13TH LOK SIN TONG SCHOOLS JOINT ATHLETIC MEET HELD AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM THIS AFTERNOON.
/HE SAID
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 12 -
HE SAID THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS IN RECREATION AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES WOULD DERIVE BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL BENEFIT FROM HEALTHY COMPETITION.
HE HOPED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD LEARN MORE ABOUT BASIC SKILLS IN VARIOUS SPORTS WHILE AT SCHOOL, AND CONTINUE TO PURSUE THEIR FAVOURITE SPORTS FOR LEISURE PURPOSES AFTER GRADUATION.
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10% PER ANNUM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS 1989 ♦ * » ♦ ♦
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVITATION TO TENDER, THE BONDS WILL BE PAID AT PAR ON APRIL 10, 1989 ON THE SURRENDER OF THE ABOVE BONDS AT THE SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION (THE GOVERNMENT’S BANKER) LOCATED AT BASEMENT LEVEL ONE,HONGKONG BANK HEADQUARTERS, 1 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE INTEREST DUE ON APRIL 9, 1989 WILL ALSO BE PAID ON THAT DATE ON THE SURRENDER OF THE INTEREST COUPONS AT THE SAME ADDRESS. AS APRIL 9, 1989 IS A SUNDAY, THE PRINCIPAL SUMS AND THE INTEREST DUE ON THAT DATE WILL BE PAID ON APRIL 10, 1989.
THE BONDS AND ANY INTEREST COUPON ATTACHED THERETO SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE VOID IF THEY ARE NOT PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S BANKER FOR PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL SUMS OR INTEREST PAYMENT, AS THE CASE MAY BE, WITHIN SIX YEARS AFTER THE DUE DATE OF THE PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL SUM OR THE INTEREST PAYMENT, AS THE CASE MAY BE.
THE LAST DAY FOR DEALINGS IN THE BONDS ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD. WILL BE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1989 AND THE BONDS WILL BE DELISTED FROM THE STOCK EXCHANGE AFTER THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1989.
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CHAIRMEN CHOSEN FOR SOUTHERN DB COMMITTEES
*****
FOUR ELECTED MEMBERS AND ONE APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WERE NAMED CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S FIVE COMMITTEES FOR THE YEAR 1989-90.
AS ALL OF THEM WERE THE SOLE NOMINEE FOR THE COMMITTEES’ CHAIRMANSHIP, THEY WERE ELECTED IPSO FACTO AT THE BOARD’S MFETTNG YESTERDA) ( I HURSPAY).
/APPOINTED HIMBER........
FRIDAY, MARCH 1?, 1989
- 13 -
APPOINTED MEMBER MR TSE KIT-TO HAS BECOME CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
THE FOUR ELECTED MEMBERS ARE MR KO TAM-KAN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE; MR WONG KING-CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE; MR MAN HON-MING, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE; AND MR KO KAM-CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE.
THE TERM OF THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF ALL THE FIVE COMMITTEES WILL RUN FROM APRIL 1 TO THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR.
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KWUN TONG DB ELECTS UC REPRESENTATIVE ♦ ♦ ♦ t *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ELECTED MR PANG KAM-FAI AS ITS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MR PANG DEFEATED MR HAU SHUI-PUI BY 17 VOTES TO 16.
ONE MEMBER ABSTAINED FROM VOTING, ANOTHER WAS ABSENT AND ONE VOTING PAPER WAS BLANK.
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YAU TSIM DB ELECTS UC REPRESENTATIVE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER MR WU MAN-KEUNG BOARD’S REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL AT THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
WAS ELECTED THE A BOARD MEETING
MR WU OBTAINED EIGHT VOTES, WHILE THE OTHER ELECTION, MR IP KWOK-CHUNG, OBTAINED FOUR VOTES.
NOMINEE
FOR THE
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
KWAI THING SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT *****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM WILL HOLD AN INDUSTRIAL '■UILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE WORK OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, AIR POLLUTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT, TECHNICAL ADVICE ON DISCHARGE OF EFFLUENT, AND COMMON PROBLEMS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE SPEAKERS INCLUDE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM; CHAIRMAN OF TRE INSTITUTE OF HOUSING (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR FRANK WONG; AND BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, MR DAVY YUEN.
THE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR C.M. CHAU; SENIOR CONSULTANT OF HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, MR K.L. TSANG; AND HOUSING MANAGER OF THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM, MR K.S. LEE, WILL ALSO GIVE TALKS.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG KWOK-WAI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SEMINAR'S OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE FOUR SEASONS SUITE OF NEW WORLD HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW IN FANLING
******
A TWO-DAY HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION FEATURING MORE THAN 300 FLORAL ITEMS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL IN FANLING.
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
EXHIBITS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SIX CATEGORIES COMPRISING BONSAI, ORCHIDS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, POT FLOWERS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENT.
/THE DISPLAY
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 19&9
THE DISPLAY ITEMS ARE ALL WORKS BY STUDENTS AND TUTORS FROM A HORTICULTURE TRAINING CLASS ORGANISED BY THE ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM I 1 AM TO 6 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 19). ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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MA ON SHAN FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A MA ON SHAN FESTIVAL IN A BID TO BUILD UP A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE FAST GROWING POPULATION IN THE AREA AND TO PROMOTE HEALTHY FAMILY LIFE.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES A PAINTING COMPETITION, MARATHON RACE, CANTONESE OPERA NIGHT, VARIETY SHOW AND A FAMILY DAY CAMP.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FESTIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE EXHIBITION SQUARE OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IN HENG ON ESTATE, MA ON SHAN, ON SUNDAY (MARCH 19) MORNING.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR LI PO-MING AND MR CHAN TO-YEUNG; SHA TIN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER HALLIDAY; AND SHA TIN DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MRS LESLIE HUNG.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, PERFORMANCES WILL BE GIVEN BY THE SHA TIN CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND LOCAL YOUTH BANDS.
/foOST OF
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 198?
MOST OF THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SUNDAY AND NEXT SUNDAY (MARCH 26).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MA ON SHAN FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE EXHIBITION SQUARE OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IN HANG ON ESTATE, MA ON SHAN. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY.
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POLICE CIVILIAN STAFF AWARDED LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THREE CIVILIAN STAFF MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED THE LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES BY THE POLICE CIVIL SECRETARY, MR ALLAN CHOW.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, MR CHOW PRAISED THE THREE OFFICERS FOR THEIR DEDICATED AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE FORCE.
RECEIVING THE 30 YEARS’ MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES WERE MR CHOY CHUNG-HO, A TAILOR, AND MR FUNG SHUE-KEE, A SENIOR POLICE INTERPRETER.
ANOTHER SENIOR POLICE INTERPRETER, MR LAM SIU-TIN, WAS ALSO PRESENTED WITH THE 20 YEARS’ MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE.
THE LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES WERE INTRODUCED LAST YEAR TO COMMEND FORCE CIVILIAN STAFF WITH 20 TO 30 YEARS’ OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 18,
1989
- 17 -
CSD OPENS TEMPORARY RECRUITING CENTRE * * * * t
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRE AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
’’THE NEW CENTRE FORMS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT'S MAJOR RECRUITMENT EXERCISE NOW BEING LAUNCHED TO RECRUIT ENERGETIC YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN AS OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"APPLICANTS RESIDING IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CAN NOW MAKE USE OF THE NEW CENTRE WITHOUT TRAVELLING A LONG DISTANCE TO OUR CENTRAL RECRUITMENT CENTRE IN WAN CHAI," HE SAID.
THE NEW CENTRE HAS THREE EXHIBITION PANELS ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AND IT IS MANNED BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS WHO ASSIST APPLICANTS AND ANSWER ENQUIRIES.
"PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO SET UP MORE CENTRES AT VARIOUS SHOPPING ARCADES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE NEAR FUTURE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAN ALSO APPLY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE 23RD FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-275951.
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PREMISES AT TO KWA WAN ROAD TO BE CLOSED ♦ * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE FOURTH FLOOR OF NO. 251 AND THE FIFTH FLOOR OF NOS. 251 AND 253 TO KWA WAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE CLOSURES ARE TO ENABLE UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING TO BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURES ARE PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON DECEMBER 9 LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 17 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS APT? OBTAINED.
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/18.......
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 18 -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
ROAD CLOSURES AND PARKING FACILITIES
A NUMBER OF ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES, ON MARCH 19, 24 TO 27 AND APRIL 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, AND 16.
KIU TAU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM DAILY, EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES.
THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION FROM NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NORTHBOUND LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT WILL ALSO BE CLOSED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 8 PM DAILY, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR FANLING ARE ADVISED TO USE KAI LENG INTERCHANGE.
THE SECTION OF ROAD L100 EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL PRIVATE VEHICLES DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 PM, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, FRANCHISED BUSES AND COACHES CARRYING PASSENGERS.
THE SECTION OF ROAD L100 WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 LEADING TO FANLING SOUTH ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM DAILY, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, FRANCHISED BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS CARRYING PASSENGERS.
THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD, WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6, USED AS A HAUL ROUTE FOR CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM DAILY.
ROAD A100 AND ROAD LI 10 WEST OF ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 PM DAILY, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES CARRYING PASSENGERS.
ROAD B200 BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 (THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM WO HOP SHEK ROAD TO WO HOP SHEK VILLAGE) WILL BE CLOSED, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM DAILY.
CHE FANLING KCR STATION FORECOURT WILL ALSO BE CLOSED Al ITS ACCESS FROM ROAD D5, EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES, BETWEEN 6 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.
/IN TSUEN .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 19 -
IN TSUEN WAN, LO WAI ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI BUS TERMINUS . AND YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN WILL BE CLOSED EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM ON APRIL 2,5,8 AND 9.
THE LO WAI TERMINATING POINT FOR NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 81 AND 81M WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE LO WAI BUS TERMINUS.
ON MARCH 24 TO 27 AND APRIL 2, 5 AND 9, WING SHUN STREET BETWEEN TSUEN WAN CEMETERY AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI HEI STREET WILL BE CLOSED EXCEPT FOR HEARSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
ROAD CLOSURE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT WING KIN ROAD JUNCTION WITH KWAI HEI STREET. A ONE-WAY SYSTEM WILL BE ADOPTED AND VEHICLES WILL ONLY BE,ALLOWED TO ENTER WING KIN ROAD FROM WING KEI ROAD.
A ONE-WAY SYSTEM WILL BE ADOPTED ON WING KEI ROAD BETWEEN KWA HEI STREET AND WING KIN ROAD. VEHICLES WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO ENTER VIA KWAI HEI STREET.
WING LAP STREET AND WING CHONG STREET WILL BE CLOSED.
THE ROAD UNDER TSING TSUEN BRIDGE LEADING FROM RIVIERA GARDEN TO WING SHUN STREET HAS NOT BEEN OPENED. NO VEHICULAR OR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE IT.
NO PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED ON ALL APPROACH ROADS NEAR THE TSUEN WAN CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM.
TEMPORARY TAXI STANDS WILL BE PROVIDED ON KWAI HEI STREET NEAR WING SHUN STREET AND ON WING KEI ROAD.
GRAVE-SWEEPF.RS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND GET OFF AT KWAI FONG STATION.
NO PARKING FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE VICINITY OF WO HOP SHEK; AND PARKING SPACES IN SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING (ON LOK TSUEN) AND AROUND TSUEN WAN CEMETERY ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED.
PRIVATE CARS, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES AND PRIVATE COACHES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS IN THE FOLLOWING ROADS:
» ROAD D6 BETWEEN ROAD D3 AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD;
* WO HOP SHEK ROAD BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND THE JUNCTION OF ROAD D6; AND
* TAI WO SERVICE ROAD WEST BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND A POINT OF 300 METRES SOUTH OF KIU TAU ROAD.
/ON MARCH .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 19^9
20 -
OxN MARCH 26 AND APRIL 2,5,9 AND 16, KCR TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE OPERATED AT FANLING AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS DURING PEAK PERIODS FROM 7 AM TO 9.30 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 7.30 PM.
FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM, TRAIN SERVICES WILL OPERATE AT EIGHT-MINUTE OR NINE-MINUTE INTERVALS.
ON THE SAME DAYS, A SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70R, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK AT ABOUT THREE-MINUTE INTERVALS, AT A CHARGE OF $1.50.
ANOTHER SPECIAL BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70S, WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND WO HOP SHEK VIA TOLO HIGHWAY. THIS EXPRESS BUS SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED AT ABOUT SIX-MINUTE INTERVALS, AT A CHARGE OF $5.
DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, KMB ROUTES 70, 70K, 70X, 73 AND 73A WILL ALSO BE STRENGTHENED. FREQUENCY OF THE TWO SPECIAL BUS SERVICES ROUTE 70R AND 70S WILL BE ADJUSTED SUBJECT TO DEMAND.
GRAVE-SWEEPERS GOING TO SANDY RIDGE ON MARCH 24 TO 27 AND APRIL 2, 5 AND 9 CAN TAKE EITHER THE REGULAR BUS SERVICE, KMB ROUTE 73K, PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND SAN UK LING OR THE TRAIN SERVICE TO LO WU.
DURING THE PERIOD, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (PLB’S), TAXIS AND COACHES CARRYING PASSENGERS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN PASSENGERS AT DESIGNATED LOCATIONS AND WAITING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
PLB'S WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN OR PICK UP PASSENGERS IN TAI WO SERVICE ROAD WEST BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND A POINT OF 300 METRES SOUTH OF KIU TAU ROAD.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM THE SOUTH TO WO HOP SHEK ARE REMINDED TO USE TAI WO SERVICE ROAD WEST AT HONG LOK YUEN.
A DIRECT AND CONVENIENT PEDESTRIAN ROUTE IS AVAILABLE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK. GRAVE-SWEEPERS CAN USE THE FOOTPATH AND SUBWAY SYSTEM ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF FANLING KCR STATION AND ALONG ROAD D6.
PEDESTRIANS SHOULD ALSO USE THE NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ACROSS ROAD L100, ROAD B200 AND ROAD W100 FOR GOING TO THE CEMETERY.
EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE POLICE ON ANY OTHER DAYS IF NECESSARY.
-------0----------
/21
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1989
- 21 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI, '1A1 PO ♦ * * * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 20), THE LEFT-TURN FROM WESTBOUND WAN CHAI ROAD TO WOOD ROAD WILL BE BANNED FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH FOR DRAINAGE WORK.
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON WAN CHAI ROAD HEADING FOR WOOD ROAD, WING CHEUNG STREET AND 01 KWAN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAK YAN S1REET.
MEANWHILE, TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON I AI PO TAI WO ROAD FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE SLOW LANE OF TAI PO TAI WO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND KIU TAU WILL BE CLOSED ON MARCH 20 AND 21.
IN ADDITION, THE SLOW LANE OF TAI PO TAI WO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN KIU TAU AND TAI WO WILL BE CLOSED ON MARCH 28.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
JANUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ......................................... •••••••••• 1
CALL TO ALLaY CONCERN OVER UNIVERSITY ADMISSION ............. 6
POLICE FORCE EXPECTED TO MEET CHALLENGE ..................... 7
CAS WINS REPUTATION FOR ITS SERVICES ........................ 8
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE EARNS HIGH REPUTATION ............ 9
ECONOMIC RELATIONS GROWING BETWEEN CHINA AND HK ............. 10
VR CHILDREN HELP IN FLaG DAY................................. 11
MORE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES PLANNED...................... 12
NEW CHILDREN aND YOUTH CENTRE IN YUEN LONG .................. 1J
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINaR IN KWAI TSING......... 14
COMMUNITY DaY IN SHa TIN .................................... 15
PAMPHLET (Xi OUTLYING ISLANDS PUBLISHED BY DB ............... 15
KEEP HK CLEaN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING ON MONDAY........... 16
INTERRUPTION OF WaTER SUPPLIES .............................. 17
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ......................... 17
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON SHa TIN ROAD...................... 18
ROAD CLOSURE IN FANLING ..................................... 19
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
1
JANUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦ *
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN JANUARY 1989 INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH DECEMBER 1988 AND JANUARY 1988, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IN JANUARY 1989, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THAT IN DECEMBER 1988 AS SOME MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED TO HAVE RECEIVED NEW ORDERS.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE ORDERS POSITION IMPROVED SLIGHTLY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY, WHILE SHOWING LITTLE CHANGE IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. HOWEVER, A SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE ORDERS POSITION WAS RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988, THE ORDERS POSITION IN JANUARY 1989 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THE JANUARY 1989 LEVEL WAS LOWER BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1988 AND BY 6 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988.
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WITH DECEMBER 1988, EMPLOYMENT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, EXCEPT FOR THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY WHICH SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988, EMPLOYMENT IN JANUARY 1989 DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT DEGREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, WEARING APPAREL AND FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRIES. THERE WAS ALSO A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
IN JANUARY 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED, IN MONEY TERMS, BY 44 PER CENT OVER DECEMBER 1988 AND BY 46 PER CENT OVER JANUARY 1988.
/CAUTION SHOULD .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY RESULTS. THE MAIN FACTOR BEHIND THE LARGE INCREASES WAS THE ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES BY MOST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THAT IS SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS IN EARLY FEBRUARY.
LAST YEAR, THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS WERE IN MID-FEBRUARY. THUS QUITE A LARGE NUMBER OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED HAD THEIR DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES ISSUED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR. THIS HAS TENDED TO DISTORT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISONS FOR THE JANUARY 1989 FIGURES.
THE TIMING FOR THE ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES HAS ALSO MADE THE COMPARISON OF THE JANUARY 1989 FIGURES WITH THE DECEMBER 1988 FIGURES LESS STRAIGHT-FORWARD.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JANUARY 1989 INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER DECEMBER 1988 IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH PARTICULARLY LARGE INCREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
HOWEVER, ONLY A MODERATE REPORTED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS SURVEYED IN THIS INDUSTRY HAD ANNUAL BONUSES IN THE PRECEDING
INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS INDUSTRY, AS A NUMBER OF COMPANIES ALREADY ISSUED THE DOUBLE-PAY AND MONTH.
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WITH JANUARY 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, MAINLY DUE TO THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TIMING OF ISSUING ANNUAL BONUSES BY SOME COMPANIES COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR. THE LARGEST INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT IN JANUARY 1989 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1988 BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JANUARY 1989 INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH DECEMBER 1988 AND JANUARY 1988, AGAIN DUE TO THE ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS SECTOR COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
IN THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN DECEMBER 1988, BUT INCREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1988. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JANUARY 1989 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER DECEMBER 1988. THE INCREASE RECORDED IN HOTELS WAS PARTICULARLY LARGE.
HOWEVER, A DROP IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS REPORTED IN THE BANKING SECTOR FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES IN THE PRECEDING MONTH BY MOST BANKS SURVEYED.
/COMPARING JANUARY
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
COMPARING JANUARY 1989 WAS JANUARY 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN ALL SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE RECORDED IN HOTELS, BUT AGAIN SUCH A COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY THE TIMING FOR THE ISSUE OF BONUSES AND DOUBLE-PAY.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
AS THE SURVEY IS NOT BASED ON A SCIENTIFICALLY SELECTED SAMPLE, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT THE MAGNITUDES OF CHANGE INDICATED BY THE SURVEY RESULTS CAN ONLY REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED; NEVERTHELESS THESE COULD PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JANUARY 1989 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN
CHAI, AT $2 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234820.
TABLE 1: ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON-HAND
AS AT THE END OF JAN. 1989 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
DEC. 88 JAN. 88
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.38 + 1 + 1
— _
WEARING APPAREL 4.72 t -1
TEXTILES 2.42 ♦ 3 -14
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.03 + 25 -4
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.60 -1 + 9
/ELECTRICAL AND
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
4
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.17
OTHERS 4.21
» CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
»
+ 4
*
TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT
INDUSTRY/SERVICES PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF JANUARY 1989
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
DEC. 88 JAN. 88
— —
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -1 -6
FOOD AND DRINKS -1 -4
WEARING APPAREL -1 -6
TEXTILES * -2
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -2 -24
FABRICATED METAL + 2
PRODUCTS -1
ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS -2 -6
OTHERS ♦ -3
# + 2
CONSTRUCTION ♦
% — —
SERVICES ♦ + 4
— —
BANKS -1 + 3
HOTELS -1 -1
PUBLIC UTILITIES * -1
OTHERS + 1 + 13
* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/TABLE J .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
5
TABLE 3: PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES PER CAPITA EARNINGS
AVERAGE AS IN JANUARY 1989 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
DEC. 88 JAN. 88
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES (HK$ ) 7,258 (%) + 44 (%) + 46
FOOD AND DRINKS 7,498 + 7 + 30
WEARING APPAREL 5,521 + 27 + 36
TEXTILES 7,422 + 47 +64
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7,670 + 63 • + 93
FABRICATED META1
PRODUCTS 7,128 + 59 + 43
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS 6,553 + 37 + 33
OTHERS 10,907 + 73 + 56
#
CONSTRUCTION 8,501 + 22 + 29
SERVICES 11,582 + 10 + 28
BANKS 10,400 -13 + 27
HOTELS 16,825 + 175 + 81
PUBLIC UTILITIES 10,600 + 10 + 17
OTHERS 13,009 + 16 + 30
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY: SITE WORKERS
EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB -CONTRACTORS ARE NOR INCLUDED •
NOTE IO TABLES 1-3: UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE FIRMS SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE FIRMS SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
0--------
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
6
CALL TO ALLAY CONCERN OVER UNIVERSITY ADMISSION
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR DOMINIC S. W. WONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) HOPED THE TWO UNIVERSITIES WOULD HELP ALLAY CONCERN OVER THEIR INTENTION TO ADOPT A JOINT ADMISSION SCHEME UNDER WHICH STUDENTS WOULD BE SELECTED FOR DEGREE COURSES DURING SECONDARY 6.
OFFICIATING AT THE INTER-SCHOOL DEBATING TROPHY COMPETITION 1988-89 HELD AT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, MR WONG SAID IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS ATTENTION HAD FOCUSED ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY TO ADOPT A JOINT ADMISSION SCHEME.
"SOME SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE EXPRESSED WORRY ABOUT THE DISRUPTING EFFECT OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME, BOTH ON THOSE SELECTED FOR ADMISSION AND THOSE NOT GIVEN CONDITIONAL OFFERS.
"SOME REPORTS HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THE PROPOSED SCHEME COULD BE INTERPRETED AS A SIGN THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WOULD EVENTUALLY DROP THE REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCED LEVELS, THAT THE PRESENT CONFUSION IN THE SIXTH FORM WOULD BE MADE WORSE AND THAT IT WOULD THEN BECOME DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE A SYSTEM OF UNIFIED ENTRY FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF SECONDARY 7.
"SUCH FEARS ARE VALID, AND I HOPE THAT THE TWO UNIVERSITIES WILL SOON DISPEL THAT FEAR BY EXPLAINING THE REAL PURPOSE BEHIND THEIR LATEST PROPOSITION AND THEIR FUTURE DIRECTION TO OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES," HE SAID.
HAVING NOTED THESE FEARS, MR WONG SAID HE HOPED THAT THIS PROPOSAL BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, IF IMPLEMENTED, WOULD ONLY BE AN INTERIM ARRANGEMENT WHICH MUST VERY SOON BE CONVERTED TO COMPLY WITH ENTRY TO FIRST DEGREE COURSES ONLY AFTER SECONDARY 7 AT THE UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
"THIS .WILL THEN BE JN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENT DECISION, PROVIDED THAT THE DETAILS OF OPERATION ARE AGREED BETWEEN ALL THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ON THE ONE HAND AND THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ON THE OTHER.
"I NEED HARDLY POINT OUT THAT WHILE CONDITIONAL OFFERS HAVE SOME ATTRACTIVE FEATURES, THERE CAN ALSO BE RISKS AND FURTHER DISRUPTION," HE SAID.
HE THUS CALLED FOR MORE OPEN DISCUSSIONS AMONG THE PARTIES CONCERNED IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY MISUNDERSTANDING AND TO WORK OUT A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENT.
HE NOTED THAT IN IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, THERE WOULD BE A TRANSITION PERIOD LASTING UNTIL THE END OF THE 1994-97 ACADEMIC TRIENNIUM FOR MAKING CHANGES.
/"GRADUALLY THEREFORE
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
"GRADUALLY THEREFORE AND CERTAINLY BEFORE 1997, ALL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ARE EXPECTED TO ACCEPT STUDENTS FOR FIRST DEGREE COURSES ONLY AFTER SECONDARY 7, AND TO USE THE SAME ADMISSION PROCEDURES.
"WE EXPECT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND MOVE INTO THE DIRECTION SET BY THE GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
0 -------
POLICE FORCE EXPECTED TO MEET CHALLENGE » » * » I
THE POLICE FORCE WILL BE EXPECTED TO MEET THE CHALLENGE DRAWING ON THE TRADITIONS OF SERVICE AND IMPARTIALITY WHICH IT HAS BUILT UP OVER 140 YEARS AND RELYING ALSO ON ITS COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE NEXT FEW YEARS WOULD BE A PERIOD OF CHANGE AND TO SOME EXTENT UNCERTAIN, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE FORCE WOULD PLAY THEIR PART WELL.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE POLIO TRAINING SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG, SIR TI LIANG TOLD THE GRADUATING OFFICERS THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER WAS A PRIME CONCERN OF ANY RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, AND WAS ESPECIALLY ESSENTIAL IN HONG KONG BECAUSE FROM THIS FLOWED STABILITY AND CONFIDENCE.
+IT IS THIS STABILITY AND CONFIDENCE UPON WHICH THE CONTINUING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG WILL BE BUILT. AND SO, TO A LARGE EXTENT, OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY DEPENDS UPON YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES, AND YOUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER IN THE COMMUNITY,* SAID SIR TI LIANG.
NOTING THAT THE OFFICERS HAD BEEN INVESTED WITH WIDE LEGAL POWERS, SIR TI LIANG REMINDED THEM TO EXERCISE THESE POWERS WITH RESTRAINT BECAUSE ABUSE OF THE POWERS WOULD NOT ONLY BRING THEM INTO CONFLICT WITH AUTHORITY BUT WOULD ALSO TARNISH THE INAGE OF THE FORCE AND BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PUBLIC.
HE ALSO TOLD THE OFFICERS TO TREAT OTHERS AS THEY THEMSELVES WOULD WISH TO BE TREATED, AND TO MAKE ALL EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN THE GOOD REPUTATION OF THE POLICE FORCE WHICH WAS DIFFICULT TO WIN BUT EASY TO LOSE.
/+BE SYMPATHETIC
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
8
+BE SYMPATHETIC AND UNDERSTANDING AND REMEMBER THAT ON MANY OCCASIONS THE PEOPLE YOU ARE DEALING WITH WILL BE FRIGHTENED, IMPATIENT OR EVEN HOSTILE. THEY WILL NOT BE THEMSELVES AND YOU MUST MAK'^ ALLOWANCE FOR THIS,* SAID THE CHIEF JUSTICE.
+ REMEMIIER, ALSO, THAT YOU HAVE SWORN AN OATH TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HONESTLY, FAITHFULLY AND DILIGENTLY,* HE NOTED.
ON !’\RADE TODAY WERE 22 INSPECTORS AND 348 CONSTABLES AS WELL AS A CONTINGENT OF 344 RECRUITS NOW UNDER TRAINING IN THE SCHOOL.
CAS WINS REPUTATION FOR ITS SERVICES *****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HAS A JUSTIFIABLY PROUD REPUTATION OF SERVICE WON OVER THE YEARS - THE PUBLIC KNOW THAT WHEN THEY CALL FOR CAS HELP IT WILL BE THERE, IT WILL BE EFFICIENT AND AID WILL BE WILLINGLY GIVEN.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS) OF THE CAS, MR JOHN FORTUNE, SAID THIS TONIGHT (SATURDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE 38TH CAS RECRUITS PASSING OUT PARADE.
MR FORTUNE DESCRIBED THE CAS AS A FAMILY OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED ORDINARY CITIZENS WHO WERE PREPARED TO SURRENDER MANY HOURS OF THEIR LEISURE TIME TO SERVE HONG KONG.
HE SAID HONG KONG WOULD DEMAND A GREAT DEAL FROM THE CAS MEMBERS WHO WOULD BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM DUTY WHEN OTHERS WERE COMFORTABLY AT HOME WATCHING TELEVISION, EATING A HEARTY MEAL, OR ENJOYING THEMSELVES ELSEWHERE.
"YOU MAY BE ON TYPHOON DUTY, OR IN THE HILLS FIGHTING A FOREST-FIRE, MOPPING UP OIL AT SEA, SEARCHING AND RESCUING LOST OR INJURED HIKERS OR ON REFUGEE DUTY IN REFUGEE CAMPS.
"BUI’ NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT OR TIRESOME - YOU MUST NEVER FORGET YOU HAVE JOINED AN UNIQUE GROUP OF PEOPLE DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR FORTUNE CONGRATULATED THE RECRUITS, SAYING: "TONIGHT SEES THE SUCCESSFUL CULMINATION OF MANY MONTHS OF HARD WORK BY BOTH THE VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS, PERMANENT CAS STAFF AND ALL OF YOU ON PARADE.
"YOUR BEARING, TURN OUT AND OBVIOUS PRIDE IN BEING MEMBERS OF THIS SERVICE IS JUST REWARD FOR THE EFFORT PUT INTO TRAINING YOU."
/HE POINTED .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
- 9 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN BECOMING FULLY FLEDGED MEMBERS OF THE CAS FAMILY, THE RECRUITS WERE EMBARKING ON A COMMUNITY SERVICE THE LIKES OF WHICH WERE SECOND TO NONE ANYWHERE.
,rYOU ARE JUST STARTING YOUR CAREERS IN THE CAS - YOU HAVE CHOSEN WELL - NEVER LET THE PUBLIC AND OUR GOOD REPUTATION DOWN.”
TONIGHT’S PARADE WAS MR FORTUNE’S LAST PARADE BEFORE HIS RETIREMENT. HE SAID THAT WHILE LEAVING WITH A SAD HEART, HE WAS ALSO HAPPY KNOWING THE CAS AND VOLUNTEERING IN HONG KONG WAS ASSURED AND IN GOOD HANDS.
"I WOULD LIKE TO ALIGN MYSELF WITH THE VOLUNTEERS ON PARADE TONIGHT, WHO HAVE RECEIVED THEIR LONG, EFFICIENT AND LOYAL SERVICE AWARDS AND THE FOUR VOLUNTEERS WHO WERE AWARDED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATIONS.
"AFTER 34 YEARS AS A VOLUNTEER, 18 WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT AND 16 WITH THE CAS, I CAN HONESTLY SAY HOW MUCH I HAVE ENJOYED MYSELF.
"IT HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN EASY, IN FACT, SOMETIME DISTINCTLY DIFFICULT," HE SAID.
"BUT THE COMRADESHIP YOU WILL FIND AMONGST VOLUNTEERS AND PERMANENT STAFF IS WONDERFUL, THE ESPRIT DE CORPS AND MORALE HIGH, YOU WILL MAKE NEW FRIENDS, ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS AND ALL THE TIME BE MAKING YOUR HOME, HONG KONG. A BETTER AND SAFER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE," HE CONCLUDED.
-----0 -
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE EARNS HIGH REPUTATION t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THROUGH THE HARD WORK AND PROFESSIONALISM OF ITS MEMBERS, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HAS RIGHTLY WON FOR ITSELF A VERY HIGH REPUTATION IN HONG KONG AND ABROAD, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DESIGNATE}, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) AT A CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE PASSING OUT PARADE.
MR CHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD MADE EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROTECTING THE REVENUE, SUPPRESSING ILLEGAL TRAFFIC IN NARCOTICS AND OTHER CONTRABAND, SAFEGUARDING THE INTERNATIONAL CREDIBILITY OF THE EXPORT LICENSING AND ORIGIN CERT I FI ('ATION SYSTEMS, AND ENFORCING COPYRIGHT AND TRADE DESCRIPTIONS LEGISLATION.
AS THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE BECOMING WIDER, THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED IN THE TRAINING COURSE WOULD ENABLE THE NEW RECRUITS TO CONTRIBUTE TO VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE SERVICE, HE ADDED.
/THE 45 .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
- 10
THE 45 INSPECTORS AND 86 CUSTOMS OFFICERS ON PARADE, HAVING COMPLETED THEIR INDUCTION TRAINING COURSE, WILL IMMEDIATELY JOIN THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK.
?iR CHAN BECOMES SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ON MONDAY (MARCH 20) .
- - 0 --------
ECONOMIC RELATIONS GROWING BETWEEN CHINA AND HK
******
THE STRONG AND GROWING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG REFLECTS THE GROWING INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN THE TWO ECONOMIES AS WELL AS THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE THAT HONG KONG IS PLAYING IN THE MODERNISATION OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY IN A BROADER SENSE.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WESTERN UNITED STATES, MR JACK CHAN, SAID THIS IN AN ADDRESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW CONFERENCE AT THE LOYOLA LAW SCHOOL IN LOS ANGELES YESTERDAY.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT AS CHINA’S ECONOMY CONTINUED TO DEVELOP, HONG KONG'S POSITION AS HER GATEWAY TO THE WORLD WOULD BE FURTHER ENHANCED.
"FURTHERMORE, HONG KONG HAS ALSO EMERGED AS THE PRINCIPAL INTERMEDIARY FOR TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND TAIWAN AND KOREA.
"FOR EXAMPLE, LAST YEAR HONG KONG IS ESTIMATED TO HAVE HANDLED UP TO 80 PER CENT OF CHINA-TAIWAN TRADE, VALUED AT ABOUT US$1.5 BILLION," MR CHAN NOTED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR SUCH A REMARKABLE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA - UP 36.5 PER CENT AND 57.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER 1987 - WAS DUE TO HONG KONG'S SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE WITH CHINA.
"MUCH OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING IS BEING SUB-CONTRACTED BY HONG KONG BUSINESSES TO CHINA. AT THE MOMENT, SOME TWO MILLION WORKERS IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY EMPLOYED BY HONG KONG COMPANIES."
MR CHAN TOLD HIS AUDIENCE THAT HONG KONG WAS NOW THE LARGEST SOURCE OF OUTSIDE INVESTMENT IN CHINA, ACCOUNTING FOR SOME 60 PER CENT OF UTILISED FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE COUNTRY, WHILE HONG KONG ALSO PROVIDED ONE THIRD OF CHINA’S TOTAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS.
ON THE OTHER HAND , CHINA HAD ALSO INCREASED HER STAKE IN HONG KONG AND WAS NOW THE THIRD LARGEST SOURCE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
/TURNING TO........
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
TURNING TO THE FUTURE, MR CHAN SAID HE DID NOT DOUBT THE STRONG DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE UP TO AND BEYOND 1997.
AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF MAJOR NEW PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROJECTS WERE GOING AHEAD IN HONG KONG AND MOST OF THEM WITH A PAY BACK DATE NOT UNTIL THE NEXT CENTURY.
THE PROJECTS, TOTALLING OVER US$1 BILLION, INCLUDED A NEW UNIVERSITY, A NEW LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM, TWO NEW HOSPITALS, A MAJOR ROAD TUNNEL LINKING TWO LARGE TOWNS AND A NEW CULTURAL COMPLEX, HE NOTED.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS JUST AS ENCOURAGING, MR CHAN POINTED OUT, WITH PROJECTS TOTALLING OVER US$3 BILLION.
’’SUCH A SCALE OF INVESTMENT IS HARD TO FIND AMONG COMPARABLE ECONOMIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD AND IS REMARKABLE EVEN BY HONG KONG STANDARDS," MR CHAN EMPHASISED.
THE PREVIOUS WEEK MR CHAN HAD ADDRESSED A DINNER MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, ALUMNI ON HONG KONG'S CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF 1997.
-----0------
VR CHILDREN HELP IN FLAG DAY
*****
TWELVE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CHILDREN FROM THE SHAM SHUI PO CLOSED CENTRE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING HELPED IN A FLAG DAY TO RAISE FUND FOR A WORLDWIDE ORGANISATION, OXFAM.
THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE CHARITY ACTIVITY WAS ARRANGED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND OXFAM.
THE 12 CHILDREN, WHO ARE AMONG THE 60-ODD BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES IN THE SHAM SHUI PO CENTRE, SOLD FLAGS AT THE EXITS OF THE MTR STATION IN THE DISTRICT.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE VR CHILDREN CAN SHARE THE SPIRIT OF HELPING OTHERS BY PARTICIPATING IN THE FLAG DAY," A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN FACT, THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDING VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES TO VOLUNTARY AND WELFARE ORGANISATIONS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD," HE NOTED.
/THE SPOKESMAN........
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
- 12 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES FROM THE CENTRE INCLUDED REGULAR VISITS TO THE HOME OF LOVE AND THE HOME OF ELDERLY AT LAI KOK ESTATE.
APART FROM PROVIDING CLEANING SERVICES, THEY ALSO HELPED ORGANISE PICNICS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE HOMES.
’’THE VR CHILDREN HAVE ALSO BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM IN COMMUNITY EVENTS SUCH AS THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0-------
MORE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES PLANNED t * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO SET UP 60 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES OF WHICH 18 WILL BE LOCATED IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT COMPLEXES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
AT PRESENT, THER! ARE 228 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY, 14 OF WHICH ARE LOCATED IN PRIVATE DEVELOPED PREMISES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A YOUTH CENTRE IN LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN IN TSUEN WAN OPERATED BY THE YMCA, MR LAW INDICATED THAT CENTRES IN PRIVATE DEVELOPED PREMISES COULD SUPPLEMENT THOSE SET UP IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
"IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRESENT PACE OF PROVISION, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE DEMAND FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY WOULD BE MET WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR TO FIVE YEARS,” HE SAID.
MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, CATERING FOR RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS, WERE AN INTEGRATED PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDED AN ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTH OUTSIDE SCHOOLS AND THEIR HOMES.
HE SAID THAT THESE CENTRES, SPREAD TERRITORY-WIDE AND IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OR PRIVATE DEVELOPED COMPLEXES, WERE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO BOTH THE YOUTHS AND THEIR PARENTS.
"THIS WOULD ENABLE PARENTS TO GET TO KNOW THE NATURE OF THE ACTIVITIES THEIR CHILDREN ARE TAKING PART IN, AND TO REFLECT THEIR OPINIONS TO THE MANAGEMENT OR SOCIAL WORKERS CONCERNED.
"SOCIAL WORKERS IN THESE CENTRES ARE TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN ORGANISING AND ARRANGING SUITABLE ACTIVITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE YOUTHS AND DEMAND FROM VARIOUS TARGETTED GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT.
/"THESE ACTIVITIES .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
15
"THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE THE HOME SAFETY MESSAGES, AND PUBLIC SPIRIT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION; AND SERVICES FOR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
"THESE ACTIVITIES ALSO HELP TO PROMOTE THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES, FOSTERING IN THEM A SENSE OF MUTUAL CO-OPERATION AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY," MR LAW SAID.
IN THE PAST 30 YEARS, THE YMCA HAD PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROVIDING YOUTH SERVICES IN TSUEN WAN, WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VARIOUS WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, HE SAID.
MR LAW ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR PROVIDING PIONEER SERVICES IN YOUTH WORK IN THE PAST 80 YEARS TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
BESIDES YOUTH SERVICES, THE ASSOCIATION ALSO OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES SUCH AS OUTREACHING SOCIAL SERVICE, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND REHABILITATION SERVICES, HE NOTED.
- 0 --------
NEW CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IN YUEN LONG
» » » » ♦
THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR CARLOS LEUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE USE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AS A PLACE TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE PROPERLY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LONG PING CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IN YUEN LONG OPERATED BY THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING, MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THESE CENTRES COULD HELP YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX AND 24 TO DEVELOP INTO MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.
THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THESE CENTRES COULD ALSO HELP ENHANCE YOUNG PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
THROUGH GROUP WORK AND COUNSELLING, YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD LEARN HOW TO TACKLE PERSONAL PROBLEMS AS WELL AS DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY AND A PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE FAMILY.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAI WITH THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE TODAY, THERE WERE NOW TWO CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES TO SERVE THE 40,000 POPULATION OF LONG PING ESTATE.
"I HOPE YOUNG PEOPLE HERE WILL MAKE FULL USE OF THE CENTRE.
"PARENTS SHOULD ALSO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACTS WITH THE STAFF OF THE CENTRE SO THAT THEIR VIEWS CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO PROGRAMMES PLANNED BY THE CENTRE," HE SAID.
THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING IS NOW OPERATING SEVEN CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES. THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LONG PING CENTRE HAS EXCEEDED 1,700 SINCE IT CAME INTO SERVICE IN MAY LAST YEAR.
--------0----------
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
- 14
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN KWAI TSING
*****
ABOUT 150 FACTORY OWNERS AND OPERATORS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT TOOK PART IN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE DB COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI, SAID KWAI TSING DISTRICT WAS A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH MORE THAN 100 MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, MOST OF WHICH WERE OVER 10 YEARS OLD.
AS MOST FACTORY OWNERS AND OPERATORS WERE INDIFFERENT TOWARDS BUILDING MANAGEMENT, IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, HE SAID.
FOR THIS REASON, THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE HAD ORGANISED THE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION USING DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
A 44-PAGE HANDBOOK ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT WAS ALSO PRODUCED, MR CHAN SAID.
GUEST SPEAKERS AT TODAY’S SEMINAR INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, WHO SPOKE ON THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S WORK; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTE OF HOUSING (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR FRANK WONG, WHO INTRODUCED THE ROLE OF HOUSING MANAGERS.
A BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, MR DAVY YUEN, AND A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR C.M. CHAU, SPOKE RESPECTIVELY ON INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT DISCHARGE AND AIR POLLUTION; WHILE A SENIOR CONSULTANT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, MR K.L. TSANG, GAVE TECHNICAL ADVICE ON THESE TWO ASPECTS.
THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM, MR K.S. LEE, OUTLINED THE COMMON PROBLEMS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM HAD ORGANISED SIMILAR SEMINAR. AND TRAINING COURSES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THEY HAD PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AMONG FACTORY OWNERS AND OPERATORS.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S SEMINAR WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT.
- - 0 -
/15
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
15
COMMUNITY DAY IN SHA TIN ♦ * * * ♦
MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD VISITED THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI THIS (SATURDAY! MORNING.
THE VISIT WAS ONE OF THE EVENTS OF THE COMMUNITY DAY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARGARET FONG, THE MEMBERS TOURED THE PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE AND WERE BRIEFED ON ITS FACILITIES FOR HOLDING MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE PARTY THEN RETURNED TO SHA TIN TO JOIN ABOUT 100 LOCAL COMMUNITY WORKERS INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS AND ARTS ASSOCIATIONS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THEY SPENT THE AFTERNOON AT THE HENG ON ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN MA ON SHAN EXCHANGING VIEWS ON THEIR COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES AS WELL AS SHARING SOME FUN IN COMPETITIVE GAMES.
THE COMMUNITY DAY IN SHA TIN WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO PROVIDE AN INFORMAL GATHERING FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY WORKERS TO SHARE THEIR WORKING EXPERIENCES.
-----0------
PAMPHLET ON OUTLYING ISLANDS PUBLISHED BY DB
*****
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TRAVELLING ON LANTAU, CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU AND LAMMA ISLAND CAN NOW GET A FREE COPY OF A COLOURFUL PAMPHLET ON THESE ISLANDS PUBLISHED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
THE PAMPHLET FEATURES BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS ON SELECTED SCENIC SPOTS AND PLACES OF INTEREST ON THE FOUR ISLANDS, SUPPLEMENTED WITH COLOUR PICTURES AND MAP ILLUSTRATIONS.
HELPFUL INFORMATION SUCH AS THE DATES OF TRADITIONAL AND FERRY TIMETABLES ARE ALSO GIVEN.
FESTIVALS
IN RECENT YEARS, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT’S POTENTIAL IN DEVELOPING TOURISM IS APPARENT AS THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, SOARS.
MOST OF THE VISITORS ARE ATTRACTED BY THE TRANQUIL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE ISLANDS AND THE RURAL LIFESTYLE OF THEIR PEOPLE.
/THE INFLUX.........
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
16 -
THE INFLUX OF TOURISTS, WHICH IS PARTICULARLY GREAT DURING HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS, HAS ALSO BROUGHT WITH IT JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR THE ISLANDERS.
HENCE, THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN MID-1987 UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ADVISE IT ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS RELATED TO TOURISM IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO HELPS IMPROVE THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL PEOPLE IN MAKING THESE CHARMING ISLANDS A BETTER PLACE FOR HOLIDAYMAKERS.
PUBLICATION OF THE PAMPHLET IS PART OF THE COMMITTEE’S WORK TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE DISTRICT.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 38 PIER ROAD, HARBOUR BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, CENTRAL, AND ITS COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICES AT MUI WO AND CHEUNG CHAU; TRAVEL OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG FERRY (HOLDINGS) CO. LTD.; HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION’S OFFICES; RURAL COMMITTEES’ OFFICES; AND THE BUS TERMINAL AT MUI WO, LANTAU.
------0-------
KEEP HK CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING ON MONDAY *****
THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF INDISCRIMINATE DUMPINGS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (MARCH 20).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT ON KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES ARRANGED FOR THIS MONTH, AND A REPORT ON THE "SEMINAR ON HONG KONG’S PLASTIC WASTE PROBLEM" HELD ON FEBRUARY 27.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE THE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE "CAMPAIGN ON THE DISCRIMINATE USE/REUSE/RECYCLI NG OF PLASTIC BAGS" AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1989-90 KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO (’OVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, THIRD FLOOR, EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL.
-----o------
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
17
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLIES
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 20) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AN AREA BOUNDED BY TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, CHUNG WUI STREET, LOK KWAN STREET, FUK LEE STREET, SYCAMORE STREET AND LARCH STREET INCLUDING WAI ON STREET, MEI ON STREET AND MAN ON STREET.
THE SUPPLY OF POTABLE WATER TO CERTAIN TSUEN WAN PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 21) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG WO YI HOP ROAD FROM NGONG HOM ROAD TO CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, LO WAI ROAD, HILL TOP ROAD, YI PEI CHUN ROAD, CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, ROUTE TWISK, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, CHEUNG SHAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, KWU HANG CHUEN, HILL TOP COUNTRY CLUB, SAM TUNG UK, LO WAI, HOI PA CHUEN, PAK TIN PA CHUEN, MA SIN PAI CHUEN, SAI LAU KOK CHUEN, MUK MIN HA CHUEN, TUNG PO TO, FU YUNG SHAN, CHUK LAM SIM YUEN, YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN AND SAN CHUEN.
ALSO ON TUESDAY, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN TSUEN WAN PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 10 AM THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF WATER WORKS.
I
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, LO WAI ROAD, HILL TOP ROAD, YI PEI CHUN ROAD, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, CHEUNG SHAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, SAM TUNG UK, HOI PA CHUEN, LO WAI AND HILL TOP COUNTRY CLUB.
-----0------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $2,011,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER DY1 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $600,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER BB8 WAS SOLI) AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $340,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR DZ8980, DZ795, DZ7555 AND DY9394.
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
18
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY ’S AUCTION
$ $ $ $
DY148 36,000 DZ128 40,000 DY1 600,000 AA728 42,000
DZ1686 3,000 CK5 5 27,000 DY843 8,000 AB132 20,000
6779 30,000 DZ884 5,000 AZ690 3,000 DZ659 2,000
BY988 26,000 AZ786 7,000 AA2881 12,000 HK389 51,000
DX7 135,000 BB8 340,000 DZ168 100,000 8317 21,000
DZ1088 4,000 DZ5251 9,000 DZ9899 6,000 DZ8886 15,000
DZ381 3,000 DZ3888 13,000 BC6687 4,000 DZ795 1,000
AY161 21,000 CE182 28,000 DZ3 300,000 DY515 5,000
DZ8980 1,000 AR903 22,000 DY8302 6,000 DZ7555 1,000
AC938 20,000 DY887 8,000 AK4 7 35,000 DY9394 1,000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 136TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $82,255,532.
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON SHA TIN ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, SECTIONS OF SHA TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 21).
THE SLOW LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM SHA TIN ROAD TO TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON MARCH 21 AND 23.
IN ADDITION, THE FAST LANE AND CENTRE LANE OF THE SAME ROAD SECTION WILL BE CLOSED DAILY FROM 7 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY ON THESE TWO DAYS.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARF AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
O
/19
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1989
19
ROAD CLOSURE IN FANLING *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SOUTHWEST SLIP ROAD OF WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE LEADING FROM TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) NORTHBOUND TO FANLING WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 21).
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT NINE MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED TO WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT VIA THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION OR TO KAI LENG INTERCHANGE.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, MjJiCH 19, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMUNITY GROUPS ST^RT OFF TREE PL'iNTING SCHEME................. 1
REHmBUS SERVICE TO BE EXPANDED................................... 2
JOB BAZAAR TO NET MUCH-NEEDED TkLEMTS........................... **
DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL PRAISED FOR ITS WORK 6
MA ON SHjlN FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE SENSE OF BELONGING............... 6
CIVIC EDUCATION C.iMP IN NORTH DISTRICT ......................... 7
SHA TIN DB TO DISCUSS STANDING ORDERS ........................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SURVEY ON ROkD SAFETY FACILITIES 9
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME......... 9
dancing teams to show winning style............................. 10
POLICE FORCE MUSEUM TO CLOSE DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS............. 10
CSD RECEIVES GR<lNT FOR SETTING UP L/JiGU^GE LrB................ 11
YOUTH GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS........................ 12
NEW ROAD IN TAI PO COMPLETED.................................... 13
CONSTRUCTION OF A JETTY AUTHORISED.............................. 13
si ', } . MARCH I 9, 1989
1
COMMUNITY GROUPS START OFF TREF PLANTING SCHEME » * * i »
MORE THAN 1,500 LIONS CLUBS AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG GOT TOGETHER AT PAK TAM AU, SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK THIS (SUNDAY! MORNING TO TURN A CHARRED HILL SLOPE INTO A PLANTATION AREA WELL COVERED WITH TREE SEEDLINGS.
THEY WERE THE TWO COMMUNITY GROUPS WHICH VOLUNTEERED THEIR SUPPORT AT THE LAUNCHING EVENT OF THE 1989 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR THE 32ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
THEIR TURNOUT IN FORCE IMPRESSED THE MANY DISTINGUISHED GUESTS PRESENT AT THE OCCASION INCLUDING THE SENIOR LEGCO MEMBER, MR ALLEN LEE, WHO DESCRIBED IT AS "A GOOD EXAMPLE OF GROUP PARTICIPATION".
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE TWO GROUPS FOR THEIR VERY FINE EFFORTS, MR LEE SAID HE HOPED TO SEE MORE COMMUNITY GROUPS JOINING THIS YEAR’S TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO HELP SPREAD THE CONSERVATION MESSAGE.
ADDRESSING THE PARTICIPANTS AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE MONTH-LONG TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME, MR LEE SAID: "ALTHOUGH HONG KONG IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CITIES, FAMOUS FOR ITS BUSTLING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRES, ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF ITS LAND AREA HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS COUNTRY PARKS TO PROVIDE A SCENIC BACKDROP TO OUR HIGHLY CONGESTED URBAN AREAS.
"IT IS A GREAT PITY THAT THE BEAUTY OF OUR COUNTRY PARKS IS BEDEVILLED EACH YEAR BY HILL FIRES DURING THE DRY SEASON."
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT ALL HILL FIRES WERE CAUSED BY HUMAN NEGLIGENCE AND THEY COULD BE PREVENTED IF EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY SHOWED MORE RESPECT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT BY HANDLING FIRE WITH CARE IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
"MAY I THEREFORE REMIND MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT THEY HAVE A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP IN KEEPING OUR COUNTRYSIDE GREEN AND FREE FROM ANY FIRE DAMAGE," HE SAID.
MR LEE NOTED THAT TREE PLANTING WAS ESSENTIAL IN STOPPING SOIL EROSION, IN BEAUTIFYING THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT AND IN REPLENISHING THE STOCK OF TREES DAMAGED BY HILL FIRES.
"INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY IN TREE PLANTING HELPS PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
"I WOULD LIKE TO ('ALL UPON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SHOW THEIR CONCERN FOR OUR COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT BY TAKING PART IN THIS MEANINGFUL PROJECT," HE ADDED.
/ALSO OFFICIATING........
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
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ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR TONY BENNETT; THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR L.N. SHUN AND MR PAUL FAN; AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, MR KELLY CHENG.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, MR LEE, ACCOMPANIED BY MR BENNETT, LED THE GUEST PARTY AND THE VOLUNTEERS IN PLANTING THE FIRST TREES OF THE YEAR.
TODAY’S EVENT WAS CO-ORGANISED BY THE AFD AND THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TELELVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED.
A SERIES OF TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC WILL BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH AND IN APRIL IN EIGHT DESIGNATED PLANTING SITES IN VARIOUS COUNTRY PARKS.
TREE SEEDLINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FOR PLANTING BY INTERESTED PUBLIC AT THE EIGHT PLANTING SITES ON ANY SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY FROM MARCH 24 TO APRIL 30.
THE EIGHT SITES ARE TAI MO SHAN, TAI MEI TUK, MUI WO, POK FU LAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG, CLEAR WATER BAY AND TAI TONG.
PARK WARDENS WILL BE ON DUTY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM ON EVERY TREE PLANTING DAY TO PROVIDE TREE SEEDLINGS, TOOLS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
TO TIE IN WITH THE THEME OF "GROUP PARTICIPATION", TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED ON WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS DURING THE PERIOD.
INTERESTED SCHOOLS OR ORGANISATIONS ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT'S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 3-7332121 FOR ARRANGEMENTS.
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REHABUS SERVICE TO BE EXPANDED
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THE REHABUS SERVICE IS A SUCCESSFUL SPECIAL TRANSPORT SERVICE SPECIFICALLY AVAILABLE FOR THE DISABLED AND IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND EXPAND THE SERVICE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHAB 1 I. ITAI'I ON TO ANNOUNCE NEW REHABUS SERVICES, MR SO SAID THAT AN IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE OF GOVERNMENT’S TRANSPORT POLICY FOR THE DISABLED IS TO IMPROVE THE MOBILITY OF THE DISABLED SO AS TO HELP THEM INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY.
/"THE REHABUS .......
SUWDAX, MARCH 19, 1909
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"THE REHABUS IS A SPECIAL MINIBUS SERVICE OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHAB1LITATION, WITH SUBVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND OVERALL ASSISTANCE ON PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL ASPECTS TENDERED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
"IN 1989-90, A TOTAL OF $2.9 MILLION HAS BEEN VOTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS REHABUS SUBVENTION GRANTS."
MR SO NOTED THAT TWO KINDS OF BUS SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO MEET DIFFERENT DEMANDS: THE SCHEDULED SERVICES AND DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICES.
THE SCHEDULED SERVICES OPERATE ON FIXED ROUTES DURING THE PEAK PERIODS, AND ARE USED BY DISABLED PEOPLE TO ATTEND EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND EDUCATION.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 26 REHABUS ROUTES SERVING VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON, SHA TIN, AND TSUEN WAN. TOGETHER THEY CARRY ABOUT 300 PASSENGERS PER DAY.
"IT IS OUR POLICY TO ENCOURAGE THE GRADUAL EXPANSION OF SCHEDULED REHABUS SERVICES TO THE NEW TOWNS.
"IN THE COMING YEAR, FOUR NEW ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO TAI PO, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND JUNK BAY," MR SO SAID.
ON DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICES, MR SO SAID THAT THEY ARE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST BY DISABLED PEOPLE TO ATTEND SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS.
UP TO THE PRESENT, THESE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ONLY DURING THE OFF-PEAK PERIODS USING VEHICLES WHICH ARE RELEASED FROM THE SCHEDULED ROUTES.
THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION WILL NOW EXTEND THE DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICES TO WHOLE DAY OPERATION.
"TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE REHABUS SERVICE, WE HAVE RECENTLY ENGAGED CONSULTANTS TO STUDY THE SERVICE’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
"THE CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN ASKED, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, TO PRODUCE A ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR REHABUS SERVICES IN THE COMING FIVE YEARS, AND TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF USING COMPUTERS TO FACILITATE BOOKING AND SCHEDULING OF REHABUS SERVICES.
"THE STUDY WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR."
MR SO ALSO OUTLINED OTHER MEASURES WHICH WERE IMPLEMENTED IN RECENT YEARS TO FACILITATE THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT BY THE DISABLED. THES1 INCLUDED THE INSTALLATION OF LIFTS AND RAMPS AT RAILWAY STATIONS; THE PROVISION OF NON-SLIP FLOORS ON BUSES AND FERRY RAMPS, AND FARE CONCESSIONS ON SOME FERRY AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES.
/AS REBARDS........
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
AS REGARDS SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO FACILITATE DISABLED PEOPLE TO OWN AND USE THEIR CARS, THESE INCLUDE EXEMPTION FROM DRIVING LICENCE FEES FOR DISABLED DRIVERS, EXEMPTION FROM VEHICLE LICENCE FEES FOR PRIVATE CARS WITH CYLINDER CAPACITY NOT EXCEEDING 1,500 ML, AND FROM FIRST REGISTRATION TAX FOR PRIVATE CARS OF C.I.F. VALUE NOT EXCEEDING $30,000.
PARKING SPACED ARE RESERVED IN PUBLIC CARPARKS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS. IN ADDITION, IN 1988, A PILOT SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED UNDER WHICH SOME ONSTREET PARKING SPACES WERE DESIGNATED FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF DISABLED DRIVERS.
THE RESULTS OF THIS PILOT SCHEME WILL SOON BE REVIEWED, AND SUBJECT TO THE FINDINGS, THE SCHEME MAY BE MADE A PERMANENT FEATURE AND EXTENDED TO OTHER AREAS.
FOR DISABLED PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND WHO DO NOT OWN CARS, CENTRE-BASED SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY REHABILITATION CENTRES SUCH AS SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, SO THAT THE DISABLED CAN ATTEND REHABILITATION SERVICES IN THESE PLACES.
"TO FURTHER IMPROVE TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, A WORKING GROUP ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED HAS RECENTLY BEEN SET UP," MR SO SAID.
"IT WILL IDENTIFY EXISTING DEFICIENCIES AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS, WHERE POSSIBLE. THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE.
"THIS WORKING GROUP WILL SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE LATER THIS YEAR,” MR SO ADDED.
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JOB BAZAAR TO NET MUCH-NEEDED TALENTS
JOB-SEEKERS WILL SOON HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TO UPDATE THEMSELVES ON THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND THE RECENT TREND IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO HOLD ANOTHER JOB BAZAAR TO TAP POTENTIAL LABOUR RESOURCES AND HELP RAISE THE OVERALL LABOUR PARTICIPATION RATE TN THE TERRITORY.
IT IS ALSO THE FIRST COLLECTIVE RECRUITMENT DRIVE TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR, FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THREE SIMILAR EXERCISES LAST YEAR.
/"THE BAZAAR .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
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"THE BAZAAR, TO BE HELD AT THE CITYPLAZA IN TAIKOO SHING, IS AIMED AT HELPTNG EMPLOYERS TO PUBLICISE THEIR JOB VACANCIES AND ATTRACTING MORE JOB-SEEKERS TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT OR FINDING A MORE SUITABLE CAREER," THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT'S EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION, MR JAMES YEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"IT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE, CORDIAL AND DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS, THEREBY REDUCING THEIR TIME NEEDED EITHER TO FILL VACANCIES OR TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT.
"BY APPEALING TO PEOPLE WHO SELDOM TAKE HEED OF RECRUITMENT MESSAGES, IT IS ALSO EXPECTED TO HELP EASE THE CURRENT LABOUR SHORTAGE," HE EXPLAINED.
THE THREE BAZAARS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR IN SHA TIN, TAIKOO SHING AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECEIVED OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM BOTH EMPLOYERS AND THE PUBLIC.
MORE THAN 50 ESTABLISHMENTS FROM A CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS TOOK PART IN THE EVENTS AND SUCCEEDED IN FILLING MANY OF THEIR VACANCIES.
"ACCORDING TO THEIR RECORDS, A TOTAL OF 400,000 LEAFLETS ON VACANCIES WERE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD, 37,000 EMPLOYMENT ENQUIRIES WERE RECEIVED, 2,400 INTERVIEWS MADE ON THE SPOT, AND ANOTHER 5,400 INTERVIEWS ARRANGED FOR JOB-SEEKERS SUBSEQUENTLY," MR YEUNG SAID.
"THESE VERY SATISFACTORY RESULTS CONFIRMED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH AN APPROACH TO STAFF RECRUITMENT."
THIS YEAR’S BAZAAR WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 27 AND 30 AT THE CENTRAL WALKWAY OF THE CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING, TO COINCIDE WITH THE CLOSE OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
FRESH SCHOOL-LEAVERS MAY ATTEND THE FUNCTION AND CONSIDER CHOOSING A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR INTERESTS AND TALENTS.
IF THEY SHOULD FIND A SUITABLE POSITION, THEY CAN PROCEED IMMEDIATELY WITH APPLICATION FORMALITIES RIGHT ON THE SPOT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 24 ESTABLISHMENTS COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES WILL TAKE PART IN THE BAZAAR, WITH ONE TO TWO COMPANIES REPRESENTING EACH PARTICULAR TRADE OR INDUSTRY.
"AS THE BAZAAR IS LIKELY TO BE OVER-SUBSCRIBED BY EMPLOYERS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS, INTERESTED COMPANIES ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"THE BAZAAR PLACES WILL BE OFFERED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
"EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-8524157 FOR MORE INFORMATION," MR YEUNG ADDED.
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DISTRICT RECREATION AN!' SPORTS COUNCIL PRAISED F’R ITS WORK ♦ ♦ * t ♦
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GREGORY LEUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRAISED THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL EOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO PROMOTING RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
’’THE COUNCIL HAS, SINCE ITS FORMATION, ACTIVELY ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS VARIOUS RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE FIRST AND SECOND DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVALS AND THE 1984 AND 1986 DISTRICT FESTIVALS.” MR LEUNG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL IS ONE OF THE ORGANISERS OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR.
"THESE DISTRICT ACTIVITIES HAD ENHANCED RESIDENTS1 INTEREST AND STANDARD IN RECREATION AND SPORTS AS WELL AS THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING,” MR LEUNG ADDED.
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COUNCIL’S NEW CLUB HOUSE AT LUNG KUT HOUSE, LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE.
’’WITH THE PROVISION OF THE NEW CLUB HOUSE, I BELIEVE THE COUNCIL CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A MORE PROMISING FUTURE IN ITS WORK,” HE SAID.
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1976. ITS MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE VARIOUS RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT BY ORGANISING THE ACTIVITIES FOR ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER GUESTS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY INCLUDED THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU, AND THE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE COUNCIL.
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MA ON SHAN FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE SENSE OF BELONGING t ♦ ♦ ♦ »
IN VIEW OF THE RAPID POPULATION GROWTH IN MA ON SHAN, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A MA ON SHAN FESTIVAL TO HELP FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE RESIDENTS THERE AND TO PROMOTE HEALTHY FAMILY LIFE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, POINTED OUT THAT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL WERE DESIGNED FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AS WELL AS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO TAKE PART.
A PAINTING COMPETITION ON THE THEME “MA ON SHAN IS MY HOME" HAD BEEN HELD AMONG THE FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
/"ABOUT 300 .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
“ABOUT 300 YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK PART IN A MARATHON RACE EARLIER THIS MORNING WHILE A CANTONESE OPERA NIGHT WILL BE STAGED AT THE HANG ON ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE TONIGHT TO ENTERTAIN THE ELDERLY," MR YUNG SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, A FAMILY DAY CAMP WILL BE HELD NEXT SUNDAY (MARCH 26) AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP WHERE MEMBERS OF FAMILIES IN THE DISTRICT CAN SHARE A DAY OF FUN AND ENJOY A BARBECUE LUNCH," HE ADDED.
WINNERS OF THE PAINTING COMPETITION AND THE MARATHON RACE WERE AWARDED PRIZES AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR LI PO-MING AND MR CHAN TO-YEUNG; AND THE DISTRICT’S SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MRS LESLIE HUNG.
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CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP IN NORTH DISTRICT ♦ ♦ ♦ t *
A GROUP OF 20 STUDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT SPENT THEIR WEEKEND LEARNING MORE ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT DURING A TWO-DAY CAMP WHICH ENDED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CAMP, HELD AT THE FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE AND HOSTEL, WAS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HELD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE NORTH DISTRICT STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
IT WAS CO-ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE AND HOSTEL AND THE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICE; THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION; AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS CHEUNG WAH CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRE.
"THE ORGANISERS HOPE THAT THE PARTICIPANTS, BESIDES SHARING THE FUN OF CAMPING, WILL HAVE BEEN MADE MORE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.
"IN ADDITION, WE HOPE THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF ’EDUCATION THROUGH RECREATION’ HAS BEEN ACHIEVED," SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
ON THE FIRST DAY, THE PARTICIPANTS, ALL FORM THREE AND FOUR STUDENTS, WERE GIVEN A TALK ON CIVIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS BY A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR MAK HOI-WAH.
/ON THE .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
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ON THE SECOND DAY, THEY VISITED SHA TAU KOK TOWN, WITHIN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA, WHICH IS UNDERGOING A $300 MILLION FACELIFT.
THEY SAW HOW A LOW-DENSITY SELF-CONTAINED TOWNSHIP, COMPLETE WITH LOW-COST PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS, MODERN AMENITIES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, IS TAKING SHAPE.
OTHER ACTIVITIES ON THE CAMP PROGRAMME INCLUDED EDUCATIONAL GAMES ORGANISED BY THE ICAC, A BARBECUE AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
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SHA TIN DB TO DISCUSS STANDING ORDERS *****
MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL SEEK TO CLARIFY THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD STANDING ORDERS AT THE BOARD’S MEETING ON TUESDAY (MARCH 21).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS SOME PROPOSED ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES TO THE STANDING ORDERS.
A PAPER ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AS AT MARCH 3, 1989 WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING. MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED ESTIMATES FOR THE BOARD FOR THE YEAR 1989-90.
TWO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE MONITORING OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
THEY WILL URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW THE CORPORATION’S HUGE PAYMENT TO ITS FORMER SENIOR OFFICERS AND THE COMPOSITION OF ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
ANOTHER MEMBER WILL RAISE A QUESTION REGARDING YELLOW SUBSTANCES FOUND IN TAP WATER IN SOME HOUSING ESTATES RECENTLY.
OTHER TOPICS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT; APPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL DISTRICT SUBSIDY; THE OUTCOME OF A REVIEW OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME; AND A PROGRESS REPORT BY THE CONCERN GROUP ON WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION ON TUESDAY (MARCH 21).
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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/9........
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SURVEY ON ROAD SAFETY FACILITIES * * * * *
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A SURVEY REPORT ON THE VIEWS OF THE ELDERLY PEOPLE ON ROAD SAFETY FACILITIES IN THE D'STPTCT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS CHANGES TO TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SCIENCE MUSEUM SQUARE AND GRANVILLE ROAD, AND A PROPOSED GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE FROM KING S PARK RISE TO TSIM SHA TSUI.
ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM IS THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FOR
FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE SECRETARY OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD, MR LEUNG YIU-HONG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SCHEME, WHICH WAS REVISED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, AND ANSWER QUESTIONS CONCERNING ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF THE SCHEME ON THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO HEAR A REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROVISION OF SERVICES IN KWUN TONG BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMEN1.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENDORSE A GRANT OF $90 000 TO THE KWUN TONG MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION ORGANISING COMMIT ILE FOR*IMPLEMENTING A MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT IN JUNE AND JULY THIS YEAR.
/ALSO ON .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
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ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE THE PROPOSED WORK PLAN FOR 1989-90 AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS BEING MONITORED BY THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
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DANCING TEAMS TO SHOW WINNING STYLE *****
THE NINETEEN WINNING TEAMS IN THE 18TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST WILL PERFORM AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4.
THE TWO-HOUR SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
THERE WILL BE A VARIETY OF CHOREOGRAPHY TO BE PERFORMED BY OUTSTANDING DANCERS SELECTED FROM THE 66 TEAMS COMPETING IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE CONTEST HELD IN JANUARY. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE WESTERN, ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL AND MODERN DANCING.
TICKETS FOR THE SHOW, AT $20, $30 AND $40, ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
THE 18TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB.
POLICE FORCE MUSEUM TO CLOSE DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS
*****
THE POLICE FORCE MUSEUM AT 27 COOMBE ROAD, WAN CHAI, WILL BE CLOSED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BETWEEN MARCH 24 (FRIDAY) AND 27 (MONDAY) DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A POLICE SPOKEMAN SAID THAT THE MUSEUM HOUSED AN INTERRESTING DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND MATERIALS ON THE HISTORY AND WORK OF THE POLICE FORCE.
/THE NORMAL .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
THE NORMAL OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY AND 2 PM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS, TUESDAY MORNINGS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ESTABLISHED IN 1976, THE MUSEUM WAS ORIGINALLY CONTAINED WITHIN THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND MOVED TO ITS PRESENT LOCATION AT THE FORMER WAN CHAI GAP POLICE STATION LAST DECEMBER.
COVERING A TOTAL AREA OF 560 SQUARE METRES, IT IS NOW DIVIDED INTO FOUR GALLERIES - THE ORIENTATION GALLERY, THE NARCOTICS GALLERY, THE TRIAD SOCIETIES GALLERY AND THE CURRENT GALLERY.
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CSD RECEIVES GRANT FOR SETTING UP LANGUAGE LAB ♦ * ♦ » *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS RECENTLY GRANTED $137,000 TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR SETTING UP A LANGUAGE LABORATORY TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE DEPARTMENT’S EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS.
THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY, WITH A CAPACITY FOR 24 STUDENTS, WILL BE SET UP IN PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (PUCI) WHICH HAS A CERTIFIED ACCOMMODATION FOR 385 YOUNG INMATES.
AT PRESENT, ALL YOUNG INMATES IN THE TRAINING CENTRES, INCLUDING PUCI, ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A HALF-DAY GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT LANGUAGE TRAINING, IN PARTICULAR THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SUBJECTS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, EXPRESSED HIS THANKS TO THE JOCKEY CLUB FOR ITS GENEROUS SUPPORT.
’’THE SETTING UP OF A LANGUAGE LABORATORY WOULD NOT ONLY ENHANCE THE DEPARTMENT’S EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, BUT WOULD ALSO HELP YOUNG OFFENDERS TO IMPROVE THEIR ENGLISH SPEAKING STANDARD,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID WITH BETTER TRAINING IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, A YOUNG. OFFENDER MAY BE ABLE TO STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT AFTER DISCHARGE.
"MORE IMPORTANT, HIGHER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AS WELL AS STABLE EMPLOYMENT CAN BE HELPFUL IN PREVENTING DISCHARGED YOUNG OFFENDERS FROM GOING ASTRAY AGAIN,” HF ADDED.
APART FROM NORMAL TRAINING SESSIONS, THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO INMATES AFTER SCHOOL AND ON HOLIDAYS, SO THAT THOSE HARD WORKING ONES WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THFIR SPARE TIME.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
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YOUTH GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS
» * t »
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON YOUTH GROUPS PLANNING INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS UNDER THE "OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME" (OYS).
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS TOGETHER WITH DETAILS OF THE PROJECT PROPOSALS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY) BEFORE MAY 10.
PROJECTS AIMING AT PROMOTING HOME SAFETY WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO GIVE PRIORITY CONSIDERATION TO THESE PROJECTS IN A BID TO MINIMISE ACCIDENTS IN HOMES," HE SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, YOUTH GROUPS MAY ALSO ORGANISE PROJECTS ON THE THEME OF 'ACTUALISE THEIR IDEALS AND SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY', AND THE MAXIMUM SUBSIDY FOR AN APPROVED PROJECT IS J4,5OO."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OYS, FIRST LAUNCHED IN 1974, WERE TO PROMOTE THE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH; ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES; AND DEVELOP THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL HELP.
"THROUGH WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL, THE OYS OFFERS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BROADEN THEIR SCOPE OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, BETTER UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNITY, AND ACHIEVE THE NECESSARY SATISFACTION FOR PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
EACH PARTICIPATING GROUP SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25, AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, A YOUTH AGENCY, OR AN INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION.
GROUPS WITHOUT SPONSORS MAY ALSO APPLY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY) OF THEIR DISTRICT.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS, EACH DISTRICT WILL SELECT THE MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT TO COMPETE FOR THE "HONG KONG BEST OYS AWARD".
THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA WILL INCLUDE THE EXTENT OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, EXTENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS, FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT, AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND INNOVATION.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE VARIOUS YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
NEW ROAD IN TAI PO COMPLETED *****
A NEW ROAD HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN TAI PO NEW TOWN BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES/NORTHEAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
KNOWN AS YUEN SHIN ROAD, IT CONNECTS TING KOK ROAD TO TOLO HIGHWAY, PROVIDING A SHORTER ROUTE FOR VEHICLES PROCEEDING TO THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND FOR AREAS TO THE EAST OF TAI PO. IT WILL ALSO RELIEVE THE TRAFFIC LOAD ON NAM WAN ROAD.
YUEN SHIN ROAD IS A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, AND IS 1.3 KILOMETRES LONG. A SECTION OF ABOUT 91 METRES IS SUPPORTED ON BRIDGE OVER LAM TSUEN RIVER. CYCLE TRACK AND FOOTPATH ARE ALSO PROVIDED.
CONSTRUCTION, WHICH BEGAN IN JUNE 1986, COST $55 MILLION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF YUEN SHIN ROAD TO BE HELD AT 11 AM ON MARCH 22 (WEDNESDAY), AT THE BRIDGE DECK OF THE ROAD.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN.
A COACH (AM 5895) WILL LEAVE HANKOW ROAD NEXT TO THE YMCA IN TSIM SHA TSUI AT 9.45 AM TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SITE, AND WILL RETURN TO TSIM SHA TSUI AFTERWARDS.
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CONSTRUCTION OF A JETTY AUTHORISED * * * *
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECLAIM LAND AND CONSTRUCT A JETTY AT YUNG LONG, TUEN MUN.
THE WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN ABOUT 2.31 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED SITUATED AT YUNG LONG.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE MARCH 16, 1990.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION COSTS STUDY GETS GO-aHEAD ............................. 1
DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TO BE EXAMINED.................... 2
NEW SCHEME TO HELP MANUFACTURERS ............................... 2
WATER STORAGE FIGURE............................................ 4
WAN CHAI DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC ....................... 4
JOINT COMMITTEE ON LRT TO DISCUSS EASING OF RESTRICTIONS .... 4
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS GOODS VEHICLE PROHIBITION ............... 5
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COUNTRY PARK PUBLICITY .................. 6
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATION ....................... 6
DRAGON BOAT RACE ON SHING MUN RIVER ............................. 7
QUARTERLY REPORT ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS PUBLISHED .. 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING OF NEW ROADS IN TAI PO...... 8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHhM SHUI PO................... 9
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD IN TAI PO ........................ 9
GOODS VEHICLE RESTRICTED ZONE IN KENNEDY TOWN ................... 9
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
• 1
EDUCATION COSTS STUDY GETS GO-AHEAD ♦ * * * »
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE, TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A $2.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY FOB THE DESIGN OF A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM OF LINKED FINANCIAL MODELS TO HELP IN THE DETERMINATION OF COSTS IN HONG KONG'S EDUCATIONAL POLICY.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED WITH INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS COOPERS AND LYBRAND ASSOCIATES LIMITED.
’’THE PROPOSAL FOR THIS CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS ORIGINALLY MADE BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 2,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE COMMISSION’S TERMS OF REFERENCE REQUIRE IT TO TAJIK ACCOUNT OF THE EFFECT OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S EDUCATION BUDGET.
"THE PROPOSED COMPUTER MODELS WILL HELP THE COMMISSION IN THIS TASK. THEY WILL ALSO HELP GOVERNMENT OFFICERS TO STUDY THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF FUTURE CHANGES IN EDUCATION POLICY."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT STUDY, WHICH WOULD TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WAS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE COMPUTER MODEL DEVELOPMENT.
"IT WILL COMPRISE THE DESIGN OF AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM CAPABLE OF STORING AND ANALYSING DATA FROM ACROSS ALL SECTORS OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM." HE SAID.
"DATA FROM ALL SECTORS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO A ’MASTER' MODEL OPERATED BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
"THE INFORMATION TO BE COMPILED BY THE CONSULTANTS RELATES TO THE PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY, SECONDARY, SIXTH FORM, TECHNICAL, TERTIARY, SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING SECTORS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESULTS OF THE DESIGN STUDY WOULD PAVE THE WAY FOR THE FINAL STAGE OF THE PROJECT, THAT WAS ACTUALLY TO DEVELOP THE FINANCIAL MODELS AND TO MAKE SURE THEY WORK.
"AT THE END OF THIS FINAL STAGE, OFFICERS IN THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AND IN OTHER CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE THE MODELS THROUGH DESK-TOP COMPUTER TERMINALS."
THE CONSULTANTS FORM PART OF COOPERS AND LYBRAND INTERNATIONAL WHICH PROVIDES PUBLIC AND ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FROM 520 OFFICES IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES.
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MONDAY, MARCH 20,
1989
2
DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TO BE EXAMINED
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE IN PUBLIC THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1989-90 AT THREE SPECIAL MEETINGS TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY), WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.
DURING THE MEETINGS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL BE CALLED UPON TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN PERSON ON THOSE HEADS AND SUBHEADS OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE.
EACH MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND DEAL WITH PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES:
» TUESDAY
(MARCH 21)
* WEDNESDAY (MARCH 22)
* THURSDAY (MARCH 23)
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICES INDUSTRY, TRADE AND LABOUR EDUCATION
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SOCIAL WELFARE
GENERAL SERVICES SECURITY SERVICES
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE WRITTEN REPLIES PROVIDED BY CONTROLLING OFFICERS TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GIS NEWS DIVISION, SIXTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL, AT 11 AM ON THE DAY OF EACH MEETING.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAPERS FOR EACH MEETING WILL BE EMBARGOED UNTIL 2.30 PM.
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NEW SCHEME TO HELP MANUFACTURERS
» ♦ ♦ « *
A NEW SCHEME AIMING AT ASSISTING THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (.MONDAY) BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
ANNOUNCING THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE (IES) SCHEME, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THE SERVICE HAD THREE MAIN AIMS.
’’FIRSTLY, TO RAISE THE AWARENESS OF THE RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE; SECONDLY, TO EXPLAIN TO MANUFACTURERS EXACTLY HOW THESE SERVICES CAN HELP THEM SOLVE THEIR PARTICULAR PROBLEMS; AND THIRDLY, TO REFER PARTICULAR PROBLEMS TO THE ORGANISATIONS BEST ABLE TO DEAL WITH THEM.”
/MR YEUNG........
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
- 5 -
MR YEUNG SAID THE STAFF FOR THE IES WOULD BE ORGANISED INTO TWO-MAN TEAMS, EACH CONSISTING OF ONE QUALIFIED ENGINEER WITH INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND ONE TRADE OFFICER.
"THE TRADE OFFICER WILL BE PARTICULARLY FAMILIAR WITH THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH MANUFACTURERS MOST OFTEN COMB INTO CONTACT WITH. THE ENGINEER WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE ADVICE ON PROBLEMS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE," HE SAID.
THERE WOULD BE FOUR TEAMS, SAID MR YEUNG, EXPLAINING THAT ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER MIGHT NOT SEEM LARGE, A PILOT SCHEME RUN LAST YEAR SHOWED THAT THE BEST RESPONSE CAME FROM MEDIUM-SIZED FACTORIES WITH BETWEEN 50 AND 200 WORKERS AND THAT THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 2,000 FACTORIES IN THIS GROUP IN HONG KONG.
BUT SMALLER FACTORIES WOULD NOT BE IGNORED BY THE SCHEME, MR YEUNG SAID. A HOTLINE HAD BEEN SET UP TO DEAL WITH ENQUIRIES FROM SMALL FACTORIES, ON 3-7360722.
MR YEUNG SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS WHICH COULD HELP MANUFACTURERS TO IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND PRODUCT QUALITY, AND GENERALLY TO USE THEIR RESOURCES MORE EFFICIENTLY.
THE MAIN ONES WERE THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, THE POLYTECHNICS AND THE UNIVERSITIES, THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
"ALL THESE SERVICES HAVE BEEN PUBLICISED IN THE PAST BY CONVENTIONAL MEANS,” HE SAID. "THIS HAS HELPED TO MAKE THEM KNOWN, BUT ONLY TO A LIMITED EXTENT.
"AS IT IS OUR OBJECTIVE TO HELP MANUFACTURERS TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE, THEY MUST BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT A SERVICE CAN DO FOR THEM IN PRACTICAL TERMS.
"THIS NEEDS DIRECT EXPLANATION AND PERSUASION BY TECHNICALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE. THIS REQUIRES AN INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE."
NORMALLY A TEAM WOULD SPEND TWO OR THREE DAYS IN EACH FACTORY IT VISITED, MR YEUNG SAID. THEY WOULD DISCUSS THE COMPANY’S WORK WITH ITS SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND WOULD INTRODUCE THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE.
THEY WOULD EXPLAIN IN DETAIL HOW A PARTICULAR SERVICE WORKED AND HOW MUCH IT MIGHT COST. IT WOULD THEN BE UP TO THE MANUFACTURER WHETHER HE WISHED TO TAKE THE MATTER FURTHER. IF HE DID THEN ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE FOR THE RELEVANT ORGANISATION TO CONTACT HIM.
A STEERING GROUP WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE MAJOR SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN SET UP TO PLAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE, HE ADDED.
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 34.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 202.566 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 267.953 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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WAN CHAI DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC » * « t *
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 22) TO ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
TWO MEMBERS, MR ARTHUR CHAM YAU-TONG AND MR KENNETH LEE YIU-KWONG, HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE SEAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM.
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JOINT COMMITTEE ON LRT TO DISCUSS EASING OF RESTRICTIONS » » » » »
THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICES WILL DISCUSS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) A PROPOSAL THAT BOARDING AND ALIGHTING RESTRICTIONS ON KMB BUSES IN THE FRINGE AREAS OF THE TRANSIT SERVICE AREA (TSA) BE RELAXED TEMPORARILY.
THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN MADE BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
/Members will
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE CORPORATION’S SUGGESTED REARRANGEMENT FOR ITS FEEDER BUS SERVICES WITHIN THE TSA.
TWO MEMBERS WILL JOINTLY RAISE A QUESTION CONCERNING MEASURES TO IMPROVE FEEDER BUS SERVICES IN YUEN LONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD'S JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICES TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS GOODS VEHICLE PROHIBITION
******
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) THE IMPOSITION OF A GOODS VEHICLE PROHIBITION ON THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WESTBOUND SLIP ROAD AT THE WATERLOO ROAD INTERCHANGE.
THE PROPOSED BAN ON GOODS VEHICLES FROM USING THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 AM, ON A TRIAL BASIS, WOULD ENABLE THE TIDAL FLOW SCHEME OPERATING AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TO BE EXTENDED TO 7.40 AM.
THE BAN WOULD ALSO REDUCE THE TRAFFIC QUEUE ON BOTH WESTBOUND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND NORTHBOUND WATERLOO ROAD DURING AND AFTER THE TIDAL FLOW PERIOD.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS PROPOSED MEASURES TO IMPROVE BUS SERVICES, A PROGRESS REPORT ON MATTER ARISING FROM THE COMMITTEE’S FIFTH MEETING, AND THE PROPOSED 1989-90 BUDGET FOR THE COMMITTEE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S PROJECTS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS DISCUSSED BY AREA COMMITTEES, AND A STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND COMMITMENTS OF THE COMMITTEE AS AT MARCH 10.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COUNTRY PARK PUBLICITY
*****
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS WAYS TO BOOST THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE LANTAU COUNTRY PARK AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE WATERTOURS TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF HOLIDAY FLATS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A MINI-FOLK MUSEUM IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, PRESERVATION OF ROCK INSCRIPTIONS AT TAI SHEK HAU ON CHEUNG CHAU, AND THE PROGRESS ON THE INSTALLATION OF MAP BOARDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATION *****
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE A SPRING OUTING AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXAMINE A REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL POSITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH BUILDING, 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 1 PM.
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MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
7
DRAGON BOAT RACE ON SHING MUN RIVER *****
A LARGE-SCALE DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL BE HELD ON SHING MUN RIVER ON JUNE 18 TO CELEBRATE THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL.
THE RACE IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
LAST YEAR ABOUT 2,800 MEMBERS FROM 136 TEAMS TOOK PART IN THE DRAGON BOAT RACE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE 1989 DRAGON BOAT RACE ON SHING MUN RIVER WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 22) IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR BOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
IT WILL BE HOSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 1989 SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SUM YUK-BIU, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR WAI KWOK-HUNG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
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QUARTERLY REPORT ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS PUBLISHED
******
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR OCTOBER-DECEMBER 1988, CONTAINING STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK AND MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS.
THE REASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT AT $10 EACH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING OF NEW ROADS IN TAI PO ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF ROAD D2, ROAD DI BETWEEN NAM WAN ROAD AND ROAD D2, AND THE SLIP ROADS BETWEEN ROAD D2 AND TOLO HIGHWAY, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23).
THE SLIP ROADS BETWEEN TOLO HIGHWAY AND ROAD D2 WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ROAD D2, ROAD DI
BETWEEN NAM WAN ROAD AND ROAD D2, AND THE SLIP ROADS BETWEEN TOLO
HIGHWAY AND ROAD D2.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE
DESIGNATED 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS :
» ROAD DI BETWEEN NAM WAN ROAD AND ROAD D2;
♦ TING KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D2 TO THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO YUE KOK VILLAGE; AND
♦ ROAD D2 FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TING KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 125 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD DI.
MOREOVER, THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE CLOCK :
♦ ROAD D2 FROM A POINT ABOUT 125 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD DI TO THE SLIP ROADS BETWEEN TOLO HIGHWAY AND ROAD D2; AND
♦ THE SLIP ROADS BETWEEN TOLO HIGHWAY AND ROAD D2.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO » » * t ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 11.30 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23), TAI HANG SAI STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND NAM SHAN CHUEN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR THE LAYING OF GAS PIPELINE.
MOTORISTS FROM TAI HANG TUNG ROAD HEADING FOR NAM CHEONG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WOH CHAI STREET AND WAI CHI STREET.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 12 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA TONG YAM STREET, WOH CHAI STREET, WAI CHI STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET ON JOURNEYS TO PAR TIN.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD IN TAI PO
* » » « *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM TOLO HIGHWAY TO TAI PO ROAD (YUEN CHAU TSAI) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23) FOR ROADWORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TAI PO-BOUND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 58S WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
OTHER VEHICLES TRAVELLING FROM SHA TIN TO TAI PO ARE ADVISED TO USE EITHER TAI PO ROAD OR THE INTERCHANGE AT SHUI WAI FOR ACCESS TO TAI PO FROM TOLO HIGHWAY.
GOODS VEHICLE RESTRICTED ZONE IN KENNEDY TOWN ♦ * * * t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23), THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF VICTORIA ROAD IN KENNEDY TOWN FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SAI NING STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 173 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A GOODS VEHICLE RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
---O
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON TO ATTEND FAC HEARINGS ........... 1
FC APPROVES PROPOSED CHANGES FOR MHD RE-ORGANISATION ........ 1
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ................... 2
HK'S FUTURE aS ASIA PACIFIC'S MAJOR BUSINESS FINANCIAL CENTRE 3
EMPHASIS ON QUALITY AND SAFETY IMPORTANT .................... 5
EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST COUNTERFEIT, PIRATED GOODS ......... 7
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SERIES FOR PRIME TIME TV .............. 8
MARCH DEADLINE FOR SK-GRATIA ALLOWANCE, CaPITAL GRANT ....... 9
CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO UPGRaDE V.Ji TRACKS IN NORTH DISTRICT .. 10
OPERATION TO CLEAR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES BEGINS ................ 12
DB TO REVIEW MID-LEVELS REDEVELOPMENTS ...................... 12
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORKS AT TIN SHUI WAI ............... 13
BUS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME TOPS DB COMMITTEE AGENDh........... 13
MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ............... 14
SH^M SHUI PO DB ELECTS REPRESENTATIVE TO UC ................. 15
EASTERN DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC .................... 15
REGIONAL SECRETARY TO VISIT YUEN LONG TOMORROW .............. 16
GOVT OFFICE BUILDING TO BE BUILT IN WAN CfUI ................ 16
EASTER HOLIDAYS CLINIC SERVICES ............................. 17
REMOVAL OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS OFFICE.................... 17/
HK TENNIS FOUNDATION WELCOMES DONATIONS ..................... 18
INTEREST ON TaX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ........................ 18
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG ................... 20
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN A KUNG NGaM VILLaGE ROaD .. 21
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG, WESTERN DISTRICT .... 21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEUNG WAN ................ 22
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
1
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON TO ATTEND FAC HEARINGS * * t * t
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, LEFT FOR LONDON LAST (MONDAY) NIGHT TO ATTEND THE FIRST DAY OF THE HEARINGS OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, • SIR GEOFFREY HOWE. t , ,, ui
"BUT IT IS ESSENTIALLY A VERY SHORT VISIT TO SEE THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD SUPPORT OMELCO MEMBERS WHO HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE NATIONALITY ISSUE, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS AWARE OF WHAT OMELCO MEMBERS SAID IN THEIR LETTER TO LORD WYATT IN PREPARATION FOR A DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23).
"I KNOW ALL THE BACKGROUND TO THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND I CAN SYMPATHISE WITH THE VIEWS PUT FORWARD BY THE MEMBERS OF OMELCO IN THAT LETTER," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"I SHALL BE IN LONDON AT THE TIME OF THE DEBATE BUT I SHALL HAVE OTHER APPOINTMENTS, SO I SHALL BE WATCHING VERY CAREFULLY TO SEE WHAT APPEARS IN THE RECORD OF THE DEBATE IN HANSARD," SIR DAVID SAID.
FC APPROVES PROPOSED CHANGES FOR MHD RE-ORGANISA!ION • - « ♦ *
♦ ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
HAS AND AND
APPROVED PROPOSED CHANGES FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT (MHD) INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
RE-
THE
THE CHANGES, AIMED AT
IMPROVING MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES -------- op PERMANENT DIRECTORATE
IN
AND
DlRfiCTUttATE POSTS*
FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, A ^igBCWR OF HOSPITAL
rrucav Wilt nr OFFSET BY THE DELETION OP THREE EXISTING
PRINCIPAL executive officer*
/TWO SUPERNUMERARY........
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 2
TWO SUPERNUMERARY DIRECTORATE POSTS WILL BE CREATED FOR 12 MONTHS. THEY ARE ONE SENIOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER ANE ONE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C.
THE CHANGES WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE RETITLING OF FOUR SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND TWO ASSISTANT DRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES POSTS TO SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, A DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (D5 ) , A DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (D3) AND AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (D2) POSTS WILL BE CREATED.
THESE WILL BE OFFSET BY THE DELETION OF THE EXISTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES POST.
IN ADDITION, TWO SUPERNUMERARY DIRECTORATE POSTS -- AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C AND ONE CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT — WILL BE CREATED.
THE ADDITIONAL NOTIONAL ANNUAL SALARY COSTS OF THESE PROPOSALS ARE $867,600 FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND $2.1 MILLION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
-----0------
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
* ♦ ♦ » *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS:
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, WILL BECOME DIRECTOR OF HEALTH ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR UPON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (MEDICAL SERVICES), DR TERENCE CHAU TUEN-YIN, WILL BECOME DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES ALSO ON APRIL 1 UPON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
/DR LEE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
5
DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, AGED 55, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN APRIL 1960. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN MAY 1973 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN JANUARY 1977. DR LEE HAS BEEN ACTING AS DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES SINCE NOVEMBER 1 LAST YEAR.
DR TERENCE CHAU TUEN-YIN, AGED 47, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN JULY 1966. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDIC L AND HEALTH SERVICES IN DECEMBER 1985 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR >)■ MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
-----o------
HK’S FUTURE AS ASIA
PACIFIC’S MAJOR BUSINESS FINANCIAL CENTRE
******
THE HARD ECONOMIC EVIDENCE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION POINT CLEARLY TOWARDS A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN 1997 AND A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE FOR HONG KONG AS THE MAJOR REGIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE OF THE ASIA PACIFIC.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK, MR KERRY MCGLYNN, TOLD THE WESTERN WISCONSIN EXPORT CONFERENCE IN EAU CLAIRE THIS YESTERDAY (MARCH 20).
MR MCGLYNN SAID FOR THE UNITED STATES HONG KONG WOULD ALSO BE A LUCRATIVE EXPORT MARKET AND THE GATEWAY TO THE ENORMOUS AND LARGELY UNTAPPED CHINESE MARKET.
MR MCGLYNN SAID AFTER 1997, HONG KONG WOULD STILL HAVE ITS CAPITALIST FREE MARKET SYSTEM WITH FULL AUTHORITY OVER ITS OWN FINANCIAL AND MONETARY POLICIES, ITS OWN FREELY CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY WITH NO EXCHANGE CONTROLS, AND IT WOULD CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE ITS OWN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS.
HONG KONG WOULD FUNCTION UNDER ITS OWN DISTINCT SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE MAINLAND, HE SAID.
"BUT THERE ARE TWO SPECIFIC FACTORS WHICH WILL ENHANCE ITS ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE AND A MARKET FOR AMERICAN GOODS AND SERVICES.
"FIRST AS A REGIONAL FINANCIAL, COMMUNICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT CENTRE, HONG KONG WILL BENEFIT ENORMOUSLY FROM THE RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH LN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION AS A WHOLE.
/"SECONDLY, AND..........
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
"SECONDLY, AND PERHAPS MOST SIGNIFICANTLY OF ALL, HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT ENORMOUSLY FROM CHINA’S DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR ECONOMIC POWER OVER THE COMING YEARS AND DECADES."
MR MCGLYNN CONTTNUED:"CHINA'S MODERNISATION PROGRAMMES REQUIRE A MASSIVE INCREASE IN IMPORTS OF CAPITAL, TECHNOLOGY AND GOODS AS WELL AS A STEADY BUILD-UP IN EXPORTS OVER THE NEXT DECADES. AND HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE SOURCE FOR MANY OF CHINA’S NEEDS."
HE TOLD HIS AUDIENCE:"THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO YOU EXPORTERS ARE AS VAST AS CHINA IS POPULOUS.
"BUT PENETRATING THE CHINA MARKET HAS NEVER BEEN EASY. THAT’S WHY SO MANY U.S. COMPANIES GO THROUGH HONG KONG WITH A HONG KONG PARTNER TO DO SO.
"HONG KONG IS YOUR BRIDGE INTO THIS COLOSSAL MARKET."
EVERYTHING ABOUT HONG KONG, HE SAID, WAS ENGINEERED TO ENSURE THE FREE FLOW OF TRADE.
"THERE ARE NO EXCHANGE CONTROLS. NO RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS OR EXPORTS. NO DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN FOREIGN AND LOCALLY OWNED COMPANIES. NO RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF BUSINESSES, LAND OR PROPERTY.”
MR MCGLYNN SAID HONG KONG'S REAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS INCREASED ON AVERAGE BY 11 PER CENT PER YEAR AND FURTHER STEADY GROWTH THROUGH 1989 WAS PREDICTED.
PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY ROSE BY 28 PER CENT IN 1987 AND CONTINUED TO GROW LAST YEAR AND HONG KONG HAD VIRTUALLY NO UNEMPLOYMENT.
HONG KONG’S PERSONAL AND CORPORATE TAXES WERE THE LOWEST IN ASIA AND THEY WERE TO BE REDUCED EVEN FURTHER - TO 15 PER CENT AND 16.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY - NEXT MONTH. THE WITHHOLDING TAX ON INTEREST WOULD BE ABOLISHED ALTOGETHER, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO TRADE WITH WISCONSIN, MR MCGLYNN SAID HONG KONG WAS THE STATE’S BIGGEST IMPORTER OF ITS CULTIVATED GINSENG, BUYING ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF ITS CROP.
THIS WAS 90 PER CENT OF ALL HONG KONG’S GINSENG IMPORTS FROM NORTH AMERICA WHICH IN DOLLAR TERMS RANGED FROM $42 TO $45 MILLION A YEAR, OR SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 13 PER CENT OF WISCONSIN’S TOTAL AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS. OTHER IMPORTS INCLUDED PABST BLUE RIBBON AND MILLER BEER AND MINK.
HE SAID WISCONSIN’S PRESENCE IN HONG KONG EXTENDED FAR BEYOND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
/"WISCONSIN SPECIALITY .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
5 -
"WISCONSIN SPECIALITY INDUSTRIAL FIRMS SUCH AS GLOBE-UNION, THE PILLAR CORPORATION, TWIN DISC, INC. AND HAMLIN, INC. MAINTAIN OFFICES IN HONG KONG.
"JOHNSON WAXES AND TRANE AIR CONDITIONERS ARE COMMON WISCONSIN PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG.
"MANY SERVICE-RELATED COMPANIES FROM THE UPPER MID-WEST ALSO HAVE LARGE OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG.
"FIRMS SUCH AS 3-M, SENTRY INSURANCE, HONEYWELL, CONTROL DATA AND THE AMERICAN APPRAISAL CO. HAVE SHARED IN AND CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG'S DEVELOPMENT AS A TECHNOLOGY AND FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTRE."
ONE OF WISCONSIN’S TWO OVERSEAS TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICES WAS ALSO LOCATED IN HONG KONG, HE NOTED.
LATER TODAY, MR MCGLYNN WILL BE ADDRESSING THE MIDWEST CHINA CENTRE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA AND HOLDING MEETINGS WITH OFFICIALS, BUSINESSMEN AND EDITORIAL EXECUTIVES.
HE WILL RETURN TO WISCONSIN AND MEET SIMILAR EXECUTIVES IN THE STATE CAPITAL, MADISON, ON THURSDAY.
-------0---------
EMPHASIS ON QUALITY AND SAFETY IMPORTANT
* * » » t
HONG KONG IS MOVING AWAY FROM ITS OLD IMAGE, THAT OF LOW-COST PRODUCER OF SHODDY GOODS, BUT NOT FAST ENOUGH, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR QUALITY SERVICES, MR ERNEST EVANS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE FELT THAT EMPHASIS ON "QUALITY AND SAFETY" NEEDED TO BE PLACED IN THE BUSINESS OF PRODUCT MANUFACTURING FROM NOW ONWARDS.
ADDRESSING PARTICIPANTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS SAFETY SYMPOSIUM, MR EVANS SAID HONG KONG HAD A NEED TO PRODUCE GOODS WHICH, WHEN PUT TO FAIR AND PROPER USE, WOULD NOT RENDER IT UNSAFE TO USER.
"SAFETY IS SYNONYMOUS TO QUALITY," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT FROM THE RECORDS THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT KEPT AND BASED ON FACTORY VISITS OVER THE YEARS, QUALI1Y ASSURANCE WAS NOT BEING COMPREHENSIVELY APPLIED IN MOST MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
/MK EVANS .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
6
MR EVANS NOTED THAT MANY' COMPANIES CONFUSED THE USE OF QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT.
HE WARNED THAT QUALITY CONTROL WHICH INVOVLED NO MORE THAN INSPECTION, RANDOM SAMPLING AND TESTING, WOULD ALLOW ACCESS TO THE MARKETPLACE A PROPORTION OF DEFECTIVE OR UNSAFE PRODUCTS.
ONCE A COMPLAINT OF INJURY TO THE CONSUMER WAS REGISTERED, THE MANUFACTURER’S GOOD NAME WAS TARNISHED IMMEDIATELY AND IT MIGHT TAKE A LONG TIME TO "LIVE-DOWN" THE PROBLEM AND TO RECOVER LOST ORDERS AS A CONSEQUENCE.
"THE NEED THEREFORE IS TO ATTEMPT TO PRODUCE 100 PER CENT OF A MANUFACTURER’S PRODUCTS WITH ZERO DEFECTS," MR EVANS SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED THAT THERE WAS A CASE FOR PROMOTING QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ENCOURAGING ITS APPLICATION MORE VIGOROUSLY.
"WHAT WE MEAN BY QUALITY ASSURANCE IS A TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH, WHERE EVERY ASPECT OF THE OPERATION OF THE MANUFACTURING AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IS CLOSELY SCRUTINISED," MR EVANS SAID.
THESE ASPECTS RANGED FROM THE PROCUREMENT OF PARTS, MATERIALS AND SUB-ASSEMBLIES, THE DESIGN STAGE, THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, TESTING, PACKAGING, DISTRIBUTION, MARKETING AND FEEDBACK OF THE CUSTOMER’S COMMENTS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A THIRD PARTY QUALITY CERTIFICATION SCHEME, TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNISE THOSE COMPANIES PRACTISING TOTAL QUALITY, HAVING FIRST BEEN ASSESSED AND ACCREDITED TO ISO GUIDE 9000 ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION.
"AN INDEPENDENT ACCREDITING AGENCY, ASSISTED BY THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION AND OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WILL BE SET UP IN THE LATTER HALF OF THIS YEAR.
"IT WILL USE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EXPERT ASSESSORS IN VARIOUS MANUFACTURING DISCIPLINES TO PERFORM FACTORY ASSESSMENTS.
"ONCE A COMPANY HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ACCREDITED, IT WILL BE LISTED IN AN INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY OF QUALITY ACCREDITED COMPANIES WHICH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASING AGENCIES WORLDWIDE," MR EVANS EXPLAINED.
COUPLED WITH THIS, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WOULD OFFER A PRODUCT QUALITY ENHANCEMENT PACKAGE TO FACTORY MANAGEMENT, HELPING THEM TO ACTUALLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PRODUCT MANUFACTURE.
"IT IS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN THE OVERALL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AS THERE IS LITTLE POINT IN ASSESSING AND ACCREDITING FACTORIES IF THE ACTUAL QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT IS STILL LACKING," MR EVANS SAID.
/"MOREOVER, IN .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 7 -
"MOREOVER, IN EARLY 1990, THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO LAUNCH A QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WITH AN AIM TO PERSUADE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES TO MOVE IN THE DIRECTION OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM)."
TURNING TO TOY SAFETY LEGISLATION, MR EVANS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING INTRODUCING SAFETY MEASURES TO COVER LOCAL SALES•
"WE WILL BE CONSULTING THE LOCAL TOY TRADE AND OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS IN THE FORMULATION OF THE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS," HE ADDED.
------0-------
EFFECTIVE ACTION AGAINST COUNTERFEIT, PIRATED GOODS
*****
THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE STRONG ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMMES OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAVE ENABLED HONG KONG TO CURB THE PROBLEM OF TRADING IN COUNTERFEIT AND PIRATED GOODS.
THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR H.Y. LI, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN ADDRESSING DEGREE STUDENTS IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
MR LI SAjID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENACTED COMPREHENSIVE LAWS IN COPYRIGHT, TRADE MARKS AND TRADE DESCRIPTION TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF BUSINESSMEN’AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
THE CUSTOMS SERVICE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW AND FOR TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF INFRINGING COPIES OF LITERARY, DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL WORKS, AND GOODS HAVING FORGED TRADE MARKS OR FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS.
W
"OVER THE YEARS, SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS AGAINST SYNDICATES INVOLVED IN THE MAKING AND EXPORT OF COUNTERFEIT AND PIRATED GOODS BEARING WELL-KNOWN TRADE MARKS, WHICH HAVE BEEN FORGED, HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED," HE SAID.
TO ATTACK THE COUNTERFEITING AND COPYRIGHT PIRACY, ACTION WAS DIRECTED AT ALL LEVELS FROM RETAILING AT STREET LEVEL, LARGE AND SMALL ESTABLISHED RETAIL JPREMISES, TO MANUFACTURING OUTLETS AND IMPORT AND EXPORT.
HONG KONG’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY VIOLATIONS WERE WELL RECOGNISED INTERNATIONALLY.
"THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL AND U.S. SOFTWARE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HAVE RECENTLY QUOTED HONG KONG AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE EFFECTIVE CONTAINMENT OF COUNTERFEITING AND PIRACY ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
/8........
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
8
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SERIES FOR PRIME TIME TV
******
A CHILDREN DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WILL BE BROADCAST DURING PRIME TIME ON MONDAYS FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER.
THE 13-EPISODE SERIES IS PRODUCED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, CHAIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
STARTING FROM APRIL 3, THE SERIES WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB-JADE BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7.30 PM EVERY MONDAY FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
THE SERIES WILL THEN BE SHOWN ON THE ATV HOME CHANNEL FROM JULY 3 FOR ANOTHER THREE MONTHS ON EVERY MONDAY FROM 8 PM TO 8.30 PM.
TO MARK THE SERIES’ COMPLETION AND BROADCAST, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CARPARK OF RTHK AT 30 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON TONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), BEGINNING AT 3 PM.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (FAMILY AND CHILD CARE) OF SWD, MRS PATRICIA CHU; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING (TELEVISION), MISS MARIA WAN; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE (AGENCY SERVICE), MISS VIRGINIA CHAN. I
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE DRAMA’S ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WILL TOUR THE TERRITORY ON AN OPEN-TOP BUS TO PUBLICISE THE SERIES. THERE WILL ALSO BE A PREVIEW OF TWO EPISODES OF THE SERIES.
THE SERIES- IS PRODUCED TO COINCIDE WITH THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN - "LOVE AND CARE HELP BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY".
A SERIES OF PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT BOTH THE DISTRICT AND TERRITORY-WIDE LEVELS AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN.
ONE OF THESE IS THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MUSIC COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE WORKING GROUP ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
THE FINAL OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE LYRIC THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON FRIDAY (MARCH 24), BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM.
-------0---------
/9........
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 9 -
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS A LONG-TERM AND COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT AIMING TO PUBLICISE THE IMPORTANCE AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE, AND TO PROMOTE BETTER RELATIONSHIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE BROADCAST OF THE CHILDREN DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WILL BE HELD AT THE CAI PARR OF RTHK AT 30 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON TONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
-----0--------
MARCH DEADLINE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE, CAPITAL GRANT
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED FARMERS IN PHASE I STAGE I OF LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION AND COLLECTION OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND CAPITAL GRANT IS MARCH 31 THIS YEAR.
THE CONTROL AREAS COVER TOLO HARBOUR AND TOLO CHANNEL, MUI WO AND ANGLER’S BEACH.
CONTROL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE IN THESE AREAS HAS COME INTO EFFECT SINCE JUNE 24 LAST YEAR.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD SENT LETTERS TO FARMERS IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH LAST YEAR TO INFORM THEM THAT THEY COULD OPT TO CEASE BUSINESS OR TO CONTINUE LIVESTOCK KEEPING.
FARMERS WHO OPTED TO CEASE BUSINESS COMPLETELY MAY APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
THOSE WHO OPTED TO CONTINUE BUSINESS AND HAD INSTALLED THE NECESSARY WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO COMPLY WITH THE CONTROL REQUIREMENT, MAY APPLY FOR CAPITAL GRANT FROM THE EPD AND LOW INTEREST LOAN FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
SO FAR, THE MAJORITY OF THE AFFECTED LIVESTOCK FARMERS HAVE COLLECTED EITHER EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OR CAPITAL GRANT. HOWEVER, SOME OF THEM STILL HAVE NOT APPLIED OR COLLECTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OR CAPITAL GRANT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FARMERS MUST NOTE THAT ANYONE WHO APPLIES FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE MUST SUBMIT THE APPLICATION TO THE EPD AND MUST COMPLETELY CEASE LIVESTOCK KEEPING BUSINESS ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31.
NO EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WILL BE ISSUED BY THE EPD IF SUCH APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED OR CESSATION OF LIVESTOCK KEEPING BUSINESS TAKES PLACE AFTER SUCH DATE.
/HOWEVER, THOSE
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 10 -
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY COLLECTED CAPITAL GRANT BUT CANNOT CARRY ON WITH THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING OPERATION DUE TO TECHNICAL OR ECONOMIC REASONS, CAN APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WITHIN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM THE DATE OF COLLECTING THE CAPITAL GRANT.
COMPLETE CESSATION OF LIVESTOCK KEEPING BUSINESS IS REQUIRED WITHIN THE SAME PERIOD.
ANYONE WHO APPLIES FOR CAPITAL GRANT MUST SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AND THE REASONABLE QUOTATION OF INSTALLING LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO THE EPD ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31,
NO CAPITAL GRANT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE EPD IF SUCH APPLICATION AND THE REASONABLE QUOTATION ARE SUBMITTED AFTER THIS DATE.
ANY AFFECTED LIVESTOCK FARMER WHO APPLIED FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE BUT HAS NOT CEASED THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING BUSINESS COMPLETELY, OR WHO APPLIED FOR CAPITAL GRANT BUT HAS NOT SUBMITTED THE REASONABLE QUOTATION OF INSTALLING NECESSARY WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES IS REQUESTED TO EXPEDITE TO COMPLETE THE ABOVE PROCEDURES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31.
OTHERWISE, NO EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OR CAPITAL GRANT WILL BE ISSUED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANYONE WHO RECENTLY COLLECTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OR THE ENTIRE SUM OF CAPITAL GRANT CAN IGNORE THE ABOVE PROCEDURES.
THOSE WHO HAD COLLECTED THE FIRST PAYMENT OF CAPITAL GRANT AND COMMENCED THE INSTALLATION OF WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES ARE REQUESTED TO EXPEDITE TO COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION WORK.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE EPD ON 3-7800126.
-----0----------
CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO UPGRADE VAN TRACKS IN NORTH DISTRICT
»»»*»»*
CONTINUOUS EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE TO IMPROVE AND UPGRADE TO PROPER HIGHWAYS STANDARD EXISTING VAN TRACKS IN THE DISTRICT, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR HUI WAS SPEAKING AFTER A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY, HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FOR A $1.15 MILLION PROJECT TO IMPROVE A VAN TRACK FROM MA WAT TO TUNG KOK WAI IN FANLING.
/THE PROJECT
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
11
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE FIVE-YEAR URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT (UFI) PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT.
WORKS INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF 680 METRES OF VAN TRACK TO PROVIDE A 3.5 METRE-WIDE CARRIAGEWAY WITH PASSING PLACES, TURNING AREA AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE.
THE RECONSTRUCTED TRACK WILL PROVIDE IMPROVED ACCESS FROM SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO TUNG KOK WAI VIA AN EXISTING SERVICE ROAD TO MA WAT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN EARLY NEXT MONTH AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE. ON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION, IT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT FOR MAINTENANCE.
MR HUI SAID THE UFI PROGRAMME, WHICH WAS STARTED IN 1987, AIMED TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES WITH FACILITIES COMPARABLE TO THOSE IN THE NEW TOWNS AND URBAN AREAS.
"IT IS INTENDED TO BE COMPLEMENTARY TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME UNDER WHICH MOST OF THE VILLAGE ACCESS ROADS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE CONSTRUCTED, IMPROVED AND MAINTAINED BY THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES.
"WITH AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS USING THE VILLAGE ROADS, IT IS NECESSARY TO UPGRADE SOME OF THEM TO PROPER DESIGN AND SAFETY STANDARDS.
"THE AVAILABILITY OF PROPER ACCESS ROADS WILL ALSO ENABLE THE VILLAGERS TO ENJOY FACILITIES SUCH AS MINIBUS SERVICES, AND THERE WILL BE ACCESS FOR FIRE ENGINES AND OTHER EMERGENCY VEHICLES," MR HUI SAID.
UNDER THE UFI PROGRAMME, A VAN TRACK IN SHEUNG SHUI WAS RECONSTRUCTED LAST YEAR, PROVIDING IMPROVED ACCESS FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD VIA AN EXISTING SERVICE ROAD TO TSUNG PAK LONG VILLAGE.
OTHER UFI PROJECTS UNDER PLANNING TO IMPROVE VAN TRACKS INVOLVE PING KONG IN SHEUNG SHUI AND AT SHUNG HIM TONG COTTAGE AREA, TONG HANG AND SIU HANG IN FANLING.
-------0---------
/12
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
12
OPERATION TO CLEAR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES BEGINS
*****
A THREE-DAY OPERATION BEGAN TODAY (TUESDAY) TO CLEAR 21 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE BACK LANES BOUNDED BY HAIPHONG ROAD, HANKOW ROAD, LOCK ROAD AND PEKING ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
TWO OF THE STRUCTURES WERE USED AS RESIDENTIAL UNITS WHILE THE REST WERE SHOPS AND STORES.
EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES OF $45,000 WERE GRANTED TO ELIGIBLE SHOP OPERATORS, AND TWO PERSONS WERE GIVEN REHOUSING OFFERS.
THE CLEARANCE OPERATION IS BEING CO-ORDINATED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF ITS CONTINUING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE OPERATION ARE STAFF FROM THE HOUSING, BUILDINGS AND LANDS, URBAN SERVICES, SOCIAL WELFARE AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS FROM THE POLICE.
- - 0 - -
DB TO REVIEW MID-LEVELS REDEVELOPMENTS
*****
THE IMPACT OF REDEVELOPMENTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND ON PUBLIC FACILITIES IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23).
SEVERAL MEMBERS WILL SUGGEST THAT THE BOARD COMMISSION TOWN PLANNING PROFESSIONALS TO CARRY OUT A STUDY ON THE ISSUE, FOR GOVERNMENT CONSIDERATION.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE NEXT TERM.
TWO MEMBERS, MISS ESTHER CHAN WAI-FONG AND MR CHAN TAK-CHOR, HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE ELECTION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A CONSULTATION PAPER OUTLINING PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT.
PROPOSALS TO ORGANISE THE THIRD DISTRICT FESTIVAL TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR WILL BE EXAMINED AT THE MEETING.
THE ORGANISATION OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE 1989-90 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL BE CONSIDERED.
/A PAPER
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 13 -
A PAPER OUTLINING DETAILS OF A COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT-OWNED SITE ADJOINING THE UPPER PEAK TRAM STATION WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
------0-------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORKS AT TIN SHUI WAI
* I * » *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS UNDER THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 1989-90.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
-----0------
BUS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME TOPS DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
» ♦ * » ♦
THF NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS LAST MEETING FOR THE 1988-89 TERM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TOPPING THE AGENDA WILL BE THE APPLICATION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME TO THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, NAMELY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANIES.
/THE ACTING
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
14
THE ACTING CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER/NEW TERRITORIES EAST OF THE TRANSPORT OPERATIONS DIVISION, MISS MARY WONG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SCHEME.
CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF NOISE POLLUTION CAUSED BY FREIGHT TRAINS OPERATED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, TWO COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ASK ABOUT THE PROGRESS AND EFFECTS OF THE REMEDIAL MEASURES BEING TAKEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
-----0-----
MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *****
THE FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL REVIEW THE MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL HEAR A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE SCHEME COVERING THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO THIS MONTH.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE WORK PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE AND THE BUDGET OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD FOR 89-90.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER WHETHER TO PLACE ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/15
TUESDAY, MARCH 21,
1989
15
SHAM SHUI PO DB ELECTS REPRESENTATIVE TO UC *****
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER MR CHEUNG WING-SUM WAS ELECTED IPSO FACTO AS THE BOARD’S REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL AT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
MR CHEUNG WAS THE ONLY CANDIDATE NOMINATED FOR THE ELECTION.
- - 0 - -
EASTERN DB TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TO UC
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE 1989-91 TERM AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23).
TWO CANDIDATES, MISS CHRISTINA TING YUK-CHEE AND MRS CHOW CHEUNG WAI-PING, HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE SEAT.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE APPORTIONMENT OF FUNDS FOR THE BOARD TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE YEAR 1989-90.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR CHAN YING-LUN WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE WORK OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHILE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S THREE COMMITTEES AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL TABLE REPORTS FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 23) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING'S ROAD.
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/16
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
REGIONAL SECRETARY TO VISIT YUEN LONG TOMORROW
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL VISIT YUEN LONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
MR HSU WILL BE BRIEFED ON VILLAGE FLOODING PROTECTION WORKS AND THE PROGRESS ON THE TIN SHUI WAI LAND FORMATION AND ROAD WORKS.
MR HSU WILL ALSO VISIT THE WANG CHAU SERVICE RESERVOIR, KIU TAU WAI, SHEK WU WAI AND YUEN LONG TOWN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER MR ADOLF HSU'S VISIT TO YUEN LONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
TRANSPORTATION WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO AND FROM YUEN LONG. GOVERNMENT VANS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 8.15 AM.
- 0 -
GOVT OFFICE BUILDING TO BE BUILT IN WAN CHAI
* * * * »
WORK WILL START IN JUNE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 49-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING AT HARBOUR ROAD DEVELOPMENT IN WAN CHAI.
TENDERS FOR THE WAN CHAI TOWER III AND GARDEN DEVELOPMENT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE MASSIVE PROJECT WHICH WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 108,000 SQUARE METRES.
PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR STEVEN YIP, SAID THE FIRST FIVE FLOORS OF THE BUILDING WILL BE LINKED BY ESCALATORS.
"TO ALLOW FOR COMPUTERISATION OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN FUTURE, FOUR FLOORS WILL BE ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS," MR YIP SAID.
"THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN JULY 1992
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON APRIL 14.
/17
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 17 -
EASTER HOLIDAYS CLINIC SERVICES * * ♦ t I
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON MARCH 24 AND MARCH 27, THE GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER MONDAY HOLIDAYS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
HOWEVER, THE CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED ON MARCH 25 AND 26, THE TWO DAYS FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY.
THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
-------0 - - - -
REMOVAL OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS OFFICE ♦ t ♦ t >
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE OF ITS WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION WILL MOVE FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO CHAI WAN TOMORROW.
THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED AT LEVEL 3, NEW JADE GARDEN, 233 CHAI WAN ROAD. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8981801.
THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MATTERS RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS IN INDUSTRY AND THAT OF CHILDREN IN ALL ECONOMIC SECTORS.
IT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITS THE EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN HONG KONG AND PROVISIONS OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF WOMEN AND YOUNG WORKERS AND COMPLAINTS RELATED TO WORKING HOURS AND REST DAYS CAN BE MADE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DIVISION.
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/18........
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 18 -
HK TENNIS FOUNDATION WELCOMES DONATIONS »**»»»
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP TENNIS IN THE TERRITORY, THE HONG KONG TENNIS FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SET UP AS A CENTRAL BODY FOR FUNDING AND HAS SO FAR RECEIVED OVER $2 MILLION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FOUNDATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT OF THE $2 MILLION RECEIVED, $1 MILLION WAS CONTRIBUTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
"ANOTHER $1 MILLION WILL BE SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT DURING 1989-90."
HE SAID THE FOUNDATION WOULD PROVIDE FUNDS TO VARIOUS SPORTS ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION (HKTA) AND THE HONG KONG TENNIS PATRONS1 ASSOCIATION, TO HELP THEM PROMOTE AND DEVELOP TENNIS AS A POPULAR SPORT IN THE TERRITORY.
"IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE HKTA TO APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND HIRE SUPPORTING STAFF TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION AND TO ADMINISTER TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND ORGANISE TOURNAMENTS.
"A LARGE-SCALE MINI-TENNIS PROMOTION SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED SHORTLY, FUNDED BY THE FOUNDATION AND ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HKTA AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS," THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE DONATION BY THE JOCKEY CLUB WAS MOST TIMELY.
"IT WILL DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE MORE CORPORATE FIRMS AND COMPANIES TO FOLLOW SUIT AND DONATE FUNDS TO THE FOUNDATION IN FUTURE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TENNIS," HE ADDED.
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES * t * * *
THE GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 8.28 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 7.80 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
/INTEREST ON .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 19 -
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.69 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 22 THIS YEAR.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE MARCH 22 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:-
3.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
OCTOBER 30, 1987 AMD BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987;
3.00 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 9, 1987;
2.04 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 9, 1987 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 20, 1988;
2.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 20, 1988 AND BEFORE APRIL 13, 1988;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 13, 1988 AND BEFORE MAY 11, 1988;
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 11, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 16, 1988;
4.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 16, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 29, 1988;
5.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 29, 1988 AND BEFORE JULY 27, 1988;
5.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 27, 1988 AND BEFORE AUGUST 17, 1988;
6.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 17, 1988 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 1988;
6.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 7, 1988 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 15, 1989;
7.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 8, 1989;
7.80 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
MARCH 8, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 22, 1989.
/BUT ALWAYS .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 20 -
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: 1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MARCH 22, 1989,
PR1L 22, 1339 AND MAY 22, 1989 RESPECTIVELY,
-URRFNDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JUNE 21, 1989
ILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:-
N $1,000, MARCH 22, IP 39 TO JUNE 21, 1989 = $20.70
3PF ON! LET MO I IS AT $6.90 PER MONTH
$1,(00, APRIL 22, 1989 TO JUNE 21, 1989 = $13.80
iWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.90 PER MONTH
ON $1,000, MAY 22, 1989 TO JUNE 21, 1989 = $ 6.90
ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $6.90 PER MONTH
$41.40
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG » « » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 24), THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WILL BE DESIGNATE!) URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK:
* THE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE SOUTHERN ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO YICK YUEN AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD OPPOSITE CHUNG UK TSUEN AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
t THE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO D.D. 121 LOT 174 AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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/21
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* * »
IN A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD
» *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD, SHAU KEI WAN, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 24) FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORKS.
THE UNNAMED ROAD NORTH OF A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING EASTDOUND CMB BUS ROUTE 85, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, TWO SECTIONS OF A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THEY ARE:
» A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH A KUNG NGAM ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
» THE A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD CUL-DE-SAC BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
-------o----------
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG, WESTERN DISTRICT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 24), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN KWUN TONG AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.
IN KWUN TONG, WAI YIP STREET WESTBOUND BETWEEN KEI YIP STREET AND TSUN YIP STREET WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH.
AT THE SAME TIME, IN WESTERN DISTRICT, WILMER STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT SIX DAYS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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/22
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
- 22
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEUNG WAN ♦ * * ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG WAN FOR ANOTHER SEVEN WEEKS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS:
♦ THE CLOSURE OF THE SERVICE ROAD NORTH OF RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CARPARK; AND
» THE RE-ROUTEING OF THE SERVICE ROAD NORTH OF HOTEL VICTORIA FROM ONE-WAY TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
’./EDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
CONSULTATION ON ANTI-SMOKING RECOMMEN DAT IONS BEGINS......... 1
NEW REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY STAFF......... 2
INVESTIGATION INTO SURVEY OFFICE SUBMISSIONS COMPLETED ....... 3
HONG KONG: a REMaRKzxBLE ECONOMIC SUCCESS.................. 4
HK UNFAIRLY TARGETTED AT EC aNTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING........... 5
NEW CHAIEMaN OF SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BO/iRD APPOINTED....... 6
TAI PO DEVELOPMENT OUTLINED................................... 6
JOINT EFFORTS IN CURBING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES RECOGNISED........ 8
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER.......................... 10
buss media help promote Family life education ................ 11
REGIONAL SECRETARY SEES YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENTS................ 12
WAN CHAI DB ELECTS REPRESENTATIVE TO UC ...................... 13
WINNERS OF SKETCH COMPETITION RECEIVE PRIZES ................. 1?
MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT............... 1J
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CHILD CASE............................ 14
PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE .-.GENDA ............... 15
CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW ............. 15
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND TOR CHING MING FESTIVAL ..................................................... 16
REMOVAL OF PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES............................. 18
CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR WORK SAFETY ...................... 18
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRaFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS.............. 19
CUSTOMS PRAISED FOR ELTMDL.TING COUNTERFEIT GOODS............. 20
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN NORTH POD4T TO BE CLOSED................. 20
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLaCE NORTH.................... 21
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 1 -
CONSULTATION ON ANTI-SMOKING RECOMMENDATIONS BEGINS ******
THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED A CONSULTATION PAPER ON A PACKAGE OF RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (COSH) TO RESTRICT THE USE, SALE AND ADVERTISEMENT OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE CONSULTED ON THESE PROPOSALS THROUGH THE DISTRICT BOARDS DURING THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
THE PAPER OUTLINES THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON SMOKING AND SUMMARISES THE COUNCIL’S 24 RECOMMENDATIONS:
(A) TO EXTEND NO-SMOKING AREAS IN PERFORMANCE VENUES, GOVERNMENT PREMISES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT VEHICLES; AND, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, TO ENCOURAGE THE SETTING UP OF NO-SMOKING AREAS IN RESTAURANTS (RECOMMENDATIONS 1 TO 7);
(B) TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF HEALTH WARNINGS ON CIGARETTE PACKETS AND TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS; TO PROVIDE FOR MORE SPECIFIC WARNINGS; AND TO ENSURE THE VISIBILITY OF THE WARNINGS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS (RECOMMENDATIONS 8 TO 10);
(C) TO RESTRICT THE TAR AND NICOTINE CONTENT OF CIGARETTES AND TO REWRITE THE EXISTING TAR GROUP DESIGNATIONS (RECOMMENDATIONS 11 AND 12);
(D) TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OF CIGARETTES TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 (RECOMMENDATION 13);
(E) TO BAN ALL FORMS OF TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP AS A LONG TERM GOAL AND TO RESTRICT THEIR EXTENT IN THE MEANTIME (RECOMMENDATIONS 14 TO 22); AND
(F) TO INCREASE THE TAX ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS (RECOMMENDATIONS 23 AND 24).
COSH IS A STATUTORY BODY ESTABLISHED IN 1987. PART OF ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE IS TO SERVE AS AN ADVISOR TO GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS RELATED TO TOBACCO AND HEALTH. THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS REPRESENT ONE OF ITS INITIAL TASKS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID: "ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF DISCOURAGING SMOKING IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC HEALTH, IT HAS NOT YET MADE ANY DECISION ON THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WISHES TO SOLICIT PUBLIC VIEWS BEFORE DECIDING ON FURTHER ACTION."
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE CONSULTATION PAPER AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES SECTION AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL.
/THEY MAY .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 2
THEY MAY ALSO WRITE TO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG FOR A COPY.
ALL COMMENTS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS, ARE WELCOME AND SHOULD REACH THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS BEFORE JUNE 30.
-------0----------
NEW REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY STAFF
THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO HELP IN THE FORMULATION OF A NEW REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR STAFF EMPLOYED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS UNDER THE NEW HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE PHA SECRETARY GENERAL, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, AND MR RONALD ADAMS, REPRESENTING THE CONSULTANTS - TOWERS, PERRIN, FORSTER AND CROSBY, INC.
THE STUDY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS. THE FIRST PART IS AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PRESENT COST OF EMPLOYING CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, INCLUDING SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS, IN ORDER TO DERIVE A TOTAL COST FIGURE FOR THE VARIOUS GRADES AND RANKS OF STAFF INVOLVED.
THE SECOND PART IS THE FORMULATION OF A NEW REMUNERATION PACKAGE WHICH SHOULD BE AS FLEXIBLE AND ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE WHILE REMAINING COMPARABLE, IN TERMS OF COST TO THE EMPLOYER, TO THAT ENJOYED BY CIVIL SERVANTS IN SIMILAR JOBS.
THE STUDY SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AND WILL THEN BE STUDIED BY THE PHA BEFORE IT SUBMITS ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE NEW PACKAGE TO THE GOVERNOR.
MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE NEW PACKAGE, WHEN APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT, WOULD BE OFFERED TO PRESENT GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITAL STAFF ALIKE, AS WELL AS TO NEW EMPLOYEES.
EXISTING STAFF WILL BE GIVEN THE OPTION EITHER TO TAKE UP THE NEW TERMS OR TO REMAIN ON THEIR CURRENT TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE PHA HAS ALREADY SET UP FOUR WORKING GROUPS, WHICH INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE STAFF OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS, TO ASSIST IN THE PREPARATION OF THE NEW TERMS.
IN ADDITION, THE CONSULTANTS WILL CONDUCT AN EMPLOYEE ATTITUDE SURVEY TO ASCERTAIN THE VIEWS OF STAFF ON THE NEW PACKAGE.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
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INVESTIGATION INTO SURVEY OFFICE SUBMISSIONS COMPLETED
» » * * «
THE POLICE HAVE COMPLETED THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGEDLY FALSE SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED BY THE SURVEY OFFICE IN RESPONSE TO THE 1987 GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 2,581 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED AND 2,310 COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED.
HOWEVER, ONLY FOUR OF THE COMPLAINANTS INTERVIEWED DECIDED TO PURSUE THEIR CASES. THE REST OF THE COMPLAINTS HAVE ALL BEEN WITHDRAWN VOLUNTARILY.
"AFTER HAVING LODGED THEIR COMPLAINTS, SOME COMPLAINANTS RECALLED HAVING PERSONALLY COMPLETED SUBMISSIONS OR HAVING AUTHORISED SUBMISSIONS TO BE MADE ON THEIR BEHALF," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME COMPLAINANTS HAD BECOME AWARE THAT SOME UNIONS OR ORGANISATIONS HAD MADE THE SUBMISSIONS ON THEIR BEHALF, WITH OR WITHOUT THEIR EXPLICIT CONSENT, BUT FELT RELUCTANT TO PURSUE THEIR COMPLAINTS," HE ADDED.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS HAVE CONSIDERED THE MATTER AND DECIDED THAI THERE SHOULD BE NO PROSECUTION IN ANY OF THE CASES INVESTIGATED.
"AS THE GOVERNMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN TO DESTROY ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR WHICH THE CONTRIBUTORS HAD REQUESTED CONFIDENTIALITY, THESE ALLEGEDLY FALSE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DESTROYED TOMORROW (THURSDAY) NOW THAT THE INVESTIGATIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"OTHER SUBMISSIONS TO THE SURVEY OFFICE WERE DESTROYED IN MAY LAST YEAR," HE ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SUBMISSIONS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (THURSDAY), WILL BE WITNESSED BY MR ANDREW SO, ONE OF THE TWO MONITORS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN 1987 TO OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE SURVEY OFFICE.
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SUBMISSIONS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE INCINERATOR AT 3.15 PM.
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A.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
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HONG KONG: A REMARKABLE ECONOMIC SUCCESS ♦ * * * *
IT IS NOTHING SHORT OF REMARKABLE THAT HONG KONG, A PLACE OF LESS THAN SIX MILLION PEOPLE WITH LITTLE OTHER THAN A TALENT FOR DOING BUSINESS HAS BECOME THE WORLD’S 10TH LARGEST TRADING ECONOMY, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK, MR KERRY MCGLYNN, SAID YESTERDAY (MARCH 21).
IN AN ADDRESS TO THE MIDWEST CHINA CENTRE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, MR MCGLYNN SAID THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE CONFIDENCE IT HAD GENERATED IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAD PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR HIGH RATES OF GROWTH AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
HE TOLD HIS AUDIENCE THAT IN HONG KONG’S SUCCESS AMERICANS PLAYED A LARGE ROLE.
’’THERE ARE MORE THAN 900 U.S. CORPORATIONS IN HONG KONG AND TOTAL U.S. INVESTMENT THERE IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND $6 BILLION,” HE SAID.
’’U.S. COMPANIES ARE ALSO THE LARGEST FOREIGN INVESTORS IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR ACCOUNTING FOR MORE THAN 36 PER CENT OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS.”
MR MCGLYNN POINTED OUT THAT AMERICAN EXPORTERS COULD STILL FIND NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG TODAY.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID: ”AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE GROWING AT ASTONISHING SPEED, WE HAVE A LARGE APPETITE FOR BUSINESS AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS COMPUTERS, PERIPHERALS AND SOFTWARE.
"THERE IS GROWING INTEREST AMONG OUR INDUSTRIALISTS IN THE COMPUTERISATION OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND DESIGN WORK.”
HONG KONG, HE CONTINUED, WAS ALSO A LUCRATIVE MARKET FOR A WIDE RANGE OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS THE EXPORT VALUE OF WHICH HAD DOUBLED TO NEARLY HALF A BILLION DOLLARS FROM 1976 TO 1987.
TURNING TO TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MINNESOTA, MR MCGLYNN SAID NEARLY $57 MILLION WORTH OF THE STATE’S MANUFACTURING EXPORTS FOUND THEIR WAY TO HONG KONG’S MARKETS IN 1987.
MINNESOTA ALSO HAD ONE OF ITS EIGHT OVERSEAS TRADE REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
MR MCGLYNN NOTED THAT HONG KONG AND MINNESOTA BOTH SHARED ECONOMIC SUCCESSES IN TWO AREAS, EMPLOYMENT AND GROWTH OF PER CAPITA INCOME.
"UNEMPLOYMENT HERE IS 30 PER CENT BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. UNEMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG IS VIRTUALLY NON-EXISTENT.
"YOUR PER CAPITA INCOME GROWTH IS FIFTH FASTEST IN THE NATION. WE HAVE THE SECOND HIGHEST STANDARD OF LIVING IN ASIA OUTSIDE JAPAN," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 5 -
HE UNFAIRLY TARGETTED AT EC ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING
*****
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY (MARCH 21) THE INITIATION OF ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING ON DENIM CLOTH ORIGINATED IN HONG KONG, MACAU, TURKEY AND INDONESIA.
THIS CONFIRMED THE INTELLIGENCE THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED EARLY IN THE MONTH, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE RESPONSIBLE FOR EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, MR FRED LEUNG, SAID TODAY-(WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG REGRETTED THAT THE COMMISSION HAD INITIATED ANOTHER ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING ON HONG KONG.
"THIS IS THE EIGHTH CASE INVOLVING HONG KONG WITHIN 15 MONTHS," HE SAID.
"IT IS BEYOND OUR COMPREHENSION THAT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION SHOULD IMAGINE, GIVEN OUR TOTALLY OPEN ECONOMY, THAT HONG KONG INDUSTRY CAN BE DUMPING IN THIS SCALE," MR LEUNG ADDED.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S INITIAL REACTION WAS THAT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION MIGHT DO BETTER TO INVESTIGATE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH EUROPEAN INDUSTRY RATHER THAN WHETHER ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH HONG KONG INDUSTRY.
"THIS IS BECAUSE. QUITE APART FROM ANY DIFFICULTY HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS WOULD HAVE IN DUMPING, THE EUROPEAN DENIM CLOTH INDUSTRY ENJOYS A NUMBER OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES AND LEVELS OF PROTECTION IN ITS DOMESTIC MARKET," HE SAID.
THESE INCLUDED LOWER TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION COSTS AND, IN ADDITION, IMPORTS OF DENIM CLOTH FROM HONG KONG WERE ALREADY SUBJECT TO HIGH TARIFFS (10 PER CENT) AND LIMITED BY QUOTAS UNDER THE HONG KONG/EEC BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENT, MR LEUNG EXPLAINED.
"IT IS UNREASONABLE THAT EUROPEAN INDUSTRY SHOULD WANT YET ANOTHER LEVEL OF PROTECTION THROUGH THE IMPOSITION OF ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG IS ARRANGING A MEETING WITH THE AFFECTED COMPANIES TO ADVISE THEM ABOUT THE PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION.
"WE WILL ENCOURAGE THEM TO DEFEND THEMSELVES VIGOROUSLY AND COMPLETE THE EC'S QUESTIONNAIRE CAREFULLY AND PROPERLY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT WILL STUDY THE SPECIFIC COMPLAINT CAREFULLY WHEN THE DETAILS ARE OBTAINED, AND TO REJECT ANY UNFAIR ALLEGATIONS AND ENSURE THAT HONG KONG'S RIGHTS UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE WILL NOT BE COMPROMISED," HE CONCLUDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
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NEW CHAIRMAN OF SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD APPOINTED
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED DR NATALIS C. L. YUEN TO BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR YUEN WILL TAKE OVER AS CHAIRMAN FROM DR DAVID C. T. WONG, WHO INDICATED LATE LAST YEAR THAT HE WOULD BE RESIGNING FROM THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE BOARD FOR PERSONAL REASONS.
DR NATALIS YUEN IS A PAST PRESIDENT AND CURRENT TREASURER OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. HE HAS ALSO REPRESENTED THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ON THE HONG KONG MEDICAL COUNCIL.
HE RECENTLY SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE WORKING PARTY ON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
DR YUEN IS VERY ACTIVE IN THE FIELD OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND IS CURRENTLY PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS.
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TAI PO DEVELOPMENT OUTLINED * * t *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY SPENT AROUND $2.3 BILLION ON DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN TAI PO AND A FURTHER $1.5 BILLION WILL BE SPENT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AS A CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT AND TO ENHANCE ITS LIVING CONDITIONS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEWLY-COMPLETED YUEN SHIN ROAD.
THE ROAD IS ANOTHER PROJECT COMPLETED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN DEVELOPING TAI PO NEW TOWN WHICH IS EXPECTED TO HAVE A POPULATION OF OVER 250,000 BY 1996.
DR NIP NOTED THAT THE INVESTMENTS ON CAPITAL WORKS IN THE DISTRICT IN THE YEARS AHEAD WOULD INCLUDE FURTHER FORMATION AND SERVICING WORKS AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION, DRAINAGE, COMMUNITY FACILITIES, RECREATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS.
HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE GROSS AREA OF ABOUT 700 HECTARES OF SERVICED LAND AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT TO DATE, MAJOR SITE FORMATION WORKS TO FORM ANOTHER 11 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE NEW NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL AND TAI PO CONVALESCENT/1NFIRMARY HOSPITAL AND QUARTERS WERE NEARING COMPLETION.
/THE RECLAMATION .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
THE RECLAMATION WORKS IN TAI PO WOULD ALSO BE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED WITH THE FORMATION OF A FURTHER 21 HECTARES FOR A WATERFRONT PARK AND LEISURE CENTRE LATER THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
DR NIP NOTING THAT MUCH OF THE NEW LAND AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN RECLAIMED FROM THE SEA. HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT IT HAD ALSO BEEN THE GOVERNMENT'S OBJECTIVE TO FURTHER DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THE OLD TOWN OF TAI PO SO THAT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY ITS TRADITIONAL FUNCTION AS A MARKET CENTRE WITHIN A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.
ON HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, DR NIP NOTED THAT MAJOR SITE FORMATION WORK IS UNDERWAY SOUTH OF THE TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION FOR THE WAN TAU TONG PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME COURT, AS WELL AS FOR A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND A COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE INTAKE TO THE HOUSING ESTATE IS EXPECTED TO START IN 1991-92 AND THE TOTAL POPULATION OF THIS DEVELOPMENT AREA IS ANTICIPATED TO REACH 31,000 IN 1996, INCLUDING THOSE OF THE PROPOSED PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT AND EXISTING VILLAGE EXTENSIONS.
THERE ARE ALSO CAPITAL WORK PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, A PUBLIC CARPARK AS WELL AS A BUS TERMINUS BENEATH THE PODIUM OF THE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO SERVE THE FUTURE RESIDENTS.
MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR ANOTHER HOUSING ESTATE LOCATED TO THE NORTH OF TAI YUEN ESTATE IS ALSO UNDERWAY FOR A PLANNED POPULATION INTAKE OF 27,000 BY 1991-92.
ON ROAD WORKS, DR NIP POINTED OUT THAT BY EARLY 1991, WORKS WOULD BE COMPLETED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF TING KOK ROAD BETWEEN TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND PLUMMER VILLAGE BY WIDENING THE SINGLE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO 7.3 METRES.
A 3.5 METRES WIDE CYCLE TRACK WOULD ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED ALL THE WAY FROM THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO TAI MEI TUK TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF CYCLISTS, HE ADDED.
REGARDING OTHER DEVELOPMENTS, DR NIP SAID CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR SEVERAL RECREATIONAL PROJECTS WERE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY WEST OF TAI PO OLD MARKET TO PROVIDE FACILITIES SUCH AS AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, A SWIMMING POOL AND A SPORTS COMPLEX FOR PUBLIC USE IN ONE TO TWO YEARS’ TIME.
"THE AREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL SOON BE DEVELOPED INTO ANOTHER DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WHICH WILL FEATURE FACILITIES FOR STAGING AND VIEWING THE ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT RACES ALONG THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WATERFRONT," HE SAID.
TO REDUCE THE POLLUTION PROBLEM IN TOLO HARBOUR, HE SAID SOME MODIFICATION WORKS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PROCESS AT THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT WITH INSTALLATION TO BE COMMENCED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE SEWAGE EFFLUENT.
/OFFICIATING AT........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 8 -
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR YUEN SHIN ROAD TODAY WAS THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG.
THE ROAD IS A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF 1.3 KILOMETRES LONG, OF WHICH A SECTION OF ABOUT 90 METRES IS A BRIDGE STRUCTURE ACROSS LAM TSUEN RIVER.
A CYCLE TRACK AND FOOTPATH ARE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE $55 MILLION PROJECT.
THE OPENING OF YUEN SHIN ROAD SIGNIFIES THE COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR ROAD NETWORK IN TAI PO NEW TOWN.
THE ROAD CONNECTS TING KOK ROAD TO TOLO HIGHWAY PROVIDING A SHORTER ROUTE FOR VEHICLES PROCEEDING TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND FOR AREAS TO THE EAST OF TAI PO, THUS RELIEVING THE TRAFFIC LOAD ON NAM WAN ROAD.
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JOINT EFFORTS IN CURBING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES RECOGNISED
♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE JOINT EFFORTS BY THE POLICE. THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WERE FORMALLY RECOGNISED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE FISHING COMMUNITY IN ABERDEEN FOR THEIR EFFECTIVENESS LN CURBING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR TONY BENNETT, SAID THAT THE JOINT EFFORTS - IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON GANG OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE - FOLLOWED THE PILOT SCHEME LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET IN JULY LAST YEAR.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A BANNER PRESENTATION CEREMONY BY MR CHENG FOR-YAU, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT AT ABERDEEN POLICE STATION THIS AFTERNOON.
"IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, A WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED BETWEEN THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE WESTERN DISTRICT AND ABERDEEN POLICE AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN A DETERMINED EFFORT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF TRIAD INFILTRATION AT THE ABERDEEN FISH MARKET.” HE SAID.
AS A RESULT, A SERIES OF CONTROL MEASURES WERE INTRODUCED AS FROM FEBRUARY 13. INCLUDING THE CLOSURE OF THE SORTING FLOOR TO FISH BUYERS, BANNING THE LABELLING OF FISH BEFORE AUCTION AND BANNING THE USE OF SHORT-HANDLED HAND HOOKS.
/WITH THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
9 -
WITH THE STRONG SUPPORT FROM THE POLICE AND THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE, THESE NEW MEASURES HAVE WON THE ACTIVE CO-OPERATION OF THE MARKET USERS, INCLUDING BOTH THE FISHERMEN AND THE BUYER ASSOCIATION,” HE SAID.
“SINCE THEN ORDER IN THE ABERDEEN FISH MARKET HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED AND THERE HAS BEEN ONLY ONE ARREST ON MARCH 17 INVOLVING A WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT.”
MR BENNETT NOTED THAT THE NEW MEASURES HAD RESULTED IN SOME EIGHT PER CENT INCREASES IN BOTH THE THROUGHPUT AND IN AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1988.
THESE INCREASES, HOWEVER, HAVE NOT AFFECTED THE FISH PRICES OF THE RETAIL LEVEL, AND IT SEEMED THAT THIS REPRESENTED THE PROFITS PREVIOUSLY POCKETED BY THE TRIADS THROUGH THE MALPRACTICES AT THE FISH MARKET.
MR BENNETT POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE HAD ALSO STEPPED UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN CURTAILING ILLEGAL MARKETING ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE FISH MARKET AND IN OTHER PARTS OF ABERDEEN, PARTICULARLY IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER.
HE SAID THAT IN 1988, THERE HAD BEEN 67 ARRESTS IN THE ABERDEEN AREA INVOLVING 79 PEOPLE, WHO WERE LATER FINED $47,700. A TOTAL OF 19 TONNES OF FISH WERE CONFISCATED.
”SO FAR THIS YEAR,” MR BENNETT SAID, "THERE HAVE BEEN 12 CASES OF SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS WITH ANOTHER 4 CASES AWAITING HEARING. 13 PERSONS HAVE BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $6,500 AND 1.2 TONNES OF FISH HAVE BEEN SEIZED.”
HE DISCLOSED THAT AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE MARKETING ORDER IN THE FMO MARKETS, PLANS WERE IN HAND TO INTRODUCE A SIMILAR SCHEME AT THE SHAU KEI WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
"IT IS HOPED THAT APART FROM IMPROVING ORDER AT THE WHOLESALE MARKET, THE SCHEME WILL SERVE THE PURPOSES OF REGULATING THE SALES OF FISH FOR EXPORT AND CURTAILING ILLEGAL MARKETING AT THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELETER AND LET YUE MUN AREA,” MR BENNETT ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE SAME CEREMONY, MR FRANCIS MURPHY, DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, ABERDEEN SAFD THAT PUBLICITY WAS A VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE OPERATION AND THANKED MEMBERS OF THE PRESS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THIS REGARD.
HE SAID A LESSON TO BE LEARNED FROM THE OPERATION WAS THAT IF ANYONE ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE TO COUNTER TRIAD ACTIVITY, THE POLICE WOULD PROVIDE IT.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 10 -
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE IN KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 16,045 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT AREA 10 G OF KWAI CHUNG.
IT IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR PARKING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER, EXCEPT FOR AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,425 SQUARE METRES WHICH WILL BE REPOSSESSED ON DEMAND UPON RECEIVING THREE CALENDAR MONTHS' NOTICE IN WRITING.
TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING INVITED FOR LETTING ANOTHER LOT OF LAND IN KOWLOON FOR USE AS OPEN STORAGE, EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS.
THE LOT, MEASURING ABOUT 4,650 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT CHOI SHEK LANE, KOWLOON. THE TENANCY IS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF BOTH LOTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT:
» THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
» THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE LOT IN KWAI CHUNG ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KWAI TSING, 11TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON APRIL 7.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 11
MASS MEDIA HELP PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
*****
THE MASS MEDIA HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY IN PROMOTING AND AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE AND CONCERN IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
THE CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (FAMILY AND CHILD CARE) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MRS PATRICA CHU, SAID THIS TODAY AT A CEREMONY HELD TO ANNOUNCE A 13-EPISODE CHILDREN’S TELEVISION DRAMA ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
MRS CHU SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES, HAD BEEN PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINCE 1978.
DURING THIS TIME, THE MASS MEDIA HAD HELPED TO CONVEY FAMILY EDUCATION MESSAGES, AND BUILD UP HARMONY IN FAMILY LIFE.
"FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS A LONG-TERM COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT AIMING TO PUBLICISE THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE AND TO PROMOTE BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS," SHE SAID.
"IT IS BEING PROMOTED THROUGH TERRITORY-WIDE AND DISTRICT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, FAMILY CAMPS, FAMILY LIFE CARNIVALS SO AS TO CONVEY PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF VARIOUS STAGES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, BEHAVIOUR, THE FAMILY, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES."
IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE WORK GROUP ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, CHAIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HAD CO-OPERATED CLOSELY WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES IN RUNNING THE CAMPAIGN.
THEMES AND SLOGANS WERE ADOPTED EACH YEAR.
THE WORKING GROUP HAD ALSO CO-OPERATED WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN PRODUCING A NUMBER OF SPECIAL FAMILY LIFE TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE NEW CHILDREN’S DRAMA SERIES, MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY COULD STRENGTHEN THEIR RELATIONSHIPS, MRS CHU SAID.
THE 13-EPISODE SERIES HAD BEEN PRODUCED TO TIE IN WITH THE THEM, OF THIS YEAR’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN — "LOVE AND CARE HELP BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY," SHE ADDED.
STARTING FROM APRIL 3, THE SERIES WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB-JADE BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7.30 PM EVERY MONDAY FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
THE SERIES WILL THEN BE SHOWN ON THE ATV HOME CHANNEL FROM JULY 3, FROM 8 PM TO 8.30 PM ON MONDAYS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 12 -
REGIONAL SECRETARY SEES YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENTS « * * * »
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, VISITED YUEN LONG DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO LOOK AT THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS AT PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE PROJECTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROBIN IP, MR HSU FIRST WENT TO WANG CHAU SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR AN OVERVIEW OF TIN SHUI WAI.
THERE, HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE LAND FORMATION AND ANCILLARY VILLAGE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS.
AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE OVERALL DESIGN OF TIN SHUI WAI IS THE UPGRADING OF THE SURROUNDING LOW-LYING VILLAGES TO MAKE THEM LESS VULNERABLE TO FLOODING.
MR HSU’S NEXT STOP WAS KIU TAU WAI IN PING SHAN WHERE A FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME HAD BEEN DESIGNED AFTER THOROUGH CONSULTATION WITH THE VILLAGERS.
HE THEN WENT TO LOK MA CHAU, WHERE HE WAS GIVEN AN UPDATE ON TWO MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS - THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD (NTCR) AND THE VEHICULAR BORDER LINK.
FOR THE NTCR PROJECT, WORK ON PHASE II BETWEEN MAI PO AND PAK SHEK AU WILL BE COMPLETED IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
AS FOR THE VEHICULAR BORDER LINK, CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE I, WHICH INCLUDES A DUAL TWO-LANE HIGHWAY, A TWO-LANE CONCRETE BRIDGE OVER THE SHENZHEN RIVER, AN INTERCHANGE WITH THE NTCR AND BORDER CONTROL FACILITIES, IS DUE FOR COMPLETION THIS SUMMER.
AFTER VISITING THE BORDER, MR HSU RETURNED TO YUEN LONG TOWN FOR A ROOFTOP VIEW OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TERMINUS AND MAIN ROADS IN THE NEW TOWN.
SINCE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE LRT SYSTEM AND THE INTRODUCTION OF ASSOCIATED TRAFFIC CIRCULATION MODIFICATION, THE TRAFFIC SITUATION IN YUEN LONG HAS DETERIORATED.
FOR THIS REASON, A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL SOON PRESENT A LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
AT HIS FINAL STOP AT NAM PIN WAI, MR HSU WAS BRIEFED ON THE KAU HUI LAYOUT PLAN, A PROJECT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR ABOUT 70 HECTARES OF LAND SITUATED TO THE NORTHEAST OF YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY ENDED HIS VISIT BY MEETING MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AT A LUNCH RECEPTION.
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/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22,
1989
- 15 -
WAN CHAI DB ELECTS REPRESENTATIVE TO UC * » * * ♦
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ELECTED MR ARTHUR CHAM YAU-TONG AS ITS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MR CHAM DEFEATED MR KENNETH LEE YIU-KWONG BY EIGHT VOTES TO FIVE.
ONE MEMBER ABSTAINED FROM VOTING AND ONE VOTING PAPER WAS BLANK.
-----0------
WINNERS OF SKETCH COMPETITION RECEIVE PRIZES
*****
TWENTY-THREE YOUNG WINNERS OF A HISTORICAL FIGURES SKETCH COMPETITION, HELD RECENTLY IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, WERE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS AND SOUVENIRS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JOEY LAM, REMARKED THAT THE OVERALL STANDARD OF THE ENTRIES WAS HIGH.
"WE HOPE THIS CONTEST WILL PROMOTE YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN DRAWING AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN FUTURE COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES,” MISS LAM SAID.
THE COMPETITION, HELD BETWEEN DECEMBER AND JANUARY, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, MID-LEVELS (CENTRAL) AREA COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
IT WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED FROM 15 TO 21, AND ATTRACTED ABOUT 200 ENTRIES.
-------o---------
MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT *****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSALS TO REMEDY UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS WILL ELECT AMONG THEMSELVES THE CHAIRMEN FOR TWO COMMITTEES UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD - THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE AND THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - FOR THE YEAR 1989-90.
/THEY WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22,'1989
14
THEY WILL ALSO ASK QUESTIONS CONCERNING A FIRE WHICH BROKE AT THE FAR EAST BANK MONG KOK BUILDING ON FEBRUARY 14.
OUT
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CHILD CASE * t t t *
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) THE CASE IN WHICH A MOTHER IS REPORTEDLY FORBIDDING HER CHILDREN FROM LEAVING THEIR HOME IN SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
MEMBERS WILL ASK WHAT THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS ARE DOING REGARDING THIS CASE.
THEY WILL ALSO ASK THE HOUSING AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS WHAT IS BEING DONE TO ASSIST THOSE AGED SINGLE PERSONS RECEIVING PUBLIC ALLOWANCE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE PAK TIN REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
ANOTHER DISCUSSION ITEM IS THE IMPROVEMENT TO THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME.
AT THE MEETING, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22,
1989
- 15 -
PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FOR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR TSANG WING-HUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE OBJECTIVES AND MANNER OF APPLYING THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME IN RESPECT OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANIES.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE AND INDUSTRIAL AREA AS WELL AS THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS LOCAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED WORK PLAN FOR THE YEAR 1989-90.
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 CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
THF MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----o-----
CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW
******
THE WINNING ENTRIES IN THE CLEAN AND GREEN ’88 PHOTO COMPETITION WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ON THE FIRST FLOOR PODIUM OF SHUN TAK CENTRE IN CENTRAL.
THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO WIND UP THE 1988 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 3 PM ON MONDAY, MARCH 27.
THF. ALM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION BY PRESENTING THEM THE PHOTOGRAPHIC VISION OF A CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRYSIDE.
/AN OPENING .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
16 -
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM TOMORROW WHEN PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING ENTRIES IN THE THREE THEME GROUPS ON PORTRAITS, WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION, AND SCENERY.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO EXHIBITION TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2 PM ON THE FIRST FLOOR PODIUM OF SHUN TAK CENTRE IN CENTRAL.
AFD INFORMATION STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN POK FU LAM AND ABERDEEN FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
CHAI WAN, TRANSPORT
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 2) AND ON CHING MING FESTIVAL (APRIL 5).
THE SAME ARRANGEMENTS MAY ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED IN CHAI WAN FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM ON MARCH 25, 26 AND 27, APRIL 8 AND 9 IF NECESSARY.
IN CHAI WAN, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:
* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EAST OF LIN SHING ROAD EXCEPT FOR HEARSES;
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE AND CREMATORIUM FROM CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EXCEPT FOR HEARSES AND VEHICLES CARRYING PASSENGERS TO SERVICES AT THE CREMATORIUM; AND
♦ THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO CHAI WAN CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY.
/IF NECESSARY, .......
WEENESDAY, KARCH 22, 1989
- 1? -
IF NECESSARY, CAPE COLLINSON ROAD AND LIN SHING ROAD MAY ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION.
MEANWHILE, CAPE COLLINSON ROAD BETWEEN LIN SHING ROAD AND SHEK O ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND; LIN SHING ROAD BETWEEN WAN TSUI ROAD AND CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND; AND THE EASTERN SECTION OF WAN TSUI ROAD BETWEEN CHAI WAN ROAD AND FEI TSUI ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY.
FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON MARCH 25, 26 AND 27 AND APRIL 1,2, 5, 8 AND 9, NO PARKING WILL BE ALLOWED ON WAN TSUI ROAD, CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD AND SHEK 0 ROAD BETWEEN CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM ROAD.
ALL TAXIS AND PRIVATE CARS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING LIN SHING ROAD FOR ACCESS TO CAPE COLLINSON ROAD FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM ON APRIL 2 AND 5. THESE VEHICLES WILL BE PERMITTED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS ON WAN TSUI ROAD BETWEEN LIN SHING ROAD AND FEI TSUI ROAD.
IN POK FU LAM, CONSORT RISE BETWEEN VICTORIA ROAD AND BISNEY ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON APRIL 2 AND 5, IN ABERDEEN, PEEL RISE IN THE VICINITY OF ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. THE SLIP ROAD FROM SHEK PAI WAN ROAD LEADING TO THE CEMETERY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
MEANWHILE, CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTE 388 BETWEEN CHAI WAN MTR BUS TERMINUS AND CHAI WAN CEMETERY (CIRCULAR) WILL BE OPERATED FROM 7 AM TO 5.40 PM ON APRIL 2 AND 5 AT AN INTERVAL OF FIVE MINUTES.
CMB ROUTE 389 BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN BUS TERMINUS AND CHAI WAN CEMETERY (CIRCULAR) WILL BE OPERATED FROM 7 AM TO 5.54 PM ON APRIL 2 AND 5 AT AN INTERVAL OF SIX MINUTES.
CMB ROUTE 357 WILL OPERATE FROM CENTRAL (EXCHANGE SQUARE) TO CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY (CIRCULAR) BETWEEN 7 AM AND 5.52 PM ON APRIL 2 AND 5 AT AN INTERVAL OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES.
CMB ROUTES 80, 81, 81M, 82, 83, 84, 780 AND CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 106 WILL BE RE-ROUTED, WHILE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 16M AND 18M WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED.
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/18.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 18 -REMOVAL OF PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES » » * » *
THE HONG KONG PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW ACCOMMODATION ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE NEW OFFICES WILL BE LOCATED IN ROOMS 27 AND 28 ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUDDING, 2 MURRAY ROAD, CENTRAL.
MATTERS RELATING TO THE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF BUSES AND TAXIS WILL BE HANDLED IN ROOM 27, WHILE ROOM 28 WILL BE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, HIRE CARS AND CROSS BORDER VEHICLES.
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF BUSES AND TAXIS WILL BE 5-269432 AND 5-248835. FOR LIGHT BUSES, HIRE CARS AND CROSS BORDER VEHICLES THE ENQUIRY NUMBER IS 5-260979.
THE EXISTING OFFICES ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND GROUND FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING WILL CONTINUE OPERATION UNTIL THE END OF THIS WEEK.
------0--------
CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR WORK SAFETY
» » » * »
A BUILDING CONTRACTOR WHO FAILED TO TAKE THE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED BY LAW IN HIS CONSTRUCTION SITE RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF A WORKER WAS RECENTLY FINED $30,000 BY A CENTRAL MAGISTRATE.
ACCORDING TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, CONTRACTORS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE GUARD RAILS TO ALL DANGEROUS FLOOR OPENINGS AND WORKING PLATFORMS IN A CONSTRUCTION SITE TO PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS.
THE CASE IN QUESTION INVOLVED A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO WAS FATALLY INJURED AFTER FALLING FROM A FLOOR OPENING ON A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN IN MAY LAST YEAR.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REVEALED THAT MANY FLOOR OPENINGS ON THE BUILDING WERE NOT PROPERLY FENCED AND PROSECUTIONS WERE EVENTUALLY TAKEN OUT AGAINST THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR UNDER THE REGULATIONS.
/COMMENTING ON
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 19 -
COMMENTING ON THE CASE, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID BUILDING CONTRACTORS MUST COMPLY STRICTLY WITH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE REGULATIONS AND SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY MEASURES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS.
"ANY CONTRACTOR WHO FAILS TO PROVIDE SECURE FENCING TO PLACES LIKELY TO CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS IN A CONSTRUCTION SITE SHALL !E GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000, HE SAID.
0
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS * » » t » I' •
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED $47,080 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND O THE DEPENDENTS OF A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON MARCH 9.
A 35-YEAR-OLD-MAN, MR YU CHOW-SHAN, WAS KNOCKED DOWN AND KILLED BY A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS AT A BUS STOP ON KWUN TONG ROAD NEAR THE LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE. HE WAS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, AN ELDERLY AUNT AND FIVE CHILDREN.
EIGHT OTHER PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT AND THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE ARE BEING PROCESSED BY THE DEPARTMENT'S TAVA SECTION.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME STILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE SAME TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE THEY HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME. IN ANY CASE THE AMOUNT TO THE REPAID SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED.
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SWD'S TAVA SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, VICTORIA CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 5-702410.
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/20........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 20 -
CUSTOMS PRAISED FOR ELIMINATING COUNTERFEIT GOODS
******
THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOGNITION OF THE NEED TO ACCORD HIGH PRIORITY TO PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND THE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT DURING THE PAST YEARS HAVE MADE COUNTERFEITING ACTIVITIES GO UNDERGROUND.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR K.S. TONG, SAID THIS AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A PLAQUE WAS PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT BY LOUIS VUITTON HONG KONG LTD IN RECOGNITION OF CUSTOMS EFFORTS IN CRACKING DOWN ON COUNTERFEIT GOODS.
IT IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A PLAQUE FROM THIS COMPANY. THE FIRST PLAQUE WAS PRESENTED IN 1984.
MR TONG POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT CERTAINLY WOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT WITH ITS ACHIEVEMENTS AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO ITS BEST IN ELIMINATING ALL PIRATES AND COUNTERFEITERS WHO ATTEMPTED TO MAKE QUICK MONEY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE INTEREST OF TRADERS AND CONSUMERS.
ALSO AT THE CEREMONY, 15 OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COPYRIGHT AND COUNTERFEIT INVESTIGATION DIVISION WERE PRESENTED WITH APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES BY THE COMPANY.
----------------------o------- ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN NORTH POINT TO BE CLOSED * » » » *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO SEEK THE CLOSURE OF AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN NORTH POINT, HONG KONG SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IS ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT B, SECOND FLOOR, 106-110 TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON APRIL 10, 1986 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 16 WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT IS INTENDED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1989
- 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH » » * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH IN CENTRAL BETWEEN QUEEN*S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 24) TO 7 PM THE NEXT DAY.
THE CLOSURE IS REQUIRED SO THAT AN ANNUAL EASTER FAIR CAN BE HELD.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
Thursday, march 23, 1989
CONTENTS Page NO.
PROVISIONAL TRaDE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED .............. 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY .......................... 4
17TH MEETING OF LAND COMMISSION ON MARCH 28 .................. 6
HK-JAPaN CO-OPERATION UNDERSTANDING SIGNED ................... 7
BILL ON OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE PUBLISHED .................... 8
PROPOSAL TO EXTEND TAVaS TO LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES .............. 9
EXCO ENDORSES NEW LEVY aRR.kNGEMENTS ......................... 10
TWO DB'S ELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO UC ......................... 11
PHOTO EXHIBITION TO SPREAD CONSERVATION MESSAGE .............. 11
FINAL OF FAMILY LIFE DUCaTION MUSIC COMPETITION TOMORROW ... 13
removal of Chinese visitors office ........................... 14
SIX GOVT PROPERTIES FETCH 53.37 MILLION ...................... 15
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THREE ORDINANCES INVOLVING TRUST FUNDS 16
FIRING PRACTICE IN APRIL ..................................... 17
ID CaRDS DUE FOR RENEWaL IN .JPRIL............................ 18
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED » » » » »
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS CONTINUED TO BE SUBSTANTIAL IN FEBRUARY 1989, BUT ONLY A SMALL GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
THIS IS SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1989 WAS #14,042 MILLION, $401 MILLION OR ONLY 2.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1988, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $6,471 MILLION OR 40.7 PER CENT TO $22,385 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $36,427 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1989, WAS THUS $6,872 MILLION OR 23.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1988.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 35.1 PER CENT OR $10,002 MILLION OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $38,472 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1989.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $2,045 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN FEBRUARY 1989.
THIS COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $1,084 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.8 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN FEBRUARY 1988.
IN VIEW OF THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, IT IS USEFUL TO EXAMINE THE COMBINED TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1989 WAS $79,943 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $31,304 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $48,639 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1988, IN VALUE TERMS TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $15,548 MILLION OR 24.1 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $1,187 MILLION OR 3.9 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY $14,361 MILLION OR 41.9 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $19,987 MILLION OR 32.4 PER CENT, TO $81,607 MILLION. A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $1,664 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.0 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1989.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SUBJECT TO FURTHER INDICATIONS FROM THE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE COMING MONTHS, IT SEEMED CLEAR THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS ON A DECELERATING TREND.
AGAINST THIS, HOWEVER, THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS WAS STILL SIGNIFICANT.
/THE SIOKi.JiMAN ..........
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
- 2
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER RE-EXPORTS WAS SUSTAINED, WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES FACTORS. NOTED THAT THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF INCREASES IN ENTREPOT TRADE AND IN LIKELY TO BE THE MAIN CONTRIBUTORY
AS A RESULT, RE-EXPORTS THE TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 53.2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST TWO REPRESENTED 60.8 PER CENT BY VALUE OF TWO MONTHS OF 1989, COMPARED WITH MONTHS OF 1988.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE FEBRUARY 1989. PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $14, RE-EXPORTS : $22, TOTAL EXPORTS : $36, IMPORTS : $38, TRADE BALANCE : $ 2, 042 MILLION 385 MILLION 427 MILLION 472 MILLION 045 MILLION [IN DEFICIT]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS DEC 88 TO FEB 89 HKS MN. DEC 87 TO FEB 88 HKS MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 52,477 48,967 3.510 7.2
RE-EXPORTS 76,762 53,334 23,428 43.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 129,239 102,301 26,938 26.3
IMPORTS 131,790 100,438 31,352 31.2
TRADE BALANCE -2,551 1,863 -4,414
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR FEBRUARY 1989 HKS MN. FEBRUARY 1988 HKS MN. INCREASE HKS MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 14,04 2 (38.5%) 13,641 (46.2%) 401 2.9
RE-EXPORTS 22,385 15,914 6,471 40.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 36,427 29,555 6,872 23.3
IMPORTS 38,472 28,470 10,002 35.1
TRADE BALANCE -2,045 I ,085 -3,130
/LAI T MONTH ......
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
LAST MONTH FEBRUARY 1989 HKS MN. JANUARY 1989 HKS MN. INCREASE HKS MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 14,042 (38.5%) 17,262 (39.7%) -3,220 -18.7
RE-EXPORTS 22,385 26,253 -3,868 -14.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 36,427 43,515 -7,088 -16.3
IMPORTS 38,472 43,134 -4,662 -10.8
TRADE BALANCE -2,045 381 -2,426
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-FEB 1989 HKS MN. JAN-FEB 1988 HKS MN. INCREASE HKS MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 31,304 (39.2%) 30,117 (46.8%) 1 , 187 3.9
RE-EXPORTS 48,639 34,278 14,361 41.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 79,943 64,395 15,548 24.1
IMPORTS 81.607 61,620 19,987 32.4
TRADE BALANCE -1,664 2,775 -4,439
LAST 12 MONTHS MAR 88 TO FEB 89 HKS MN. MAR 87 TO FEB 88 HKS MN. INCREASE HKS MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 218,851 201,327 17,524 8.7
RE-EXPORTS 289,766 194,438 95,328 49.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 508,617 395,765 112,852 28.5
IMPORTS 518,781 391,934 126,850 32.4
TRADE BALANCE -10,167 3,83 1 - 13,998
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISH. D THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1989.
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCT. 84/SEP. 85 = 100) FOR FEBRUARY 1989 WERE 125.9 AND 125.4 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 10.5 PER CENT AND 10.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER FEBRUARY 1988.
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME SINCE MAY 1984 THAT A DOUBLE-DIGIT RATE OF INCREASE WAS RECORDED FOR THESE TWO INDEXES.
COMPARING FEBRUARY WITH JANUARY 1989 AND BEARING IN MIND T).T THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, NOTABLY THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT AND THE CPI(D), BY 1.9 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS END'D FEBRUARY 1989, BOTH AT 119.4, WERE 8.0 PER CENT AND 7.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 1988.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 1989, SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.1 PEP. CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(B), AT 1.0 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE Ci'I(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1989 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989 AND FEBRUARY 1988, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(’ !! ! 1 If1 It | ' CI’I (A) si :,id»TEMHER 1985 AVERAGE CPI(B) = 100)
SECTION INDEX FOR FEB.89 % CHANGE OVER JAN.89 % CHANGE OVER FEB.88 INDEX FOR FEB.89 % CHANGE OVER JAN. 89 % CHANGE OVER FEB. 88
FOODSTUFFS 127.9 + 3.8 + 14.1 128.7 + 3.6 + 14.1
HOUSING 118.1 + 0.3 + 5.8 114.1 + 0.4 + 4.6
/FUEL AND
THURSDAY, MARCH 2J, 1989
5
FUEL AND LIGHT 94.6 + 0.6 + 1 . 1 95.1 + 0.5 + 1.0
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION 126.0 1 + 0.2 + 7.3 127.2 + 0.3 +7.7
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 128.6 -1.5 + 9.8 130.3 -1.7 + 10.1
DURABLE GOODS 120.1 + 0.1 + 5.0 119.5 + 0.0* + 5.3
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 130.0 -0.1 + 8.8 129.4 -0.0* +8.3
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 130.6 + 5.4 + 11.0 129.6 + 4.9 + 11.0
SERVICES 136.4 H.6 + 9.4 136.9 + 1.9 + 9.9
ALL ITEMS 125.9 + 2.3 + 10.5 125.4 + 1.9 + 10.0
» LESS THAN 0.05%
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS BY 3.8 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 3.6 PER CENT IN CPI IB).
INCREASED
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY, FRESH VEGETABLES, SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH FRUIT AND PORK AROUND THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECREASED BY 1.5 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.7 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 5.4 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 4.9 PER CENT IN CPJ(B) AS A RESULT OF THE FULL EFFECT OF THE RECENT INCREASES IN BUS AND TAXI FARES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 1.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.9 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AND PACKAGE TOURS AROUND THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
/FIGURES HEREIN ......
THURSDAY^ MARCH 23, 1989
6
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN 1 DECIMAL PLACE.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR FEBRUARY 1989, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES MAY BE MADE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 130.4 IN FEBRUARY 1989, UP BY 1.5 PER CENT OVER JANUARY 1989 AND UP BY 11.1 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY 1988.
THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT $10,000-$24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
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17TH MEETING OF LAND COMMISSION ON MARCH 28 * » * t »
THE TWO SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE AGREED THAT THE COMMISSION’S 17TH MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) AT 2.30 PM.
THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE 1989-90 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
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HK-JAPAN CO-OPERATION UNDERSTANDING SIGNED *****
A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INTER-GOVERNMENTAL UNDERSTANDING WHICH WILL SEE JAPAN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN ENHANCING THE FACILITIES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S PRECISION TOOLING TRAINING CENTRE WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE UNDERSTANDING WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR HORACE KNIGHT, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JAPAN INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AGENCY (JICA), MR TOSHIHIKO KOGA.
THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE NECESSARY MEASURES TO CONTRIBUTE $21.5 MILLION AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT $18.75 MILLION TO THE EQUIPMENT COSTS OF THE PROJECT.
THIS IS THE FIRST SUCH INTER-GOVERNMENTAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN TO BE SIGNED.
THE JAPANESE WILL ENHANCE THE PRESENT FACILITIES OF THE PRECISION TOOLING TRAINING CENTRE TO ENABLE IT TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND OPERATIONAL TESTING OF HIGH PRECISION PROGRESSIVE BLANKING AND FORMING TOOLS.
THE NEED FOR HONG KONG TO UPGRADE ITS MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES WAS NOTED AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE HONG KONG - JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE IN MAY 1985.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO NOTED THAT THE SETTING UP OF TRAINING FACILITIES TO MEET THIS NEED WOULD PROBABLY ATTRACT JAPANESE SUPPORT.
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT THEN, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC), MADE A TRAINING PROPOSAL TO THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT IN AUGUST 1987.
THE JICA THEN ORGANISED THREE VISITS TO HONG KONG BY TEAMS OF OFFICIALS AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY AND TERMS OF THE PROJECT.
THE SCHEME WILL INVOLVE SIX TRAINEE INSTRUCTORS FROM THE VTC GOING TO JAPAN IN MID-1989 FOR THREE MONTHS’ WORKING EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING IN TOOL AND DIE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE.
THEY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG WITH FIVE JAPANESE EXPERTS WHO WILL CONTINUE TRAINING THEM IN THE USE OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN EQUIPMENT TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE VTC AND ADVANCED PRECISION METAL WORKING EQUIPMENT TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE JAPANESE SIDE.
THE VTC SHOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER COURSES UTILISING THIS EQUIPMENT FROM APRIL 1990.
PRECISION SHEET METAL PRODUCTS ARE USED IN ITEMS SUCH AS MICROMOTORS, MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD ASSEMBLIES, CASSETTE DECK MECHANISMS, CAMERA PARTS AND WATCH COMPONENTS.
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/8.......
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
8
BILL ON OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE PUBLISHED
« « * » «
A BILL INCORPORATING THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO SET UP Till OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG (OLI) WAS PUBLISHED IN '< GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OL FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATION IN THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EDUCATIOi COMMISSION.
"THE PUBLICATION OF THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KO' BILL 1989 MARKS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE WORK OF THE PLANN COMMITTEE FOR THE OLI UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR CHENG HON-KWAN,'' SAID.
"THE BILL SETS OUT THE OLI’S OBJECTIVES, WHICH ARE TO PROVJ OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION BY MEANS OF OPEN LEARNING."
OPEN LEARNING MEANS THAT STUDENTS MAY ENROL IN THE IN8TITUT. WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SPECIFIC ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS. IT ALSO MEANS’ THAT A VARIETY OF METHODS WILL BE USED IN TEACHING, INCLUDING SPECIALLY DESIGNED BOOKS AND NOTES, AUDIO/VIDEO MATERIALS AN!' FACE-TO-FACE TUTORIALS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OLI WOULD BE INCORPORATED AS INDEPENDENT ENTITY EMPOWERED TO GRANT DEGREE, HIGHER DEGREE AND OTHi AWARDS.
"IT WILL OPERATE AS A CONSORTIUM OF UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNi GRANTS COMMITTEE-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG AND THE BIL SPECIFICALLY PROVIDES FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF THESE INSTITUTIONS."
HE SAID THE BILL MADE PROVISIONS FOR THE GOVERNOR TO BE TH PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE AND THERE WOULD BE AN ORGANISATIONA , STRUCTURE CONSISTING OF A COUNCIL AND AN ACADEMIC BOARD.
"THE COUNCIL WILL BE THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNING BODY OF TH INSTITUTE.
"IT WILL BE MADE UP OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE, PUBL. OFFICERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS, PERSONS FROM CONTRIBUTING INSTITUTIONS LOCALLY AL > OVERSEAS, PERSONS WITH EXPERIENCE IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN HON! KONG AND OTHER PERSONS TO BE APPOINTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE ACADEMIC BOARD WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING O ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES AND ALL ACADEMIC MATTERS."
THE BILL REQUIRES AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF TH?; INSTITUTE TO BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE BILL ALSO MAKES UNAUTHORISED USE OF THE TITLE OF THE INSTITUTE AN OFFENCE.
THE BILL IS DUE TO HE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE UOUNC , FOR FIRST READING ON APRIL 12.
-------0 - - - -
fi .........
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
9
PROPOSAL TO EXTEND TAVAS TO LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES
*****
A BILL TO EXTEND THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME (TAVAS) TO LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM (LRT) WAS GAZETTED TODAY (THURSDAY).
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, PERSONS INJURED IN AN LRT ACCIDENT WHICH TAKES PLACE AT A ROAD JUNCTION WHICH IS ALSO USED BY CARS AND PEDESTRIANS ARE ALREADY ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND.
HOWEVER, PERSONS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH TAKES PLACE ON THE LRT RESERVE ARE CURRENTLY INELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "GIVEN THE INHERENT OPENNESS OF THE LRT TRACK, AND THE FACT THAT ALL VICTIMS OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING TRAMS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND, THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSIS LANCE FUND) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 PROPOSES THAT THE AMBIT OF TAVAS SHOULD BE WIDENED SO AS TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY TO ALL VICTIMS OF LRT ACCIDENTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHICH PART OF THE LRT TRACK THE ACCIDENT TAKES PLACE ON."
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL AND A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENT WHICH GOVERNS THE OPERATION OF TAVAS WOULD ENABLE PERSONS WHO ARE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE PRIOR TO ENACTMENT OF THE BILL TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND.
AN^ SUCH APPLICATIONS. WHICH SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WOULD HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 1. 1989.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC). WHICH OPERATES THE LRT, TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TAVA FUND WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 1. 1988 WHICH WAS THE DATE THAT PUBLIC TRIALS ON THE SYSTEM BEGAN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE KCRC SUPPORTED THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL AND HAD INDICATED ITS WILLINGNESS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 12.
TAVAS PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS WHO ARE INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND WHO LOSF THREE DAYS’ OR MORE THAN THREE DAYS' EARNING OR EARNING CAPACITY AS A RESULT OF THE INJURY SUSTAINED.
IN THE CASE OF DEATH. DEPENDANTS OF THE PERSON KILLED MAY APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WEI,FARE ADMINISTERS THE TAVA FUND FROM WHICH PAYMENTS ARE MADE.
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/1O
THURSDAY, MARCH 23,
1989
EXCO ENDORSES NEW LEVY ARRANGEMENTS *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED IN PRINCIPLE THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW STATUTORY LEVIES ON TRANSACTIONS ON THE STOCK AND FUTURES EXCHANGES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH EFFECT FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT DAY OF THE NEW SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC), THE NEW LEVY FOR STOCK EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS WILL BE 0.025 PER CENT PER TRANSACTION PAYABLE BY BOTH BUYER AND SELLER.
"THIS REPLACES THE EXISTING STOCK EXCHANGE LEVY OF AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT," HE SAID.
"UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE NEW SFC WILL EACH RECEIVE HAIF (THAT IS 0.0125 PER CENT) OF THE NEW LEVY AT THE INITIAL STAGE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMOUNT OF THE LEVY TO BE RECEIVED BY THE SFC WOULD BE SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHILE THE AMOUNT TO BE RECEIVED BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN FOUR YEARS.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WERE THE RESULTS OF THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, SIR Q.W. LEE, FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION’S VIEW THAT THE EXISTING 0.025 PER CENT STOCK EXCHANGE TRANSACTION LEVY SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO ENDORSED THE ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION THAT THE STOCK EXCHANGE WOULD NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE GOVERNMENT AN ANNUAL FEE AND THAT THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE REPEALED.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER SECTION 28 OF THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION ORDINANCE, THE EXCHANGE COMPANY HAD TO PAY TO THE GOVERNMENT, IN RESPECT OF THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO OPERATE A STOCK EXCHANGE, SUCH ANNUAL FEE, IF ANY, AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
"THE ANNUAL FEE IS COST-RELATED AND IS INTENDED TO RECOVER THE COSTS INCURRED BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES IN REGULATING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE.
"IN VIEW OF THE IMPENDING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SFC, THE COSTS OF SUPERVISING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE BORNE BY THE SFC," HE SAID.
UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT (S THEREFORE DECIDED THAT SECTION 28 OF THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION ORDINANCE BE REPEALED, HE ADDED.
FOR FUTURES CONTRACTS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT A COMPARABLE LEVY WOULD BE CHARGED.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989 11
TWO DB’S ELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO UC
» » * » »
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTED THEIR RESIECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AT SEPARATE MEETINGS TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE RESULTS OF 1 ELECTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATE VOTE
EASTERN MISS CHRISTINA TING YUK-CHEE (ELECTED) 19
EASTERN MaS LilOW CHEUNG WAI-PING 10
CENTRAL AND WESTERN MR CHAN TAK-CHOR (ELECTED) 10
CENTRAL AND WESTERN MISS ESTHER CHAN WAI-FONG 9
AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ELECTION, ONE MEMBER WAS ABSENT AND THREE VOTING PAPERS WERE BLANK.
THE ELECTED DB REPRESENTATIVES WILL SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE TERM FROM APRIL 1, 1989 TO MAY 31, 1991.
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PHOTO EXHIBITION TO SPREAD CONSERVATION MESSAGE *****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) OPENED A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION TO PORTRAY THE NATURAL ASSETS OF HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS IN THEIR CLEAN AND GREEN STATE.
THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD AT THE FIRST FLOOR PODIUM OF SHUN TAK CENTRE IN CENTRAL DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO WIND UP THE 1988 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.
ON DISPLAY ARE THE WINNING ENTRIES IN A PHOTO COMPETITION WHICH WAS HELD AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.
/THE AIM ......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2J, 1989
- 12 -
THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO AROUSE PEOPLE'S AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION BY PRESENTING TO THEM A CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRYSIDE THROUGH THE LENSES OF TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHERS.
THE CENTRE OF ATTRACTION AT THE EXHIBITION IS THE WINNING ENTRY IN THE SCENERY GROUP BY MR LEE CHI-KWONG.
THE PHOTOGRAPH WAS ALSO SELECTED THE OVERALL CHAMPION AMONG THE ENTRIES IN THE COMPLIITION’S THREE THEME GROUPS BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHERS MR MANLY CHIN, MR PHILIP LAU AND MR CHAN CHIK.
ENTITLED "THE REMAINS OF WAVE EROSION", MR LEE CHI-KWONG’S ENTRY FEATURED THE ERODED ROCKY BEACH OF PING CHAU ON A RAINY DAY. IT RECEIVED THE HIGHEST SCORE AMONG THE 462 ENTRIES.
THE WINNING ENTRIES IN THE OTHER TWO THEME GROUPS - ON PORTRAITS AND ON WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION - BY MR TSE KAM-YUE AND MR WONG YUK-CHEUNG RESPECTIVELY, ALSO DREW LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WHO WERE IMPRESSED BY THEIR HIGH STANDARD OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SKILL.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY, DR LEE AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR PETER MOSS, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE VARIOUS TITLES IN THE PHOTO COMPETITION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM WAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPETITION’S THREE SPONSORS — FOTOMAX (FAR EAST) LIMITED, KODAK (FAR EAST) LIMITED AND EPSON ELECTRONICS TRADING LIMITED.
THE OVERALL CHAMPION, MR LEE CHI-KWONG, WAS AWARDED THE GRAND PRIZE OF A PERSONAL COMPUTER SET VALUED AT $12,700. ATTRACTIVE PRIZES VALUED AT $2,000, $1,000 AND $500 RESPECTIVELY WERE PRESENTED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS IN EACH GROUP.
THE NEXT FIVE HIGHEST-SCORED ENTRIES IN EACH GROUP WERE AWARDED CONSOLATION PRIZES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR WILLIAM WAN CONGRATULATED THE WINNERS FOR THEIR VERY FINE EFFORTS IN PORTRAYING THE COMPETITION’S THEME - A CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRYSIDE.
"THE COMPETITION HAS NOT ONLY PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR ENTHUSIASTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY TO SHOW THEIR TALENT AND SKILL, BUT ALSO PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THEIR ENTRIES THE SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/MR WAN .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1989
- 15 -
MR WAN NOTED THAT THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR SINCE IT WAS FIRST INAUGURATED IN 1983. THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS HAD GROWN FROM 5,000 IN 1983 TO WELL OVER 11,400 IN 1988.
"LET’S HOPE THAT THIS POPULARITY WILL CONTINUE SO THAT OUR MESSAGE OF KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN CAN BE HEARD LOUDER AND SPREAD WIDER," HE ADDED.
THE CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 3 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 27).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED.
0
FINAL OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MUSIC COMPETITION TOMORROW
******
THE 16 WINNING TEAMS IN THE PRELIMINARY CONTESTS OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MUSIC COMPETITION WILL COMPETE FOR THE "MOST MUSICAL FAMILY" AWARD IN THE COMPETITION’S FINAL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE LYRIC THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE WORKING GROUP ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, CHAIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS RITA FAN; MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, MISS LOLLY CHIU; DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MISS KAY KU, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE FINAL.
THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION IS TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY TO TAKE PART IN A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE AS A UNIT WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING AND A HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
A TOTAL OF 136 FAMILIES JOINED THE COMPETITION, OF WHICH 86 WERE QUALIFIED AFTER AUDITION.
THE 16 FAMILIES TO TAKE PART IN THE FINAL WERE SELECTED DURING THE PRELIMINARY ROUND OF CONTESTS HELD IN THE 19 DISTRICTS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
/EACH PARTICIPATING .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2J, 1989
EACH PARTICIPATING FAMILY TEAM WAS REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE THE LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT AMONG ITS MEMBERS THROUGH A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE.
WINNING TEAMS IN THE PRELIMINARY CONTESTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED CASH PRIZES.
THE CHAMPION AND THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP IN THE FINAL WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AS WELL AS CASH PRIZES OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $1,000 RESPECTIVELY.
THE PRIZES ARE DONATED BY YAOHAN DEPARTMENT STORE (HK) LTD.
NOT TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FINAL OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MUSIC COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE LYRIC THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS TOMORROW (FRIDAY), BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM.
THE INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, MR K.K. TANG, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - O - -
REMOVAL OF CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE
*****
THE CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, CURRENTLY SITUATED AT 67 KIMBERLEY ROAD, UPPER GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON, WILL MOVE INTO NEW ACCOMMODATION ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28).
THE NEW ADDRESS IS 32 OI KWAN ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, GUARDIAN HOUSE, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ON AND AFTER MARCH 28, VISITORS FROM CHINA WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR IMMIGRATION FACILITIES SHOULD GO TO THE OFFICE AT ITS NEW ADDRESS.
THE OFFICE HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 12.45 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY; AND FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
THE OFFICE IS CLOSED ON SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE THE INFORMATION OFFICE ON 3-7333111 FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
- 15 -
SIX GOVT PROPERTIES FETCH #3.37 MILLION
*****
SIX GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES FETCHED A TOTAL OF $3.37 MILLION AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE AUCTION WAS HELD BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROPERTIES, TWO IN KOWLOON AND FOUR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ARE ALL FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE DETAILS AND RESULTS OF THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
LOCATION OF PROPERTY AREA BIDDING OPENED AT SOLD FOR
1) SECOND FLOOR, 73 TAI NAN STREET, KOWLOON ABOUT 33.9 METRES SQUARE 1300,000 $395,000
2) FOURTH FLOOR, 141 TAI NAN STREET, KOWLOON ABOUT 34.6 METRES SQUARE 1350,000 $400,000
3) FIRST FLOOR, 67 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES ABOUT 64.3 METRES SQUARE $400,000 $655,000
4) FIRST FLOOR, 69 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES ABOUT 64.3 METRES SQUARE $500,000 $710,000
5) FOURTH FLOOR, 7 SHA TSUI PATH, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES ABOUT 64.3 METRES SQUARE $500,000 $605,000
6) FOURTH FLOOR, 9 SHA TSUI PATH, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES ABOUT 64.3 METRES SQUARE $500,000 $605,000
THESE PROPERTIES WERE SOLD WITH VACANT POSSESSION.
THE AUCTION, HELD COMMUNITY CENTRE, WAS AT THE HALL CONDUCTED BY OF HENRY G. LEONG THE CHIEF ESTATE YAU MA TEI SURVEYOR,
MR FRANCIS NG.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
16
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THREE ORDINANCES INVOLVING TRUST FUNDS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND A NUMBER OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR THE KEEPING OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS OF TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING CERTAIN TRUST FUNDS AND FOR THEIR AUDIT BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE THREE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES PROVIDED THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WITH POWERS TO ACCEPT TRUST OR ACT AS TRUSTEES AND TO INVEST AND DEPOSIT TRUST FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE.
"AT PRESENT, THERE ARE NO PROVISIONS IN THE THREE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES FOR THE ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING ARRANGEMENTS IN RESPECT OF THESE TRUST FUNDS.
"FOR CONTROL PURPOSES, THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLARED THESE TRUST FUNDS TO BE PUBLIC MONEYS UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE AND THE AUDIT ORDINANCE.
"NEVERTHELESS, IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TRUST FUNDS AND THE EXTENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S RESPONSIBILITY, IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THESE ORDINANCES SHOULD BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR THE KEEPING OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS OF TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THESE TRUST FUNDS AND FOR THEIR AUDIT BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT," HE SAID.
THE THREE AMENDMENT BILLS ARE DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 12.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
17
FIRING PRACTICE IN APRIL » ♦ * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 19 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOl.l.OWING ARE THE DATES TAKE PLACE: AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL
DATE TIME
APRIL I (SATURDAY) APRIL 3 (MONDAY) APRIL 7 (FRIDAY) APRIL 8 (SATURDAY) APRIL 10 (MONDAY) APRIL 11 (TUESDAY) APRIL 12 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
APRIL 13 (THURSDAY) MIDNIGHT - 11.59 PM
APRIL 14 (I'Ll DAV) MIDNIGHT - 11.59 PM
APRIL 17 (MONDAY) APRIL 18 (TUESDAY) APRIL 19 (WEDNESDAY) APRIL 20 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
APRIL 21 (FRIDAY) APRIL 24 (MONDAY) APRIL 25 (TUESDAY) APRIL 26 (WEDNESDAY) APRIL 27 (THURSDAY) MIDNIGHT - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 5 PM 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
APRIL 28 (FRIDAY) MIDNIGHT - 5 PM
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THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
18
ID CARDS DUE FOR RENEWAL IN APRIL » t * » »
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ANY PERSON WHOSE ADULT IDENTITY CARD IS DUE FOR RENEWAL NEXT MONTH WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD FROM APRIL 1 TO APRIL 29.
’’EXCEPT HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS, PERSONS WITH SUCH IDENTITY CARDS CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO 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.: 0-4771543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO.: 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO.: 0-6727191
PERSONS WHO ARE HOLDING JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS WHICH BEAR THE RENEWAL DATE OF APRIL, 1989 SHOULD APPLY FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS AT ONE OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THEIR 18TH BIRTHDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR URGES PEOPLE TO GIVE VIEWS TO FAC ............. 1
ACTING SDA DISCUSSES EMIGRATION WITH OVERSEAS VISITORS . 2
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MESSAGES SERVE GOOD PURPOSE ...... 5
TEACHERS INVITED TO T.tKE PART IN CURRICULUM PROJECT SCHEME .. 4
THREE HOTEL PLiNS APPROVED ............................. 5
$250,000 FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS ............ 6
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN SHA TIN........ 6
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YUEN LONG
7
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
1
GOVERNOR URGES PEOPLE TO GIVE VIEWS TO FAC
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, RETURNED TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER ATTENDING THE HEARINGS OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN LONDON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WOULD BE COMING HERE IN APRIL AND THAT THEY ALREADY HAVE A NUMBER OF SUBMISSIONS FROM PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
"I HOPE THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE IN HONG KONG WHO'VE GOT VIEWS THAT THEY WANT TO PUT TO THE COMMITTEE, WILL DO SO IN WRITING, AND THAT IF THEY WANT TO SEE THE COMMITTEE THAT THEY WILL ASK TO SEE THE COMMITTEE,'' THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"IT IS, I BELIEVE, IMPORTANT WITH A COMMITTEE OF THIS SORT THAT THEY SHOULD GET THE WHOLE RANGE OF VIEWS IN HONG KONG WHEN THEY'RE CONSIDERING OUR AFFAIRS," HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT HIS VIEWS ON THE NATIONALITY ISSUE, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD TOLD THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE THAT HE HAD A GOOD DEAL OF UNDERSTANDING AND SYMPATHY FOR THE VIEWS THAT HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD ABOUT THE CHANGES IN THE STATUS OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG OVER THE YEARS.
"I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PRESENT RULES APPLIED WITH GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND GREATER LIBERALITY. WHETHER THERE COULD BE ANY SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE IN THE NATIONALITY ACT IS A DIFFERENT MATTER AND THAT’S NOT SOMETHING THAT I CAN JUDGE, IT'S A MATTER FOR THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, AND YOU’LL HAVE SEEN WHAT THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND WHAT LORD GLENARTHUR HAVE SAID ON THAT," HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THERE WAS ANY HOPE FOR CHANGE ON AN INDIVIDUAL CASE BY CASE BASIS, SIR DAVID SAID: "WHAT I SAID WAS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE GREATER GENEROSITY IN THE WAY THAT THESE RULES ARE APPLIED.'
ASKED FOR HIS VIEWS ON THE LORDS DEBATE, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WHILE HE HAD NOT SEEN THE FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE DEBATE HE WOULD BE STUDYING IT.
"I’VE ONLY HAD A GENERAL ACCOUNT OF IT. THE ONLY POINT I’D MAKE ON THAT IS, I THINK IT’S GOOD THAT THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO AIR IN THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT THE VIEWS OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ON THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES," SIR DAVID SAID.
WHILE IN LONDON, THE GOVERNOR MET WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND LORD GLENARTHUR.
SIR DAVID ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK WITH THE STAFF OF THE PRINCE OF WALES ABOUT HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS’S VISIT TO HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER.
THE GOVERNOR WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
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ACTING SDA DISCUSSES EMIGRATION WITH OVERSEAS VISITORS ♦ ♦ t » t
IT IS ENCOURAGING TO LEARN THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO HAVE MIGRATED ABROAD REMAIN STRONGLY ATTACHED TO HONG KONG AND ITS UNIQUE WAY OF LIFE.
FURTHERMORE, QUITE A NUMBER ARE THINKING OF RETURNING TO THE TERRITORY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR LAN MADE THE REMARKS DURING A MEETING WITH TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TORONTO CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
’’THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THESE PEOPLE TO RETURN," HE SAID, NOTING THAT MANY OF THEM HAD FRIENDS AND RELATIVES IN HONG KONG AND WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE CUT OFF FROM THEIR ROOTS PERMANENTLY.
MR LAN SAID IT WAS HEARTENING TO LEARN THAT SOME FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS IN TORONTO AND ELSEWHERE WERE THINKING OF RETURNING TO THE TERRITORY.
THIS WAS NATURAL AS THEY WERE BORN AND BROUGHT UP HERE WITH THEIR ROOTS DEEPLY ENTRENCHED IN THE TERRITORY.
THEREFORE, IT WAS ONLY NATURAL THAT SOME WOULD CHOOSE TO RETURN TO HONG KONG FOR PERSONAL OR OTHER REASONS.
"THEY ARE, OF COURSE, WARMLY WELCOMED BY HONG KONG AND ITS COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO LOOKING AT WAYS TO IMPROVE CONTACTS WITH FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND TO KEEP THEM INFORMED OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY, HE NOTED.
THE TWO VISITORS - MR JOSEPH AU-YEUNG AND MR CLEMENT LEE - ARE IN HONG KONG TO PROMOTE THE DRAGON BOAT RACES FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN TORONTO IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
THEY CAME HERE TO BUY SIX DRAGON BOATS FOR THE RACES AND TO INVITE LOCAL DIGNITARIES AND DRAGON BOAT TEAMS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL WITH A VIEW TO FOSTERING CLOSER TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG PEOPLE AND THE CHINESE COMMUNITY IN TORONTO.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 24,
1989
- 3 -
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MESSAGES SERVE GOOD PURPOSE ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
PROPER APPLICATION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MESSAGES IN OUR DAILY LIFE COULD MINIMISE FAMILY MISHAPS AND HELP TO BUILD UP HARMONY IN THE FAMILY.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE FINAL OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MUSIC COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE WORKING GROUP ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, CHAIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THE FINAL WAS HELD AT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
’’FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS A LONG-TERM COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT," MRS WONG SAID.
"IT IS BEING PROMOTED THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA IN THE FORMS OF TERRITORY-WIDE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITIONS, AND SEMINARS SO AS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, AND TO ENHANCE BETTER RELATIONSHIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
"DISTRICT ACTIVITIES ARE BEING ORGANISED WITH A VIEW TO CONVEYING PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF THE VARIOUS STAGES OF HUMAN GROWTH AND NEEDS, INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, DEALING WITH FAMILY AFFAIRS, BUDGET CONTROL AND HOME SAFETY KNOWLEDGE."
MRS WONG SAID THE THEME OF "LOVE AND CARE HELP BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY", ADOPTED BY THE WORKING GROUP OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, AIMED TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS BY MEANS OF VARIOUS FORMS OF COMMUNICATION AND EXPRESSION.
IT WOULD ALSO STRENGTHEN MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS AND HELP TO BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY.
"THE MUSIC COMPETITION HAS NOT ONLY TIED IN WITH THE YEAR’S CAMPAIGN THEME, BUT HAS ALSO ACHIEVED ITS AIM OF ENCOURAGING MUSIC-MAKING AT HOME AND AMONG MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY, FOSTERING A MORE HARMONIOUS FAMILY ATMOSPHERE THROUGH MUSIC," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG, ALSO A MEMBER OF THE PANEL OF JUDGES, COMMENDED THE 16 DISTRICT CHAMPION FAMILIES IN THE PRELIMINARY CONTESTS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES AND SAID THEY HAD ACHIEVED THE AIM OF EXPRESSING LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT IN A HARMONIOUS FAMILY THROUGH MUSIC.
THE CHAMPION IN THE FINAL OR "THE MOST MUSICAL FAMILY", AND THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP IN THE FINAL, WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $1,000 RESPECTIVELY, WITH TROPHIES.
THE CASH PRIZES AND TROPHIES ARE DONATED BY THE SPONSOR, YAOHAN DEPARTMENT STORE (HK) LTD.
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A....
FRIDAY, MARCH 24,
1989
4
TEACHERS INVITED TO TAKE PART IN CURRICULUM PROJECT SCHEME ♦ * » * »
TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS OF SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS ARE REMINDED THAT THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL FOR A SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT UNDER AN AWARD SCHEME RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS THURSDAY, MARCH 30.
THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR WITH AN AIM TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS’ PARTICIPATION IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WORK TO MEET THE VARIED NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF PUPILS IN LEARNING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
A PROJECT CAN BE DEVISED BY A TEACHER OR A GROUP OF TEACHERS IN A SCHOOL OR A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS TO SUIT THE PARTICULAR CURRICULUM NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS.
THE PROJECTS MAY INVOLVE THE PRODUCTION OF SIMPLE TEACHING MATERIALS SUCH AS A SET OF WORKSHEETS FOR A SPECIFIC TEACHING TOPIC FOR A PARTICULAR LEVEL.
THEY MAY ALSO BE MULTI-MEDIA TEACHING PACKAGES WHICH NORMALLY INCLUDE A TEACHERS’ GUIDE, TEACHING MATERIALS OR SUGGESTIONS FOR LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND A NUMBER OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS SUCH AS SLIDES, CASSETTE TAPES, AND OVERHEAD TRANSPARENCIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN GENERAL, THE SCHEME MIGHT INCLUDE PROJECTS ON NEW TEACHING APPROACHES TO SPECIFIC TOPICS IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OR FORMER CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (CDC) SYLLABUSES OR CURRICULUM GUIDELINES AND IN NEW TOPICS OR AREAS OF STUDIES AS ALTERNATIVES TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE CDC SYLLABUSES OR GUIDELINES.
IN ADDITION, THE PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE TEACHING AND RESOURCES MATERIALS IN AREAS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE CURRICULUM RECOMMENDED BY THE CDC AIMING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PUPILS OF A PARTICULAR ABILITY RANGE.
AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION, CASH AWARDS OF S3,600 AND $12,000 WILL BE GIVEN TO PRODUCERS OF EACH KINDERGARTEN OR PRIMARY PROJECT AND OF $5,000 AND $16,000 TO PRODUCERS OF EACH SECONDARY PROJECT.
PRODUCTION EXPENSES OF $1,400 AND $5,000 WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED TO THE PROJECT MAKERS.
PROJECT PROPOSALS MUST REACH THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, BY MARCH 30.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
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THREE HOTEL PLANS APPROVED * * t « t
PLANS FOR THREE HOTELS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE HOTELS, WITH A TOTAL OF 791 ROOMS, WILL BE LOCATED AT JAFFE ROAD IN WAN CHAI, CANTON ROAD IN YAU MA TEI AND SO KWUN WAT IN TUEN MUN.
THEY WERE AMONG 59 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE OFFICE DURING THE MONTH, COMPRISING 13 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 16 FOR KOWLOON AND 30 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TOPPING THE LIST WERE 21 PLANS FOR APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL, APARTMENT AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS FOLLOWED BY 10 PLANS FOR FACTORY AND WORKSHOP AND SEVEN FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
CONSENT TO START WORK WAS GIVEN FOR 42 PROJECTS WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 258,306.3 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 125,262.6 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COSTS OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT S709 MILLION. THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THESE PROJECTS WAS 238,749.8 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 145,689.1 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE OFFICE ALSO ISSUED 42 OCCUPATION PERMITS DURING THE MONTH: 11 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE FOR KOWLOON AND 26 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DEMOLITION CONSENTS WERE GIVEN FOR 27 PROJECTS AFFECTING 49 BUILDINGS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 552 BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH, WHILE THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 573 COMPLAINTS REGARDING ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,049 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 206 REMOVAL ORDERS.
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
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$250,000 FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS * ♦ * * »
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONTINUE SPONSORING CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE HAS EARMARKED $250,000 IN THE 89-90 FINANCIAL YEAR FOR SPONSORING THESE ACTIVITIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE POINTED OUT TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE FUNDS WOULD HELP THE ORGANISATIONS MEET EXPENSES OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT PEOPLE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN KWUN TONG.
APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD BE INVITED TWICE A YEAR, HE ADDED.
THE FIRST ROUND OF APPLICATION, WHICH IS OPEN FROM NOW UNTIL APRIL 30, IS FOR THOSE PROJECTS TO BE HELD BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE SECOND APPLICATION EXERCISE WILL BE HELD IN JULY FOR PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR TO JANUARY 1990.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS THAT PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE CREATIVE, AND THAT ROUTINE PROGRAMMES ARE UNLIKELY TO BE SUBSIDISED.
ENQUIRIES ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315 EXT. 451.
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FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN SHA TIN ♦ » ♦ * t
AN EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE WILL BE HELD AT WO CHE ESTATE, SHA TIN, ON SUNDAY (MARCH 26), FROM NOON TO 3 PM.
THIS IS THE LAST EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY WORKING GROUP.
IN A SERIES OF EIGHT FIRE PREVENTION
THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMP/JUF P’.iP. ’r J y
/’’THE AIMS..........
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
"THE AIMS OF THE EXHIBITIONS ARE TO AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND HOW TO REACT IF A FIRE OCCURS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID.
EXHIBITION PANELS PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE DISPLAYED TO ELABORATE ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN "IF THERE IS A FIRE, SOUND THE ALARM".
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC OR HOW TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
"STAFF FROM THE TWO DEPARTMENTS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE A FIRE PREVENTION LEAFLET AND SOUVENIRS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK LTD.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN YUEN LONG * t « ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A SECTION OF THE FAST LANE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 27) TO JUNE 18 FOR CABLE LAYING
THE SECTION BEGINS AT A POINT ABOUT 650 METRES WEST OF THE ROAD’S JUNCTION W(TH YAU SHIN STREET AND ENDS AT A POINT ABOUT 270 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
THE SECTION WILL BE RE-OPENED IN FOUR STAGES, ABOUT 90 METRES A TIME, BEGINNING FROM MAY 15.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS PRAISES WORK OF ASSN OF ROUND TABLES .......................... 1
TSUEN WAN DB TO REPORT ON WORK ................................... 1
•FLEXI DESIGN' PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR SHA TIN......................... 2
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RaCE................. 5
MUSIC COURSES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ............................. 3
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC .iRRaNGEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN .................. 4
TRAFFIC nRRANGE-iENTS IN EASTERN, WaN CHAI ....................... 5
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1989
1
CS PRAISES WORK OF ASSN OF ROUND TABLES
* * » » »
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRAISED THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ROUND TABLES FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EASTER FAIR ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION AT EDINBURGH PLACE, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD A LONG HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE REACHING BACK FOR MORE THAN SIX DECADES.
"THOUGH THE HONG KONG BRANCH WAS ONLY ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG IN 1965, ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES HAVE BEEN VERY CONSIDERABLE AND WELL RECOGNISED," HE SAID.
"TODAY’S FAIR IS JUST BUT ONE OF YOUR MANY CHARITY EVENTS DURING THE YEAR.”
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT GAVE HIM GREAT PLEASURE TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FAIR AND TO DEMONSTRATE HIS PERSONAL SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS’ CHOICE AND THE SAMARITANS - THE TWO ORGANISATIONS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE ASSOCIATION’S EFFORTS.
"THEY WORK IN DIFFERENT WAYS BUT WITH A COMMON AIM, THAT IS, TO SAVE LIVES,” HE SAID, AND POINTED OUT THAT NO CAUSE COULD BE MORE DESERVING OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
SIR DAVID ALSO COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION’S MEMBERS AND THE LADIES OF THE LADIES CIRCLE HONG KONG FOR TAKING TIME TO ARRANGE THE FAIR.
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TSUEN WAN DB TO REPORT ON WORK ♦ t » » *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL GIVE A SUMMARY OF ITS PAST YEAR’S WORK AT A CONFERENCE TO BE ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) EVENING.
MEMBERS OF RURAL COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, BEGINNING AT 8 PM.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, WILL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES.
A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WILL FOLLOW.
/THE REGIONAL
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 'W>9
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, HAS BEEN INVITED TO ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION AND OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARDS TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
THESE PEOPLE HAVE ASSISTED THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE ARTS AND SPORTS NURTURE SCHEMES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE TO BEGIN AT 8 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
-------0---------
'FLEXI DESIGN’ PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR SHA TIN * » * » »
A $23 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN AREA 51A, SHA TIN WAS RECENTLY AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE NEW "FLEXI DESIGN" SCHOOL WILL PROVIDE 30 REGULAR CLASSROOMS, FOUR SPECIAL ROOMS AND AN ASSEMBLY HALL. OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A COVERED PLAYGROUND, A ROOFTOP PLAYGROUND AND A BASKETBALL COURT.
THE DESIGN OF THE SCHOOL WILL PERMIT EASY CONVERSION INTO A SECONDARY SCHOOL LATER IF NECESSARY.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START AT THE END OF THE THIS MONTH ON A 4,600 SQUARE METRE SITE. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
-----o-----
/?........
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1989
- 3 -
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE
*****
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMERCIAL FIRMS IN SHA TIN ARE INVITED TO FORM TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN THE 1989 SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE. WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SHING MUN RIVER ON JUNE 8.
THE RACE IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE RACE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO DIFFERENT SECTIONS -- MEN’S DRAGON OPEN, MEN’S MINI-DRAGON OPEN, WOMEN’S PHOENIX OPEN, INVITATION DRAGON, FRIENDLY DRAGON AND THE SUPER CHAMPIONSHIP DRAGON.
THERE WILL BE 136 TEAMS TAKING PART IN THE RACE AND WINNERS OF THE SUPER CHAMPIONSHIP DRAGON DIVISION WILL REPRESENT SHA TIN IN COMPETING IN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES 1990.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 1989 SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SUM YUK-BIU, SAID: "IN VIEW OF THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE LAST YEAR WITH MORE THAN 200 TEAMS APPLYING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE, THE ORGANISER HAS DECIDED TO DRAW LOTS TO PICK THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS THIS YEAR.
"THE LOTS WILL BE DRAWN ON APRIL 25," HE SAID.
"THE COMPETING TEAMS WILL BE ALLOCATED PRACTICE TIME ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BETWEEN APRIL 29 AND MAY 28," HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS AND LEAFLETS OUTLINING THE REGULATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION ON THE GROUND FLOOR, SAU CHUEN HOUSE, LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 22. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6915657.
-------0---------
MUSIC COURSES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ♦ * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER THREE MUSIC TRAINING COURSES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR UNDER THE CENTRALISED SCHEME OF MUSIC TRAINING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS WHO WISH TO TAKE THIS SUBJECT IN THEIR SENIOR SECONDARY AND SIXTH-FORM STUDIES.
SECONDARY 3 STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR THE TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION MUSIC COURSE WHICH FOLLOWS THE SYLLABUS REQUIREMENTS OF CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN MUSIC.
/THERE WILL
SATURDAY* MARCH 25, 1989
THERE WILL BE A ONE-YEAR HIGHER LEVEL MUSIC COURSE AND ANOTHER TWO-YEAR ADVANCED LEVEL MUSIC COURSE WHICH FOLLOW THE SYLLABUS REQUIREMENTS OF HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATIONS IN MUSIC RESPECTIVELY FOR STUDENTS WHO WILL ENTER SIXTH-FORM STUDIES NEXT SEPTEMBER.
THE COURSES WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY MORNINGS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR AND AN ADDITIONAL SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED ON A WEEKDAY AFTER SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSES AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED. BUT STUDENTS ATTENDING THE COURSES ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE PRESCRIBED STUDY SCORES AND RELATED RECORDINGS FOR PRIVATE STUDY.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE NOMINATIONS IN CONSULTATION WITH THEIR MUSIC TEACHERS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE APRIL 29.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI YING PUN FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
ALL VEHICLES OVER SEVEN METRES LONG WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WESTBOUND TO WESTERN STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, WESTERN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 52 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
--------0 ---------
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1989
- 5 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN EASTERN, WAN CHAI *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN EASTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28).
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND TO TSING FUNG STREET.
IN ADDITION, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSING FUNG STREET’ FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
THESE MEASURES WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
MEANWHILE, SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KAM WA STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH FOR WATER MAINS WORKS.
VEHICLES LEAVING THE SHAU KEI WAN MARKET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD.
IN WAN CHAI, ALSO FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS:
» THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JOHNSTON ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH LUARD ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES TO THE EAST; AND
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LUARD ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH JOHNSTON ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES TO THE NORTH.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, March 26, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
25 YEARS OF HK HISTORY IN PICTURES.............................. 1
NEW ChMP FOR CAS IN SAI KUNG ................................... 2
KWUN TONG DB MISSION LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE....................... 3
TAI PO DB STUDY GROUP LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE...................
TjDCI PASSENGERS aSKED TO CO-OPERATE IN SURVEY.......-.......... 4
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER /APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS................ 5
NEW PUBLIC EARTH DUMP aT MA ON SHAN ............................ 5
FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN NORTH DISTRICT............. 6
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SYP ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT...... 6
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WONG TAI SIN ................................. 7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG TOWN ............... 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WONG CHU ROaD, TUEN MUN ................... 8
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
1
25 YEARS OF HK HISTORY IN PICTURES * * * * *
A FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION OF PICTURES CHOSEN FROM PAST ISSUES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE STAGED AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF THE LANDMARK IN CENTRAL FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 28).
THE EXHIBITION, ENTITLED THE HONG KONG YEAR BOOK - 25 YEARS IN PICTURES, WILL COINCIDE WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE LATEST EDITION - HONG KONG 1989 - WHICH DESCRIBES EVENTS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROGRESS THAT OCCURRED IN THE TERRITORY LAST YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU, WILL OPEN THE EXHIBITION WHICH COMPRISES A SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING LIFE, DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS IN HONG KONG FROM THE 1964 EDITION TO THE JUST PUBLISHED HONG KONG 1989.
TAKEN BY GIS PHOTOGRAPHERS, THE SELECTIONS FROM COLOUR SECTIONS OF THE EARLY YEAR BOOKS WILL BRING BACK MEMORIES OF A HONG KONG WHICH, IN THE 1960’S, MADE AND EXPORTED VACUUM FLASKS TO MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES. RESETTLED VILLAGERS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR; FELT THE DESTRUCTIVE FORCE OF TYPHOON ROSE IN 1971; SAW THE START OF THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN 1979, AND LIVED WITH THE CHANGING FACE OF HONG KONG THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION OF TUNNELS, MAJOR ROADS, MODERN OFFICE BUILDINGS, AND SOPHISTICATED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS.
HONG KONG 1989 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 28) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE. CENTRAL AND LEADING BOOKSTORES, AT $42 A COPY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES. MRS IRENE YAU, WILL OPEN A FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION. THE HONG KONG YEAR BOOK - 25 YEARS IN PICTURES, ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) AT 11 AM AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF THE LANDMARK IN CENTRAL.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
0
/2........
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
2 -
NEW CAMP FOR CAS IN SAI KUNG ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) AND LOCAL YOU”}’ ORGANISATIONS WILL STAND TO BENEFIT WHEN PHASE ONE OF THE CAS N r CAMP IN THE SCENIC SAI KUNG DISTRICT IS COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAMP SITE AT TAI TAN IN SAI KUNG NORTH, WHICH COVERS AN AREA OF 12,000 SQUARE METRES, WAS MADE POSSIBLE IN 1985 WITH A DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (RHKJC).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAS SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE IN DEVELOPING THE SITE WAS TO CONSTRUCT A TRAINING BASE FOR THE SERVICES AND VARIOUS OUTSIDE YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
THE CAMP IS TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR ALL FORMS OF WAT ER RECREATION AND SPORT ------ INCLUDING CANOEING, SAILING, LIFE-SAVING. SKIN-DIVING, WIND-SURFING AND WATER SKIING ---------- AS WELL AS OTHER ACTIVITIES SUCH AS HILL TREKKING, ORIENTEERING AND COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALTHOUGH THE SITE WAS ALLOCATED TO THE CAS SOME YEARS AGO, IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP IT DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS.
’’THANKS TO THE RHKJC, A DONATION OF $1.45 MILLION WAS GRANTED TO THE CAS IN 1985.
’’CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE TAI TAN CAMP PROJECT STARTED IN MID-1987 AFTER COMPLETING THE NECESSARY PLANNING AND TENDERING PROCEDURES.”
PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT COVERS BASIC DEVELOPMENT WORK SUCH AS CONSTRUCTION OF ADMINISTRATION AND ABLUTION BLOCKS. A STORE, A COOKHOUSE, AND A LARGE OPEN AREA FOR CAMPING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
THE NEXT PHASE WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PURPOSE-BUILT TRAINING POOL, COSTING ABOUT $1 MILLION, WHICH WILL ALSO BE FINANCED BY THE JOCKEY CLUB.
“THE DESIGN OF THE POOL AND RELATED PLANNING WORK WILL COMMENCE SHORTLY.’’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
“THE PROJECT. WHEN COMPLETED IN 1990, WILL ENABLE SWIMMING TUITION TO BE GIVEN IN THE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT OF A TRAINING POOL
“BESIDES SWIMMING LESSONS, THE POOL WILL BE USED TO TEA H BASIC SKILLS IN LIFE-SAVING, CANOEING AND COPING WITH CAPSIZING. SNORKEL-DIVING AND SKIN-DIVING BEFORE A LEARNER IS PUT INTO THE OPEN SEA FOR FURTHER PRACTICE.”
/THE SPOKESMAN
SUNDAY, MABCH 26, 1989
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TAI TAN CAMP WOULD DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE 3,700 ADULT VOLUNTEERS AND 3,000 CADETS OF THE CAS AS WELL AS AN UNTOLD NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO SHARE AND ENJOY THE FACILITIES.
"ALL THESE EXCELLENT FACILITIES COULD NOT HAVE BEEN REALISED WITHOUT THE GENEROUS DONATION OF THE RHKJC," HE SAID.
-----O----------
KWUN TONG DB MISSION LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE
» ♦ » * *
AN 18-MEMBER DELEGATION OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD LEFT FOR SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON ON A ONE-WEEK STUDY TOUR.
THE DELEGATION IS LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARY, MR CHAN YAU-KEUNG.
MR LAM SAID THE STUDY MISSION WAS AIMED AT ENABLING MEMBERS TO OBTAIN FIRST HAND INFORMATION ON THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE TWO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
"THE MISSION WILL FOCUS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT, HOUSING AND EDUCATION IN THESE TWO COUNTRIES," HE ADDED.
THE FIRST STOP OF THE STUDY TOUR WILL BE SINGAPORE WHERE MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS.
THEY WILL ALSO TOUR THE PARLIAMENT BUILDING AND CALL ON THE HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
WHILE IN MALAYSIA BETWEEN MARCH 29 AND 31, THE MISSION WILL VISIT THE PARLIAMENT BUILDING, THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM AS WELL AS THE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 1.
-------O----------
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
- 4 -
TAI PO DB STUDY GROUP LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE
******
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S STUDY TOUR GROUP DEPARTED FOR SINGAPORE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT.
THE GROUP WILL EXAMINE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT IN SINGAPORE, N PARTICULAR.
THE GROUP IS LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR HO YUNG-SANG.
IT COMPRISES EIGHT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, ONE CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO IN 1990'S, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT, AND THE BOARL S SECRETARY, MR CHUI YIU-LUNG.
THE GROUP WILL VISIT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT IN SINGAPORE.
CALLS WILL BE MADE ON THE HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT.
THE GROUP WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON THURSDAY (MARCH 30).
0
TAXI PASSENGERS ASKED TO CO-OPERATE IN SURVEY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE IN A SURVEY ON THE USAGE OF TAXIS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID PASSENGERS ALIGHTING FROM TAXIS WILL BE APPROACHED BY INTERVIEWERS AND WILL BE ASKED ABOUT TilE TIME, TAXI FARE AND TIPS INVOLVED IN THEIR RIDES.
QUESTIONS ABOUT LUGGAGE FEES AND RADIO CALL SURCHARGES WILL ALSO BE ASKED.
THE INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 28) TO FRIDAY (MARCH 31) AT VARIOUS TAXI STANDS AND CONVENIENT SPOTS IN THE URBAN AREAS AS WELL AS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
THIS IS PART OF AN ANNUAL SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE TAXI TRADE.
0
/5........
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
- 5 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS t » ♦ » ♦
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
THREE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS FOR A TOTAL OF $36,964 FOR ORGANISING RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS SUBSIDIES FOR THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 1989-90, A REPORT BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN WONG TAI SIN, AND THE COMMITTEE’S STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE AND COMMITMENTS AS AT MARCH 13, 1989.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE. WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET.
-----------------0-------- NEW PUBLIC EARTH DUMP AT MA ON SHAN * * * * t
A PUBLIC EARTH DUMP WILL BE OPENED FOR USE FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 28) AT MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, TO THOSE POSSESSING A DUMPING PERMIT.
DUMPING HOURS WILL BE FROM 8.30 AM TO 4.30 PM DAILY. EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
DUMPING PERMITS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN.
COPIES OF BOTH THE VALID VEHICLE LICENCE AND THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECORD SHOULD BE FORWARDED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION.
ENTRANCE AND EXIT OF THE NEW PUBLIC DUMP IS FROM MA ON SHAN ROAD, ADJACENT TO THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PUMPING STATION NEAR HENG ON PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
WHEEL WASHING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE EXIT.
- - 0 - -
/6
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
- 6 -
FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN NORTH DISTRICT *****
SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) COORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S SYP WOULD BE "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY".
THE PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, HE SAID.
THE PROJECTS SHOULD BE NON-PROFIT MAKING AND DESIGNED TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BENEFIT THEMSELVES DURING THE SUMMER THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WAS A SUCCESS LAST YEAR. OVER 15,000 YOUNGSTERS TOOK PART IN 108 EVENTS ORGANISED BY 30 PARTICIPATING AGENCIES.
TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THIS YEAR'S SYP, INVITATION LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING SCHOOLS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 15. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6755358.
-----O------
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SYP ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT
******
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH THIS SUMMER.
"ALL SPORTS, RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR THE NEEDS OF LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION," A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"THESE ACTIVITIES, .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
- 7 -
"THESE ACTIVITIES, HOWEVER, SHOULD ALSO CARRY THE THEME OF DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME -- 'SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’," HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE GRANTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM HEADQUARTERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR, MEI
FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, OR ITS SUB-OFFICES IN AP LEI CHAU, WAH
FU AND STANLEY.
"ALL COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD REACH THE COMMITTEE
THROUGH THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY 5 PM ON APRIL 3,"
THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY CALL 5-540271 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
-------o ---------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 29), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND FUNG TAK ROAD IN WONG TAI SIN BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH YING FUNG LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG TOWN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG TOWN BETWEEN 1.30 AM DAILY FROM WEDNESDAY (MARCH 29) TO APRIL 1 FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED:
* CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) EASTBOUND BETWEEN TUNG LOK STREET AND FUNG CHEUNG ROAD; AND
» FOOK HONG STREET BETWEEN SAU FU STREET AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG).
/AT THE .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989
- 8 -
AT THE SAME TIME, YUEN LONG TAI CHEUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND WHILE KUK TING STREET BETWEEN SHUI CHE KWUN STREET AND SAI TAI STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
MOREOVER, THE LEFT-TURNS FROM KUK TING STREET TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) AND FROM YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD TO YUEN LONG TAI CHEUNG STREET WILL BE BANNED.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) TO AU TAU ARE ADVISED TO USE TUNG LOK STREET, YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD, SAI TAI STREET, YUEN LONG TAI CHEUNG STREET, YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD AND LONG YIP STREET.
MOTORISTS ON SHUI CHE KWUN STREET TRAVELLING TO AU TAU ARE ADVISED TO USE YUEN LONG TAI CHEUNG STREET, YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD AND LONG YIP STREET.
MOTORISTS ON YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE WANG CHAU ROAD FOR ACCESS TO YUEN LONG TOWN NORTH.
THE EXISTING TAXI STAND ON THE CLOSED SECTION OF FOOK HONG STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
------0--------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WONG CHU ROAD, TUEN MUN
» t t * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT WONG CHU ROAD MUN BETWEEN LUNG MUN ROAD AND ROAD 16A WILL BE 'LOSE!) CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM (MARCH 29) TO APRIL 1 FOR BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ROUTEINGS:
IN TUEN FOR FOUR WEDNESDAY
FOLLOWING
t MOTORISTS ON LUNG MUN ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PUI TO ROAD, TUEN ROAD, TUEN HING ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD.
HEADING FOR KOWLOON MUN HEUNG SZE WUI
» MOTORISTS ON WONG CHU ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR TUEN WEST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD 16A, TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE ROAD AND PUI TO ROAD.
MUN
WUI
-------0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDkZ, MARCH 27. 1989
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
PUBLICITY ON FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS LAUNCHED .................... 1
HK 1989 ON SALE ............................................... 2
MARCH SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES ^.ND PAYROLL STARTED ... 3
CONTRACT-SIGNING FOR TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL CONNECTION ............. 4
BRIDGING COURSES FOR DISABLED YOUNGSTERS .....................
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ..................... 5
'WOMEN'S STREET' ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME COMPLETED................ 6
GOVT GRANTS FOR SIXTH FOWl STUDENTS ............................. 6
UC ELECTION FORUM IN MCNG KOK ................................... 7
DB BY-ELECTION NOMINATION TO CLOSE ON FRIDAY .................... 8
PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES ON MOVE .................................. 8
STUDY ROOMS OPEN TO SCHOOL CHILDREN ............................. 9
YOUNG MUSICIANS TO GIVE CONCERT ................................. 9
WATER SUSPENSION IN KOWLOON CITY AREk .......................... 10
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
. 1
PUBLICITY ON FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS LAUNCHED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY PROGRAMME TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO ADOPT FLEXITIME AND STAGGERED WORKING HOURS AT THEIR WORKPLACES.
THE PROMOTION OF FLEXITIME AIMS TO HELP EASE THE DEMAND 'N PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING PEAK HOURS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PEOPLE IN EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
ADVICE TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THE SCHEME WILL 7 GIVEN BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY): "FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS ARRANGEMENT CAN HELP REDUCE STAFF TURNOVER AND IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE COMPANY.
"EMPLOYEES’ PERSONAL NEEDS CAN BE BETTER SATISFIED BY THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS THEREBY BOOSTING THEIR MORALE AND ENHANCING THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING.”
THE PUBLICITY PACKAGE INCLUDES A 30-SECOND TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST (API) WHICH HAS BEEN SCREENED ON ALL OF THE FOUR TELEVISION CHANNELS THIS MONTH.
"A RADIO API AND A LEAFLET IN SEPARATE CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN PRODUCED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE LEAFLET, ENTITLED "A MODERN APPROACH TO WORKING HOURS ARRANGEMENTS", PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE CHARACTERISTICS AND ADVANTAGES OF FLEXITIME AND STAGGERED WORKING HOURS.
IN EXPLAINING THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO SYSTEMS, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT FLEXITIME ALLOWS EMPLOYEES TO DETERMINE THEIR STARTING AND FINISHING TIMES ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS AND HABITS.
HE SAID FLEXITIME IS TASK-ORIENTED AND RESULT-ORIENTED AND THEREFORE IS MORE SUITABLE TO OFFICE STAFF.
UNDER THE STAGGERED WORKING HOURS SCHEME, AN EMPLOYEE SELECTS ONE OF A NUMBER OF ALTERNATIVE STARTING/FIN1SHING TIMES PRESCRIBED BY THE EMPLOYER.
THIS SYSTEM IS GENERALLY MORE SUITABLE FOR THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE SECTORS, HE SAID.
THE LEAFLET ALSO CONTAINS POINTS WHICH EMPLOYERS SHOULD NOTE BEFORE ADOPTING NEW WORKING HOURS, SUCH AS CONSULTING EMPLOYEES ABOUT THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED PEOPLE IN MANAGEMENT POSITIONS TO CONTACT ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE TO OBTAIN FREE COPIES OF THE LEAFLET IF THEY ARE INTERESTED IN INTRODUCING SUCH SYSTEMS IN THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS.
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/2 .......
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
- 2 -
HK 1989 ON SALE *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT, HONG KONG 1989, GOSS ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
AN ANNUAL BESTSELLER, THE OFFICIAL YEARBOOK IS POPULAR AF IG STUDENTS, SCHOLARS AND PEOPLE IN BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CIRCLES AS HE MOST AUTHORITATIVE WORK OF REFERENCE ON HONG KONG,
BUT IT ALSO COMMANDS A CONSIDERABLE FOLLOWING AMONG THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS AN EXCELLENT PICTORIAL SOUVENIR.
PUBLISHED IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH EDITIONS AT $42 A COPY (E LATEST REPORT, WITH ITS 408 PAGES OF INFORMATION, STATISTICS, AND COLOURFUL ILLUSTRATIONS OF HONG KONG LIFE, INTRODUCES A BONUS T! S YEAR IN THE FORM OF A CALENDAR OF THE MAJOR EVENTS OF 1988
AND THE REVIEW CHAPTER, WRITTEN BY JOURNALIST/AUTHOR RO!!N HUTCHEON, DEALS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS AND THE MEDIA, TAKING THE READER ON A BRIEF HISTORICAL TRIP THROUGH THE EVOLUTION OF HONG KONG CULTURE IN THE POST-WAR YEARS.
IN HIS 17-PAGE ARTICLE, MR HUTCHEON NOTES THAT THE DEVELOPM . IT OF THE ARTS RESULTED FROM STRONG GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE BUILDING AND FUNDING OF THE MANY VENUES, ACADEMIES AND EVENTS NOW AVAILAB1E O THE INTERESTED PUBLIC, AND FROM EQUALLY ENTHUSIASTIC PUBLIC RESPONSE:
THE ARTICLE IS SUPPORTED BY A COLOURFUL, EASY-TO-READ END-PA' ?R MAP.
THE MAP INCLUDES LOCATIONS OF MAJOR PERFORMING ARTS VENUJ :, STATISTICS ON ATTENDANCE, FUNDING, GROWTH OF VIEWERS AND LISTENER! N BROADCASTING, AND NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE READERSHIP.
HONG KONG 1989, WHICH ALSO CONTAINS AN EXTENSIVE SET OF STATISTICAL APPENDICES, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIC S CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT DISTRICT OFFIC .3 AND LEADING BOOKSTORES.
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MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
MARCH SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE MARCH 1989 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 120,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), WITH FULL ENUMERATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON MARCH 31, 1989 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JANUARY - MARCH 1989.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING JANUARY-MARCH 1989, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234770.
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MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
- 4 -
CONTRACT-SIGNING FOR TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CONNECTION
» * » t *
A $332 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN NORTHERN CONNECTION WILL BE AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE CONTRACT WILL BE SIGNED BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONTRACTOR.
TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHER CONTRACTS, ONE FOR TRUNK ROAD T6 ALREADY IN PROGRESS AND THE OTHER FOR TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN SOUTHERN CONNECTION AWARDED EARLIER THIS MONTH, THIS CONTRACT WILL FORM THE MAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN CONNECTION.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE ROAD SYSTEM WILL FORM A MAJOR LINK FOR THE NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES AND MA ON SHAN WITH THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE OPENED IN AUGUST 1991.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 18TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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BRIDGING COURSES FOR DISABLED YOUNGSTERS ♦ » » t
THREE BRIDGING COURSES HAVE BEEN RUN FOR DISABLED SECONDARY THREE LEAVERS WHO DO NOT FULLY MEET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENT OF THE CRAFT COURSES OFFERED BY TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED, THE BASIC TECHNICAL STUDIES COURSE IS TAILOR-MADE FOR SLOW LEARNERS WHO WANT TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THE COURSES ON OFFICE PRACTICE STUDIES AND OFFICE RECEPTION PRACTICE ARE SUITABLE FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND VISUALLY AND HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS.
’’SPECIAL WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING FACILITIES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND EQUIPPED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DISABLED STUDENTS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT SAID.
/IN ADDITION, ........
MONDAY, MARCH 27 J989
- 5 -
IN ADDITION, RESOURCE HELP HAS ALSO BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THEM. THIS INCLUDES THE PROVISIONS OF VERSABRAILLB, TALKING TYPEWRITER AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY TRAINING FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED, AND RADIO HEARING AIDS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS.
THE SUCCESS OF THESE COURSES HAS BEEN MOST APPARENT IN THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF GRADUATES WHO MANAGED TO COMPLETE THE CRAFT COURSES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SUBSEQUENTLY SECURED EMPLOYMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN SKILL TESTS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGING.
LAST YEAR ALL GRADUATES OF THE OFFICE PRACTICE COURSE PASSED THE PITMAN PRACTICAL WORD PROCESSING EXAMINATION AND 87 PER CENT OF THEM WERE SUCCESSFUL IN THE TYPEWRITING (INTERMEDIATE) EXAMINATION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THESE ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSES HAVE BEEN OFFERED AT THE KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR SOME YEARS AND WILL BE EXPANDED WHEN THE NEW TUEN MUN SKILLS CENTRE COMES INTO OPERATION NEXT YEAR.
APPLICATION FOR THESE BRIDGING COURSES WILL BEGIN IN JULY AND AUGUST THIS YEAR. DISABLED YOUNGSTERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THESE VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES MAY APPLY.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR DISABLED SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8932341 EXT. 304.
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TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ♦ » ♦ * »
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AN APPLICATION BY THE LANTAU TAXI ASSOCIATION FOR A FARE INCREASE.
IT WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF A ONE-WAY TOLL AND THE EXTENSION OF THE TIDAL FLOW ARRANGEMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
MEMBERS WILL EXAMINE THE STAR FERRY COMPANY’S FIVE-YEAR FOWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME (1989-93).
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
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/6........
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
6
'WOMEN’S STREET’ ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME COMPLETED
*****
THE WHOLE STRETCH OF KOWLOON’S FAMOUS "WOMEN’S STREET", WHERE HAWKERS CATER FOR THOUSANDS OF BARGAIN HUNTERS, HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH A LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR THE FIRST TIME.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF AN ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME, THE HAWKERS NOW ON LONGER DEPEND ON UNAUTHORISED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
A CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT IN THE TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE - COMMONLY KNOWN AS "WOMEN’S STREET" - WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AFTERNOON (TUESDAY).
THE CEREMONY HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF THE THIRD AND FOURTH SECTIONS OF THE TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE WHERE THE HAWKERS WERE THE LATEST BATCH TO BENEFIT FROM THE ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME.
MONG KOK’S DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, AND THE REGIONAL MANAGER (EASTERN) OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED, MR TSANG KWAN-HUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE JUNCTION OF TUNG CHOI STREET AND SOY STREET IN MONG KOK.
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GOVT GRANTS FOR SIXTH FORM STUDENTS *****
SECONDARY 5 SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO HAVE GENUINE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP IN CONTINUING THEIR FULL-TIME STUDIES FOR THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION ( HLE I AND ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION (ALE) ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS ADMINISTERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
TH! MAINTENANCE GRANTS ARE AWARDED ANNUALLY TO NEEDY STUDENTS WHO HAVE OBTAINED GOOD RESULTS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) IN THE YEAR OF AWARD TO ENSURE THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE .JED OF AN OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY FOR THE HIGHER LEVEL AND THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATIONS FOR FINANCIAL REASONS.
/THE AMOUNT
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
THE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE GRANT WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE AND GRANTS AWARDED TO STUDENTS WERE IN THE REGION OF $230 EACH MONTH IN 1988-89.
GRANTS WILL BE TENABLE FOR ONE YEAR AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND APPLICANTS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SCHOOL HEADS.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1 AT THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIP SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS FOR GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR HLE AND ALE SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE AT THE SAME ADDRESS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL HEADS ON JULY 22 AND NOT LATER THAN 14 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE HKCEE RESULTS RESPECTIVELY.
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UC ELECTION FORUM IN MONG KOK
» » » * »
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL ORGANISE A FORUM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING FOR THE TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTION AS THB BOARD’S REPRESENTATIVE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE TWO CANDIDATES ARE MR CHIU KWOK-HUNG AND MR HO FEI-CHI.
IN ADDITION TO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ARE ALSO INVITED TO ATTEND THE FORUM.
DR CHAN WING-TAI, A PRINCIPAL LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, WILL BE THE MODERATOR AT THE FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
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/8........
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
- 8 -
DB BY-ELECTION NOMINATION TO CLOSE ON FRIDAY
*****
NOMINATIONS FOR THE VACANCY IN THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 31.
PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES ARE REMINDED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER, MRS JENNIE CHEUK, TO HAND IN THEIR NOMINATION PAPER WELL BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
ANY ERRORS NOT CAPABLE OF BEING RECTIFIED BY THE CLOSE OF MARCH 31 MAY RENDER THE NOMINATION PAPER INVALID.
PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL AND HAVE BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG EONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING NOMINATION.
A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG; BUT HIS NOMINATION MUST BE SUPPORTED BY 10 REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE PAK TIN CONSTITUENCY.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON AND AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES ON MOVE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES WILL OPERATE FROM NEW PREMISES FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE NEW OFFICES ARE LOCATED IN ROOMS 27 AND 28 ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 2 MURRAY ROAD, CENTRAL.
MATTERS RELATING TO THE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF BUSES AND TAXIS WILL BE HANDLED IN ROOM 27, WHILE ROOM 28 WILL BE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, HIRE CARS AND CROSS BORDER VEHICLES.
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF BUSES AND TAXIS ARE 5-269432 AND 5-248835, AND FOR LIGHT BUSES, HIRE CARS AND CROSS BORDER VEHICLES THE ENQUIRY NUMBER IS 5-260979.
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/9........
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
- 9 -
STUDY ROOMS OPEN TO SCHOOL CHILDREN *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE STUDY ROOM FACILITIES AT 64 SCHOOLS TO STUDENTS WHO NEED A QUIET SURROUNDING TO STUDY, AND TO DO HOMEWORK, FOR THREE MONTHS STARTING FROM MONDAY, APRIL 3.
THE FACILITIES AT 38 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO USE STUDY ROOM FACILITIES LOCATED AT 26 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT VARIOUS DISTRICTS BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE IDENTIFICATION PAPBRS FOR ADMISSION TO A STUDY ROOM MANNED BY A SUPERVISOR.
THE STUDY ROOM SCHEME HAS PROVED POPULAR AMONG STUDENTS LIVING IN A CROWDED ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY TOWARDS THE EXAMINATION PERIODS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SCHEME IS AN EXTENSION OF THE NORMAL STUDY ROOM FACILITIES PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT MORE THAN 200 LOCATIONS UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
ADDRESSES OF THE STUDY ROOM CENTRES, TOGETHER WITH THEIR OPENING HOURS, ARE AVAILABLE AT INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.
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YOUNG MUSICIANS TO GIVE CONCERT
*****
STRING MUSIC LOVERS WILL BE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR CONCERT BY THE 77-STRONG HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1).
THE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL, BEGINNING AT 8 PM.
IT IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO GIVE YOUNG MUSICIANS THE CHANCE TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC.
/under the.......
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 19^9
10 -
UNDER THE BATON OF THE PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR, YIP WING-SIB, A FORMER MEMBER OF THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA, THE YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL PRESENT SUCH POPULAR PIECES AS ROSSINI’S "TH1 THIEVING MAGPIE OVERTURE”, TCHAIKOVSKY’S "SERENADE IN C MAJOR, FOR STRING ORCHESTRA, OP. 48” AND SHOSTAKOVICH’S "SYMPHONY NO. 1, OP. 10”.
OVER THE YEARS, THE ORCHESTRA HAS GIVEN REGULAR CONCERTS IN HONG KONG BESIDES PERFORMING OVERSEAS IN AUSTRALIA, CYPRUS, FRANCE, ISRAEL, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, AS WELL AS IN MACAU AND CHINA, WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MUSICIANS AND CONDUCTORS SUCH AS FOU TSONG, EDEN AND TAMIR, SHALOM RONLY-RIKLIS, GEORG TINTNER, SIR DAVID WILLCORKS AND KENNETH TEAN.
TICKETS AT $15 AND $10 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES CAN DE MADE ON 3-7226240.
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WATER SUSPENSION IN KOWLOON CITY AREA
* » » *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN KOWLOON CITY PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 29) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 2-18 CORNWALL STREET, EDE ROAD, PILGRIMS WAY AND THE AREA BOUNDED BY PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, LA SALLE ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, INVERNESS ROAD, DUMBARTON ROAD AND GRAMPIAN ROAD.
IT WILL ALSO AFFECT ANOTHER AREA BOUNDED BY MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, TIN KWONG ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, LOMOND ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, MaRCH 28, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANNUAL REPORT A PRIME SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON HK........... 1
ECONOMY UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL RESTRUCTURING ................. 2
GOVT COMMITTED TO HELPING LINKAGE INDUSTRIES GROW .......... 5
TAC DISCUSSES LANTAU TAXI FARE RISE ........................ 4
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION MEETING ....................... 6
FOUR GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $1,246 MILLION ..................... S
DEATH OF CONTROLLER OF GOVT SUPPLIES ....................... 7
CSD RAISES $450,000 FOR CHEST .............................. 8
NEW MACAU SERVICES TO OPERATE FROM CHINA FERRY TERMINAL .... 9
CONTRACT OF TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL CONNECTION AWARDED ........ 10
ONE MORE aIDS CASE CONFIRMED .............................. 11
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR WaTER CONTROL ZONE EXEMPTIONS .... 1J
NO MAIL SERVICES ON APRIL 5 ................................ U
REMINDER ON CHING MING HOLIDAY............................. 14
LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO 'WOMEN'S STREET' .............. 14
NOISE NUIS/lNCE TO SCHOOLS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA.......... 15
TUEN MUN BONSAI COMPETITION OPEN TO <»LL .................. 16
WATER STORAGE FIGURE................................... 17
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHaU KEI W.JI ........... 17
TEMPORARY lane closure..................................... 17
URBaN CLEARWAYS IN TUEN MUN ............................... 18
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHaM SHUT PO, TSUEN WAN............ 18
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
ANNUAL REPORT A PRIME SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON HK
*****
MANY PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS HAVE LOOKED TO THE GOVERNMENT ANNUAL REPORT AS THE PRIME SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
IN OPENING A FIVE-DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION, THE HONG KONG YEARBOOK - 25 YEARS IN PICTURES, AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF THE LANDMARK, MRS YAU SAID THAT WHAT BEGAN AS A WORK OF REFERENCE HAD ESTABLISHED A PLACE FOR ITSELF AT THE TOP OF THE BEST-SELLER LISTS.
SHE SAID THE REASON FOR THIS WAS TWO-FOLD:
« THERE IS INCREASING INTEREST, BOTH INTERNALLY AND OVERSEAS, IN THE AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMIC COMMUNITY AND IN ITS CONTINUING SUCCESS STORY; AND
» EVERY ENDEAVOUR HAS BEEN MADE TO PRESENT THE FACTS AND STATISTICS IN AS PALATABLE A FORM AS POSSIBLE, BOTH IN THE TEXT AND IN THE ACCOMPANYING COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS.
"HONG KONG 1989, THE LATEST IN A LONG LINE OF ANNUAL REPORTS THAT MY DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED OVER THE PAST FOUR DECADES, MAKES ITS APPEARANCE TODAY IN BOOK STORES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG," MRS YAU SAID.
IN DOING SO, SHE SAID, IT PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND OURSELVES OF HOW FAR WE HAVE COME.
THE EXHIBITION WAS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT A PICTORIAL ODYSSEY STRETCHING BACK OVER THE PAST QUARTER CENTURY OF THE PUBLICATION SINCE COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS WERE FIRST INTRODUCED, SHE SAID.
MRS YAU SAID THE PHOTOGRAPHS DISPLAYED AT THE EXHIBITION SERVED AS A SHOWCASE FOR THE HARD WORKING AND HIGHLY TALENTED GIS PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND THEY ALSO WERE A REMINDER OF THE TREMENDOUS STRIDES HONG KONG HAD MADE IN THE LAST 25 YEARS, IN LIVING STANDARDS, IN SOCIAL CONDITIONS, AND IN ARCHITECTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
SAYING THAT HONG KONG 1989 WAS THE WORK OF MANY PEOPLE, SHE ACKNOWLEDGED THE KEY ROLE PLAYED BY CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER AND ART DIRECTOR, MR ARTHUR HACKER, WHO HAS DESIGNED 21 OF THE ANNUAL REPORTS.
THE EDITOR OF HONG KONG 1989, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALADIN ISMAIL, WAS ASSISTED BY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FROM MANY PUBLIC BODIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS WITHOUT WHOSE CO-OPERATION ANY ACCOUNT OF THE PAST YEAR WOULD BE INCOMPLETE, SHE SAID.
MRS YAU ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, AND CARTOGRAPHERS OF THE SURVEYING AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
- 0 - -
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
- 2 -
ECONOMY UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL RESTRUCTURING
* t ♦ t *
HONG KONG ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE URUGUAY ROUND TALKS ON THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, AND IT HOPES TO SEE SOME CONCRETE ACHIEVEMENTS AND A GREATER COMMITMENT BY ALL CONTRACTING PARTIES TO LIBERALISING TRADE IN THE DISCUSSIONS.
A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, DR DANIEL TSE, SAID THIS AT THE 45TH PLENARY SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
THE PLENARY SESSION, WITH A THEME OF RESTRUCTURING THE DEVELOPING ECONOMIES OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC IN THE 1990'S, IS BEING HELD IN BANGKOK, AND WILL END ON APRIL 5.
DR TSE, REPRESENTING HONG KONG AT THE MEETING, SAID THE TERRITORY BELIEVED IN A FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR TRADE. ALL PLACES COULD BENEFIT FROM SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT.
REVIEWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, DR TSE SAID IT HAD UNDERGONE ANOTHER RESTRUCTURING PROCESS IN RECENT YEARS AFTER A MAJOR RESTRUCTURING IN THE 1950’S.
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY SHIFT FROM MANUFACTURING LABOUR-INTENSIVE PRODUCTS TO MAKING MORE TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE GOODS, AND FROM LIGHT-MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES TOWARDS PROVIDING AN INCREASING RANGE OF SERVICES.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE RESTRUCTURING SO FAR HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A SOUND LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT," HE SAID.
"THE POLICY OF LEAVING MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH MINIMUM GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION WILL BE MAINTAINED," HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THERE WOULD BE NUMEROUS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN FUTURE, DR TSE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE ECONOMIES IN THE PACIFIC REGION TO PREPARE THEMSELVES TO FACE THE CHALLENGES AND TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
- 3 -
GOVT COMMITTED TO HELPING LINKAGE INDUSTRIES GROW *****
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, TODAY (TUESDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE 31,000 LOCAL INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS WHICH CONVERT IMPORTED RAW MATERIALS INTO SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND SELL THEM TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS FOR ASSEMBLY INTO FINISHED PRODUCTS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES EXHIBITION, MR YEUNG SAID THAT IN THE YEARS AHEAD THE STRENGTH OF THE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES WOULD BE A DECISIVE FACTOR IN THE PERFORMANCE OF OUR EXPORTS.
"IF OUR LINKAGE INDUSTRIES FAIL, OUR EXPORTS WILL FAIL, FOR AS A RELATIVELY SMALL ECONOMY THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHICH WE CAN DEPEND ON IMPORTS," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG GAVE TWO REASONS TO SUPPORT THIS VIEW.
FIRST, HE SAID, THE SHIFT OF OUR LABOUR INTENSIVE ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS INTO SOUTH CHINA HAD CREATED A STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG TO BECOME A SUPPLY BASE OF MATERIALS, PARTS, COMPONENTS AND TOOLING THAT COULD NOT BE SUPPLIED FROM WITHIN CHINA.
SECONDLY, WITHIN HONG KONG ITSELF. THE COMBINATION OF SMALLER ORDERS, SHORTER PRODUCT LIFE-CYCLES AND A TIGHT LABOUR MARKET UNDERSCORED THE NEED FOR INTRODUCING MORE EFFICIENT AND FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION METHODS.
"OUR LINKAGE INDUSTRIES, MECHANISED THOUGH THEY MIGHT BE TO SOME EXTENT, HAVE TO BECOME EVEN STRONGER BY BECOMING MORE EFFICIENT AND ADAPTABLE TO CHANGE," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD, IN RECENT YEARS, INVESTED HEAVILY IN THE AREA OF DIRECT MANUFACTURING SUPPORT.
THIS SUPPORT TOOK THE FORM OF INFORMATION, ADVISORY, CONSULTANCY AND BUREAU SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS.
IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED THE HKPC WITH DEVELOPMENT GRANTS TOTALLING S69 MILLION FOR THE CREATION OF NEW LABORATORY FACILITIES AND THE EXPANSION OF ITS CONSULTANCY SERVICES.
"THIS YEAR, WE EXPECT TO RECEIVE FROM THE HKPC ITS THIRD TRIENNIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, COVERING THE PROVISION OF NEW SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE PERIOD 1990-91 TO 1992-93, AND 1 UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WILL FOCUS MAINLY ON HELPING MANUFACTURERS TO ACHIEVE ADVANCED ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PRECISION MACHINING CAPABILITIES," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
TURNING TO THE AREA OF MANPOWER TRAINING, MR YEUNG SAID THE PRESSURE OF DEMAND FOR MANPOWER TRAINING IN PRECISION ENGINEERING HAD BEEN ON THE RISE AS OUR INDUSTRIES TURNED THEIR ATTENTION TOWARDS MECHANISATION AND PRODUCT MINIATURISATION.
THUS, IN 1985, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) HAD OPENED ITS PRECISION TOOLING TRAINING CENTRE TO PROVIDE ’’HANDS-ON” TRAINING FOR ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS.
AND LAST WEEK, THE VTC HAD SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY, BY WHICH THE CENTRE’S CAPABILITY WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY EXPANDED TO COVER TRAINING IN THE DISCIPLINES AND TECHNIQUES OF SHEET METAL PROCESSING.
MR YEUNG ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE HKPC HAD JOINTLY LAUNCHED A ONE YEAR EXTENSION COURSE FOR ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS IN COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF MOULDS AND DIES.
’’THE COURSE IS OVER-SUBSCRIBED AND WILL HAVE TO BE EXPANDED,” HE SAID.
IN THE AREA OF APPLIED RESEARCH, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD COMMISSIONED THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO DEVELOP A POWERFUL LOW COST COMPUTER WORK STATION FOR THE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF DIES AND MOULDS, AS WELL AS SOFTWARE THAT WOULD ENABLE THESE COMPUTERISED DESIGNS TO DRIVE COMPUTER NUMERAL CONTROLLED PRODUCTION MACHINES.
AS FOR THE SPECIALISED. CUSTOM-BUILT ACCOMMODATION AS REQUIRED BY MANY OF OUR LINKAGE INDUSTRIES, MR YEUNG SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PROVISION OF A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WOULD HELP THEM TO EXPAND.
0 - -
TAC DISCUSSES LANTAU TAXI FARE RISE ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCUSSED AN APPLICATION BY THE LANTAU TAXI ASSOCIATION FOR A FARE INCREASE.
IN EXAMINING THE APPLICATION, MEMBERS HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN TAXI AND BUSES OPERATING ON LANTAU ISLAND, THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE TAXI TRADE AND THE LEVEL OF SERVICE PROVIDED.
MEMBERS FELT THAT FURTHER STUDIES AND OPTIONS WERE REQUIRED BEFORE A RECOMMENDATION COULD BE MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
/Members allo
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
5 -
MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED THE FIVE-YEAR FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME (1989-93) SUBMITTED BY THE STAR FERRY COMPANY.
IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING COIN-OPERATED TURNSTILES WITH A COMMON STORED VALUE TICKET SYSTEM IN 1990-91, AND THE REFURBISHMENT OF PIERS IN 1989-90 WERE NOTED.
THE TAC WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE EXTENSION OF THE TIDAL FLOW SCHEME AND THE PROPOSED RE-INTRODUCTION OF A ONE-WAY TOLL AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
AT PRESENT, TIDAL FLOW ARRANGEMENTS ARE INTRODUCED DAILY ON WEEK-DAYS BETWEEN 6 AM AND 7.30 AM DURING WHICH THREE LANES ARE PROVIDED FOR KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC, LEAVING ONE LANE FOR VEHICLES TRAVELLING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE TIDAL FLOW TO 7.40 AM. TO TIE IN WITH THE EXTENSION, GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM USING THE SLIP ROAD FROM WESTBOUND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO NORTHBOUND WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 AM. THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE CARRIED OUT FOR A THREE-WEEK TRIAL IN MAY OR JUNE.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE VOLUME OF NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE REDUCED SO THAT THE TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY OF THE KOWLOON ENTRANCE OF THE TUNNEL WILL NOT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE EXTENSION OF THE TIDAL FLOW.
THE TAC ALSO NOTED THAT THE ONE-WAY TOLL SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE RE-INTRODUCED UNTIL OCTOBER THIS YEAR PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE TAI PO ROAD STAGE II IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PRESENT AND PLANNED MEASURES OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY TO IMPROVE ITS STANDARD OF SERVICE, INCLUDING THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE THREE HYF PIERS IN CENTRAL, THE PROVISION OF MORE FREE BUS SERVICES TO AND FROM THE HYF PIERS AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE VESSEL CLEANSING SCHEDULE AND PLANNED REFURBISHMENT OF VESSELS.
THE TAC ALSO NOTED THE LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS’ DESIRE TO EXTEND THEIR OPERATIONS TO NGONG PING. HOWEVER, MEMBERS GENERALLY AGREED THAT FOR SAFETY REASONS ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC COULD NOT BE ALLOWED UNDER THE EXISTING ROAD CONDITIONS, BUT SHOULD BE PERMITTED ONCE THE ACCESS ROAD WAS WIDENED TO TWO LANES THROUGHOUT.
THE TAC WOULD HEAR THE VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LANTAU TAXI ASSOCIATION AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (APRIL 3).
/6........
TUESDAY, MARCH 28,
1989
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION MEETING
» » » »
THE 17TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WAS HELD TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR THE 1989-90 FINANCIAL YEAR SHOULD AMOUNT TO 78.26 HECTARES.
THE PROGRAMME COMPRISES 28.04 HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT; 19.19 HECTARES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES AND VILLAGE HOUSING; 22.11 HECTARES FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES, EDUCATIONAL, WELFARE, RELIGIOUS, RECREATIONAL AND OTHER USES; AND 8.92 HECTARES AS SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.
THE TWO SIDES ALSO AGREED TO SET ASIDE FIVE HECTARES OF LAND IN A SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME. THE LAND COMMISSION WILL DECIDE DURING THE YEAR ON THE AMOUNT OF LAND TO BE RELEASED FROM THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME IN THE LIGHT OF DEMAND.
THE LAND COMMISSION AGREED TO ADD A FURTHER 1.6 HECTARES FROM THE 1988-89 SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME TO THE 1988-89 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.
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FOUR GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR SI, 246 MILLION ♦ ♦ » » ♦
THE SALE OF FOUR LAND LOTS BY PUBLIC AUCTION HELD TODAY (TUESDAY) FETCHED A TOTAL OF SI,246 MILLION.
THIS WAS THE LAST LAND AUCTION HELD BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE LOTS INCLUDE TWO FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ONE IS LOCATED IN AREA 44B IN TAI WO TSUEN, KWAI CHUNG. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 11,100 SQUARE METRES.
BIDDING STARTED AT S200 MILLION AND THE SITE WAS BOUGHT BY CARBONLAND ESTATES LIMITED FOR S285 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE BUYER HAS TO DEVELOP A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 13,980 SQUARE METRES ON THE SITE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
THE OTHER LOT, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 22,150 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED IN AREA 22 IN TAI PO.
/IT WAS .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
IT WAS BOUGHT BY ALLWAYS SUCCESS DEVELOPMENT LIMITED FOR »700 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $500 MILLION.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF AT LEAST 56,490 SQUARE METRES BEFORE JUNE 30, 1993.
THE OTHER TWO LOTS SOLD ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE.
ONE IS LOCATED AT LAM HING STREET IN KOWLOON BAY WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,520 SQUARE METRES.
BIDDING OPENED AT $100 MILLION AND THE SITE WAS BOUGHT BY CHEER RESULT LIMITED FOR $220 MILLION.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE BUYER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF AT LEAST 16,900 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 4B, SHEUNG SHUI.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,881 SQUARE METRES AND THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 8,643 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1992.
THE SITE WAS SOLD TO SHEUNG SHUI GODOWN LIMITED FOR $41 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $30 MILLION.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR ROGER NISSIM.
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DEATH OF CONTROLLER OF GOVT SUPPLIES *****
THE CONTROLLER OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR WILLY LEE WING-TAT, PASSED AWAY IN HOSPITAL ON SUNDAY (MARCH 26) AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS. HE WAS 56.
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS MR LEE HAD ACTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND ON TWO OCCASIONS BRIEFLY AS DIRECTOR, THUS BECOMING THE ONLY DEPARTMENTAL GRADE OFFICER WHO HAD RISEN FROM THE RANK OF STOREKEEPER (SUPPLIES SUPERVISOR) TO ACHIEVE THIS DISTINCTION.
HE HAD INTENDED TO RETIRE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1), AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
THE FUNERAL WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 30) AT THE HONG KONG FUNERAL HOME.
/MR LEE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
8 -
MR LEE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN AUGUST 1954 AS A TEMPORARY STOREKEEPER IN THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES AND AFTER OBTAINING ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS, WAS APPOINTED AS AN ASSISTANT SUPPLIES OFFICER IN 1965.
AFTER WORKING IN MANY DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND TWO YEARS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HE WAS APPOINTED AS CONTROLLER OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES (PROCUREMENT), A DIRECTORATE POST, IN 1983.
HE WAS FOR MANY YEARS DEEPLY INVOLVED IN STAFF DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES, HAVING BEEN A FOUNDER MEMBER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION (THE ASSOCIATION OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLIES OFFICERS), THE DEPARTMENTAL SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB AND THE INSTITUTE OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLY OF HONG KONG, IN WHICH HE WAS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE INSTITUTE.
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS PUBLIC SPIRITED, LONG AND LOYAL SERVICE TO THE CROWN AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HE WAS AWARDED AN MBE BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, IN HER 1988 NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID MR LEE WAS A VALUED FRIEND AND MUCH RESPECTED COLLEAGUE, WHO WOULD BE MISSED BY HIS MANY FRIENDS BOTH IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MANY COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS WITH WHOM HE HAD CONTACT.
MR LEE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE, ANNA, AND DAUGHTER, GABRIELLE.
0
CSD RAISES $450,000 FOR CHEST » * » »
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RAISED $450,000 FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THE AMOUNT WAS RAISED BY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT IN A “WALK FOR MILLIONS" HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT AT TAI LAM ON DECEMBER 10. THE CHARITY WALK WAS PART OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S FUND-RAISING AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
OVER 1,000 STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THEIR FAMILIES TOOK PART IN THE WALK AND A CHARITY SALE HELD ON THAT DAY.
ATA PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD LAST NIGHT (MONDAY), THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $450,000 TO THE CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, MRS ANITA CHAN.
- 0 --------
/9........
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
- 9 -
NEW MACAU SERVICES TO OPERATE FROM CHINA FERRY TERMINAL
« « » » »
IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC DEMAND, A SMALL NUMBER OF MACAU FERRY SERVICES WILL BE SCHEDULED TO OPERATE FROM THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI WITH EFFECT FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 1), THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
AND, AS FROM MAY 1, ADDITIONAL SAILINGS TO MACAU WILL BE INTRODUCED TO OPERATE FROM THE NEW TERMINAL.
DETAILS OF THE NEW MACAU SERVICES FROM THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FROM APRIL 1 DAY OF THE WEEK DEPARTURE FROM CFT COMPANY
TWO MORE DAILY SAILINGS CAN BE ADDED 10 AM 2 PM LEAVING AT 9 HONGKONG MACAU HYDROFOIL CO. LTD. AM AND 1 PM,
SUBJECT TO DEMAND. FROM MAY 1 FRIDAY TO SUNDAY DAILY FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW 9.15 AM 10.45 AM 3.30 PM 6.15 PM 7 PM 7.45 PM 8.45 PM 9.30 PM SERVICES TO HONGKONG FERRY (HOLDINGS) CO. LTD. MACAU SHOULD BE
OBTAINED FROM THE TICKETING OFFICES OF THE TWO COMPANIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE MOVE TO DIVERSIFY SERVICES FROM THE TWO INTERNATIONAL FERRY TERMINALS - THE MACAU AND CHINA FERRY TERMINALS - WAS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY.
HE SAID THAT IN THE LONG RUN IT WAS EXPECTED THAT UP TO 25 PER CENT OF ALL MACAU PASSENGERS WOULD BE ABLE TO USE THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
"LIKEWISE, A SIMILAR PERCENTAGE OF THE CHINA FERRY PASSENGERS WILL EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO USE THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL WHEN THE PROBLEM OF HANDLING PASSENGERS' LUGGAGE IS RESOLVED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
AT PRESENT, A FERRY SERVICE TO SHEKOU IN CHINA IS ALREADY OPERATING FROM THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL.
0
/1O........
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
- 10
CONTRACT OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CONNECTION AWARDED
* t » ♦ *
A >332 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN NORTHERN CONNECTION WAS AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONTRACTOR.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE ROAD SYSTEM WILL FORM A MAJOR LINK FOR THE
NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES AND MA ON SHAN WITH THE TATE’S CAIRN
TUNNEL, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE OPENED IN AUGUST 1991.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, THE WORKS TO BE CONSTRUCTED INCLUDE:
t A 1.7 KILOMETRE DUAL-THREE LANE CARRIAGEWAY FROM TATE’S
CAIRN TUNNEL SHA TIN APPROACHES AT TAI SHEK KWU TO MA ON
SHAN ROAD NEAR A KUNG KOK FISHERMEN’S NEW VILLAGE;
» A 1.1 KILOMETRE DUAL TWO LANE CARRIAGEWAY FROM TAI SHUI HANG TO AREA 82 SOUTH OF HENG ON ESTATE; AND
» A 1.6 KILOMETRE TWO-WAY DISTRICT ROAD FROM A KUNG KOK TO TAI SHUI HANG NEAR CHEVALIER GARDEN.
THE WORKS WILL ALSO INCLUDE TWO GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGES, ONE AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD AND MA ON SHAN ROAD AND THE OTHER SOUTH OF HENG ON ESTATE.
THE CONTRACT ALSO PROVIDES FOR LANDSCAPING ALONG THE ROADS, SITTING-OUT AREAS AT SELECTED LOCATIONS AND SPECIAL FEATURES SUCH AS NOISE BARRIERS NEAR THE A KUNG KOK FISHERMEN’S NEW VILLAGE, AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONES FOR SURVEILLANCE PURPOSES.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH AND COMPLETION OF THE SECTION BETWEEN TAI SHEK KWU AND TAI SHIU HANG WILL TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
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/11 ........
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
- 11
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED
*****
ONE MORE PERSON IN HONG KONG WAS FOUND TO BE SUFFERING FROM AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME), THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE NEW PATIENT IS A MAN WHO ACQUIRED THE DISEASE SEXUALLY. THE FIGURE BRINGS TO 20 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES REPORTED IN HONG KONG.
RELEASING THE FEBRUARY STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, SO FAR, 12 OF THE AIDS PATIENTS HAD DIED. THE OTHER EIGHT PATIENTS WERE STILL RECEIVING COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, ONE MORE PERSON WAS FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV TEST, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CARRIERS TO 141.
OF THE 141 CARRIERS, 53 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 15 WERE PERSONS WHO ATTENDED SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS, 41 WERE PATIENTS FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, AND 32 WERE REFERRALS FROM PRIVATE DOCTORS AND SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME STARTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 120,247 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR T..E AIDS VIRUS.
MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.
UP TO FEBRUARY, 524,849 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND EIGHT UNITS WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE.
/AIDS VIRUS
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
12
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing
Medical & Health Department Virus Unit
Apr 85 - No. tested Jan 89 No. +ve Fab 89 No. No. tested +ve Total No. tested No. +ve
<r^ Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics 7 471 40 206 1 7 677 41
fi 'I l.Yf'Jtji' Referrals from private practitioners and subvented hospitals 1732 32 5 0 1 737 32
Attendances at social hygiene clinics 104 531 14 2 002 1 106 533 15
Haemophiliacs 359 53 3 0 362* 53
IV drug abusers 3 187 0 49 0 3 236 0
Referrals from Family Pl arming Association 156 0 1 0 157 0
Health care personnel 542 0 3 0 545 0
Total
117 978 139 2 269 2 120 247 1*»1
r< This indicates the number of specimens and not persons as tests are repeated for certain individuals. ,
Aug 85 - Jan 89 Feb 89 Total No.
No. No. No. No. No.
tested +ve tested +ve tested +ve
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion 514 301 8 10 548 0 524 849 8
Service
Medical & Health Department March 1989
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TUESDAY, MARCH 28,
1989
1?
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR WATER CONTROL ZONE EXEMPTIONS *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED OWNERS, OCCUPIERS OR MANAGEMENT COMPANIES OF HOUSES IN THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE IS FRIDAY (MARCH 31).
THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE COVERS THE SOUTHERN PARTS OF HONG KONG AND LANTAU ISLANDS, AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS INCLUDING CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU AMD LAMMA.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL RESIDENCES WHICH DISCHARGE DOMESTIC SEWAGE FROM TOILETS, BATHS, KITCHENS AND WASHING MACHINES, AND SO ON, MUST OBTAIN AN EXEMPTION OR LICENCE, UNLESS DISCHARGES ARE MADE INTO PUBLIC FOUL SEWERS.
HOUSES WHICH WERE OCCUPIED BEFORE AUGUST 1 LAST YEAR ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR AN EXEMPTION. HOUSES OCCUPIED SINCE THIS DATE ARE REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED.
THE APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTIONS, TO BE FILLED OUT BY THE OWNERS, OCCUPIERS OR MANAGEMENT COMPANIES OF THE HOUSES, NEED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE EPD BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID ALL HOUSES WHICH HAVE INSTALLED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS OR SEPTIC TANKS, OR WHICH DISCHARGE ANY WASTEWATERS DIRECTLY TO STORMWATER DRAINS OR WATERCOURSES ARE CONTROLLED.
THIS INCLUDES HOUSES LOCATED IN REMOTE PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, AND THOSE WHICH MAY NOT APPEAR TO BE CAUSING ANY POLLUTION.
THE APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EPD OFFICES AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN ABERDEEN, STANLEY, MUI WO AND CHEUNG CHAU.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE EPD ON 5-8351206.
NO MAIL SERVICES ON APRIL 5 * * * *
THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON APRIL 5 (WEDNESDAY), WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
ALL POST OFFICES WILL ALSO BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 28,
1989
14
REMINDER ON CHING MING HOLIDAY
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS NEXT WEDNESDAY (APRIL 5), IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR WORKERS.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN #11,500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS OF AN EMPLOYEE VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY WAGES EARNED ON ALL HIS WORKING DAYS DURING A COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD OF BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATE DAY OFF WITHIN THE SPAN OF 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO 'WOMEN’S STREET’ ***** MONG KOK’S WELL-KNOWN "WOMEN’S STREET" HAS BEEN DEVELOPED FROM A FREE MARKET INTO A TOURIST ATTRACTION WITH THE RECENT COMPLETION OF A LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PROGRAMME.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY (TUESDAY) TO MARK THE CONCLUSION OF THE PROJECT, THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA, SAID THE TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE HAD DIVERSIFIED ITS WARES AND BECOME A POPULAR BARGAIN CENTRE FOR RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS ALIKE.
/SHE SAID .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
SHE SAID THE PROJECT WAS A RESULT OF CO-OPERATION AMONG THE HAWKERS THEMSELVES, AND THE SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WOULD PROVIDE FOR SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY AND ALSO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE STREET.
THE CEREMONY MARKED THE COMPLETION OF WORK IN SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR OF THE TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED AREA. THE PROJECT, WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT IN STAGES, TOOK FIVE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
------0--------
NOISE NUISANCE TO SCHOOLS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
» » * t *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) THE EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC NOISE ON SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PAPER PREPARED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, STATING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOCATED $80 MILLION FOR PROVIDING RELIEF MEASURES TO ABOUT 100 SCHOOLS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY TRAFFIC NOISE.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL CONSIDER A PAPER PREPARED BY THE TUEN MUN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SEEKING THEIR VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES SEWERAGE SCHEME.
A PROPOSAL TO PLACE PLANTER BOXES ON THE PAVEMENT OF YAU 01 ESTATE, TO PREVENT ILLEGAL HAWKING ACTIVITIES, WILL BE DISCUSSED.
A MEMBER WILL GIVE REASONS IN SUPPORT OF BUILDING A ZOO IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/16
TUESDAY, MARCH 28,
1989
16 -
TUEN MUN BONSAI COMPETITION OPEN TO ALL
« » t « »
PLANT LOVERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COMPETITION ORGANISED AS PART OF THE 1989 TUEN MUN DISTRICT BONSAI SHOW TO BE HELD FROM APRIL 21 TO 30 AT THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY.
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONASTERY, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. LTD.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND SCHOOL SECTIONS.
IN THE OPEN SECTION, PARTICIPANTS OF ALL AGES CAN EACH SUBMIT NOT MORE THAN TWO BONSAI PLANTS AND THE CONTAINER’S DIAMETER MUST NOT EXCEED 75 CENTIMETRES.
AS FOR THE SCHOOL SECTION, STUDENTS FROM THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS CAN TAKE PART EITHER IN THE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY CATEGORIES.
THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR BONSAI OR FLOWER PLANTS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS. THE DIAMETER OF THE BONSAI CONTAINER SHOULD ALSO NOT EXCEED 75 CENTIMETRES. THE BLOOMS SHOULD BE BETWEEN 15 AND 30 CENTIMETRES.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE MONASTERY BY 11 AM ON APRIL 20. THEY WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY WITH OTHER POTTED PLANTS OF TSING CHUNG KOON UNTIL THE END OF THE EXHIBITION.
STUDENTS OF THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS ARE ALSO INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A PHOTOGHRAPHIC COMPETITION OF THE BONSAI SHOW.
AGAIN, THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SECTIONS. EACH SCHOOL SHOULD NOT SUBMIT MORE THAN FIVE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
PHOTOGRAPHS FEATURING EXHIBITS AT THE BONSAI SHOW SHOULD BE SENT TO TSING CHUNG KOON OR TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BY MAY 6.
THOSE WISHING TO ENTER THE BONSAI COMPETITION CAN OBTAIN AN ENTRY FORM FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THEIR SUB-OFFICES. STUDENTS CAN OBTAIN A FORM FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4651954 OR 0-4617117.
-------O---------
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
17
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * ♦ ♦ ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 33.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 197.731 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 251.704 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 42.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAU KEI WAN ♦ * ♦ t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 31), VEHICLES EXCEEDING EIGHT METRES IN LENGTH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN KAM WA STREET AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS BECAUSE OF ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS ON THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL CONTINUE IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER SEVEN MONTHS FOR SLOPE WORKS:
* KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAIKOO SHING ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
» SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WESTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAIKOO SHING ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
------o-------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE » « » » •
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE TRAFFIC LANES OF THE SLIP ROAD LINKING NORTHBOUND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WITH EASTBOUND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN ROTATION FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 31) FOR ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS BECAUSE OF ROADWORKS.
VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD INTENDING TO MAKE A U-TURN BACK TO EASTBOUND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, VIA THIS SLIP ROAD, WILL BE DIVERTED ALONG THE NEW LOOP ROAD ABOUT 40 METRES TO THE EAST.
HOWEVER, THE RIGHT-TURN FROM NORTHBOUND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO EASTBOUND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE RETAINED.
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/18........
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
18
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TUEN MUN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 31), THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK :
* THE SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO MELODY GARDEN FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD 28A TO A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
» THE SOUTHWESTERN KERBSIDE SECTION OF ROAD 28A FROM A POINT ABOUT 140 METRES SOUTHEAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH LUNG MUN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 220 METRES SOUTHEAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
IN ADDITION, THE SOUTHWESTERN KERBSIDE SECTION OF ROAD 28A FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LUNG MUN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 140 METRES SOUTHEAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO, TSUEN WAN *»*»«»
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 31 ), YU CHAU STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEK KIP MEI STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
IN TSUEN WAN, THE NORTHWEST BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TSUEN LOK STREET WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK WHILE SHA TSUI ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TSO KUNG STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION 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 WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHUNG ON STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO-AND-HALF MONTHS FOR DRAINAGE WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE RIGHT-TURN FROM SHA TSUI ROAD TO CHUNG ON STREET WILL BE BANNED.
MOTORISTS ON EASTBOUND SHA TSUI ROAD HEADING FOR CHUNG ON STREET ARE ADVISED TO USE KWAN MUN HAU STREET AND TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RELIEF IN ROAD CONGESTION IN SIGHT ........................... 1
DFCC DELEGATION LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE ......................... 2
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ................. J
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE TO MOVE ............................. 3
WAN CHAI PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ................ 4
PARKING METER OPERATIONS TO BE EXTENDED ...................... 5
WAI YIP STREET URBAN CLEARWAY ................................ 5
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RUGBY TOURNAMENT ............ 5
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
RELIEF IN ROAD *
CONGESTION IN SIGHT * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE WOULD SOON BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE CONGESTION PROBLEM ON SOME OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR ROADS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF NEW ROAD AND TUNNEL PROJECTS AS WELL AS THE WIDENING, NOW IN PROGRESS, OF SOME KEY ROADS.
DURING A VISIT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT THIS AFTERNOON, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE OPENING THIS SUMMER OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE WOULD DO MUCH TO EASE THE PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AS WELL AS ON MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS ALONG THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR.
IN ADDITION, THE OPENING OF ROUTE 5 FROM SHA TIN TO TSUEN WAN, AND THE COMPLETION OF THE TAI PO ROAD WIDENING PROJECT AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WOULD PROVIDE SOME RELIEF TO THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION THERE WOULD NOT FULLY BE RESOLVED UNTIL THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN 1991.
IN THE BRIEFING GIVEN BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT SUCH RELIEF WOULD, HOWEVER, BE SHORT-TERM.
LONG TERM PLANS FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF TRANSPORT CONGESTION WOULD HAVE TO BE DEALT WITH AS PART OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
AN IMPORTANT STAGE IN THIS PROCESS WAS THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE STUDY (CTS-1I), WHICH WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AND WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY A GREEN PAPER SETTING OUT PROPOSALS ON TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND POLICIES.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED THE PUBLIC WOULD STUDY THE GREEN PAPER CAREFULLY AND PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON ALL PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN IT.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN ITS CAPABILITY IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION FOLLOWING ITS RE-ORGANISATION IN MAY.
HE COMMENTED THAT THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT AREA OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK AND ONE WHICH ATTRACTED MUCH PUBLIC ATTENTION AND INTEREST.
SIR DAVID EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN THE PLANNED COMPUTERISED VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE TO BE BUILT ADJACENT TO THE EXISTING VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY.
THE NEW CENTRE WOULD PROVIDE EXTRA CAPACITY FOR WIDENING THE INSPECTION SCHEME TO COVER ALL GOODS VEHICLES AT ANNUAL INTERVALS AFTER FIRST REGISTRATION.
/HE HOPED .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
2
HE HOPED THAT THIS CENTRE, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF GOODS VEHICLES USING OUR ROADS.
VISITING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT AN ORDER HAD BEEN PLACED FOR A HEAVY RECOVERY VEHICLE, WITH 40 TONNES RECOVERY CAPABILITY, FOR DELIVERY IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
THIS WOULD HELP REDUCE CONGESTION SHOULD THERE BE ANY BREAKDOWN OF A CONTAINER VEHICLE IN THE TUNNEL.
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DFCC DELEGATION LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE
*****
ACTION TAKEN AT COMMUNITY LEVEL TO HELP PREVENT CRIME IN SINGAPORE WILL BE STUDIED BY A DELEGATION FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), MR WU CHOR-NAM, SAID THIS BEFORE DEPARTING FOR SINGAPORE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
"WE WILL VISIT THE SINGAPORE POLICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WHERE OFFICIALS WILL BRIEF US ON COMMUNITY RELATIONS WORK," MR WU, WHO IS LEADING THE DELEGATION, SAID.
HE SAID THE DELEGATION WOULD ALSO VISIT A POLICE STATION.
"VIEWS WILL BE EXCHANGED WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS SINGAPORE ORGANISATIONS ON CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED AT DISTRICT LEVELS," MR WU ADDED.
THE FOUR-DAY VISIT INCLUDES A VISIT TO SINGAPORE AIRLINES AND A SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE DELEGATION INCLUDES FIVE MEMBERS FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DFCC AND A DISTRICT EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
TWO STUDENTS AND TWO RESIDENTS FROM THE DISTRICT, WHO CAME TOP IN THE RECENT GOOD STUDENT/GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME, ARE ALSO IN THE GROUP.
THE TRIP IS AMONG VARIOUS ACTIVITIES THE DFCC HAS ORGANISED IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IN SUPPORT OF THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
THE DFCC IS THE FIRST IN HONG KONG TO HAVE ORGANISED AN OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR.
THE DELEGATION WAS SEEN OFF BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JOEY LAM, WHO PRESENTED A PENNANT TO THE GROUP.
- - 0----------
/5........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
- 3 -
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME
» » « « «
THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME APPLIED TO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A COMMITTEE MEMBER WILL ASK, AMONG OTHER QUESTIONS, WHEN WILL THE NEXT REVIEW OF THE SCHEME BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
THE COMPLETION DATE OF THE GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY WILL BE CONSIDERED.
MEMBERS WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE FORMATION OF A DISTRICT BOARD ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE THE ANNUAL ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
NOTS TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE TO MOVE *****
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE OFFICE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, CURRENTLY HOUSED IN TUNG WAH MANSION, WILL MOVE INTO NEW PREMISES ON THE 21ST FLOOR OF SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, NOW SITUATED AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF SOUTHORN CENTRE. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE 5-8352008 WHILE THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE FOR THE "MEET THE PUBLIC" SCHEME WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT 5-8933292.
THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 31).
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 10.
A....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29,
1989
WAN CHAI PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS » » » » ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) DECLARED NOS. 5 AND 7 LI CHIT STREET IN WAN CHAI TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
NOS. 1, 3, 18 AND 20 OF THE SAME STREET, AS WELL AS THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR LEVELS OF NO. 16, WERE DECLARED LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE THREE STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS WERE CONSTRUCTED OF TIMBER UPPER FLOORS AND ROOFS ON LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE END BEAMS AT THE FRONT AND REAR. THE ROOF OF NO. 20 WAS RE-CONSTRUCTED OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB.
GENERALLY, VERTICAL CRACKS WERE FOUND AT THE MAJORITY OF THE WALLS AND CONCRETE SPALLING WAS NOTED AT THE SLABS OF THE KITCHEN BLOCKS, THE BALCONIES AND THE CONCRETE BEAMS.
THE TIMBER FLOOR JOISTS AND BOARDING HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY.
PART OF THE ROOF OF NO. 7 HAD ALREADY COLLAPSED AND FURTHER COLLAPSE WAS IMMINENT.
NOS. 1, 3 AND 5 WERE IN A SIMILAR CONDITION. THE SECOND FLOOR OF NO. 5 WAS UNOCCUPIED, PRESUMABLY DUE TO THE ADVERSE CONDITION OF THE ROOF AND NOS. 1 AND 3 WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SAFELY WITHSTAND THE EFFECT OF DEMOLITION OF NOS. 5 AND 7.
NUMEROUS FRACTURES WERE FOUND ON THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN NOS. 18 AND 20 EXTENDING FROM THE SECOND FLOOR DOWN TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ARCH OPENING OVER THE COMMON STAIRCASE AT THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL.
THERE WAS A POTENTIAL DANGER OF COLLAPSE DUE TO FURTHER MOVEMENT OF THE PARTY WALL.
AS FOR THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR LEVELS OF NO. 16, THEY WOULD BE DEPRIVED OF SUPPORT FROM THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN NOS. 16 AND 18.
OWING TO THE AGE AND THE ADVANCED STAGE OF DILAPIDATION, THESE BUILDINGS WERE CONSIDERED TO BE BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR. IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE THEM FOR DEMOLITION.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 27 THIS YEAR WERE POSTED ON ALL THE AFFECTED BUILDINGS EXCEPT NOS. 1 AND 5 WHICH HAD REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THEREFORE NOTICES TO QUIT WOULD BE SERVED.
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/5.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
- 5 -
PARKING METER OPERATIONS TO BE EXTENDED » * » » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1), THE PARKING METERS IN YAU YAT TSUEN WILL ALSO OPERATE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THESE TWO-HOUR PARKING METERS ARE LOCATED IN OSMANTHUS ROAD, MARIGOLD ROAD, DIANTHUS ROAD, MAGNOLIA ROAD, PEONY ROAD, CASSIA ROAD, BEGONIA ROAD, WISTARIA ROAD, VERBENA ROAD AND FA PO STREET.
THEIR OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON WEEKDAYS.
THE PARKING CHARGE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $ 1 PER 30 MINUTES.
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WAI YIP STREET URBAN CLEARWAY
» » » t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1), WAI YIP STREET EASTBOUND IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUN YIP STREET AND A POINT 85 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
BE ALLOWED TO STOP
-----0------
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RUGBY TOURNAMENT » « » » »
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1) AND THE NEXT DAY FOR THE RUGBY TOURNAMENT AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT BETWEEN 8.30 AM AND 7.30 PM :
» CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LINK ROAD AND STADIUM PATH WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND COTTON PATH WILL BE RESTRICTED TO VEHICLES REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS;
/• CAROLINE HILL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
6
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD/PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND; BUT VEHICLES WILL STILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL CARPARK FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD;
» LINK ROAD BETWEEN CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND HAPPY VIEW TERRACE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY UPHILL. VEHICLES LEAVING FROM THE UPPER SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE AND LEIGHTON HILL SHALL PROCEED DOWN VIA BROADWOOD ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD;
♦ WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON HYSAN AVENUE WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT TO EASTBOUND LEIGHTON ROAD.
» SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON SUN WUI ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT TO WESTBOUND LEIGHTON ROAD.
♦ TRAFFIC CONES WILL BE LAID ON THE SECTION OF LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN HYSAN AVENUE AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD FOR TWO-LANE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST MATCH, ONLY COACHES AND BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER NORTHBOUND EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD.
VEHICLES MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING CAROLINE HILL ROAD FOR ACCESS TO LINK ROAD AT LEIGHTON ROAD/CAROLINE HILL ROAD JUNCTION.
ON COMPLETION OF THE MATCH, CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD, AND EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC IF NECESSARY.
MATHESON STREET, THE SECTION OF LEIGHTON ROAD SOUTH OF IRVING STREET, RUSSELL STREET AND SHARP STREET EAST WILL BE PROHIBITED TO LEARNER DRIVERS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 PM.
ALSO, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING LEFT-TURNS : FROM PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND TO LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUND AND FROM CAUSEWAY ROAD WESTBOUND TO TUNG LO WAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
PARKING SPACES ON SUN WUI ROAD, STADIUM PATH AND THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD AROUND THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW BEGINS ............ 1
HONG KONG-NEW ZEALAND AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT INITIALLED...... 3
AMENDMENTS TO SFC BILL WILL BE PROPOSED...................... 3
GRADING OF BEaCH WATER QUALITY .............................. 5
MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES FOR DOCTORS, DENTISTS ...... 9
MORE PERSONS ELIGIBLE EDR HIGHER DISABILITY .ALLOWANCE....... 10
LEGISLATION ON PLATINUM CCMES INTO EFFECT.................... 11
MONG KOK DB ELECTS UC REPRESENTATIVE......................... 12
PRESENTATION OF CUSPS TO CSD STAFF........................... 13
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ON LOK TSUEN ON AGENDA ............ 13
NEW SUB-OFFICE OPENS IN KOWLOON CITY ........................ 14
TEMPORARY MOVE OF CSCT OFFICE................................ 15
NEW WATERFRONT DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION .................... 15
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL...... 16
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ^JUUNGjMNTS IN KWUN TONG................... 16
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEhRWAY IN TAI KOK TSUI .................... 17
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
! 'T
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW BEGINS
»«*»*»»
A COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT CONTAINING PROPOSALS ON CHANGES IN THE LICENSING, SAFETY AND CONTROL OF LOCAL CRAFT WAS PRESENTED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
IN ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENT, ENTITLED THE "LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW", THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), MR ALAN PYRKE, URGED LOCAL CRAFT OWNERS AND OPERATORS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES TO SEND THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
"THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL BE FROM APRIL 1 TO JUNE 15, 1989," MR PYRKE SAID. "COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IN WRITING BEFORE JUNE 15."
HE STRESSED THAT A DIALOGUE WITH ALL SECTIONS OF THE LOCAL MARINE INDUSTRY AND MARINE RECREATIONAL INTERESTS WAS CONSIDERED OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO ENSURE THAT A BALANCED VIEW WOULD BE ACHIEVED.
MR PYRKE POINTED OUT THAT COPIES OF THE REVIEW HAD BEEN SENT TO THE LOCAL CRAFT INDUSTRY, MARINE RECREATIONAL INTERESTS, UNIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, YACHT CLUBS, FRANCHISED FERRY COMPANIES, AS WELL AS TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"COPIES FOR ANYONE INTERESTED WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM APRIL 1 AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, AND OUR LOCAL MARINE OFFICES IN ABERDEEN, SHAU KEI WAN, YAU MA TEI, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, SAI KUNG AND CHEUNG CHAU," HE ADDED.
MR PYRKE SAID THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS OF THE REVIEW COULD BE SUMMED UP IN THREE BASIC PHILOSOPHIES:
- DE-REGULATE IN KEEPING WITH THE DICTATES OF RISK MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS REMOVING OUTDATED PROVISIONS;
- GIVE OWNERS AND OPERATORS MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THEIR OPERATIONS BUT MAKE THEM MORE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS; AND
- ALLOW OWNERS THE OPTIONS OF USING NON-GOVERNMENTAL FIRMS OR PERSONS FOR SURVEY WORK, EXCEPTING FOR HIGH RISK VESSELS.
OTHER MAIN IDEAS CONTAINED IN THE REVIEW ARE:
» NEW COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION.
* USING BILINGUAL CODES OF PRACTICE, INSTRUCTIONS FOR SURVEYS, GUIDELINES ETC. WHICH, TOGETHER WITH NEW LEGISLATION, WILL PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENTS ON ALL ASPECTS ON THE SAFETY AND CONTROL OF LOCAL CRAFT.
/• ONE CODE.........
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
- 2
♦ ONE CODE OF PRACTICE TO BE A ’’LOCAL CRAFT USERS CODE” WHICH WOULD BE SIMILAR IN CONCEPT AND USE TO THE ’’ROAD USERS CODE” ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
» REGISTRATION AND LICENSING TO BE SIMILAR TO THAT FOR ROAD VEHICLES ALTHOUGH CALLED BY DIFFERENT NAMES.
* ALLOW FOR FLEXIBILITY IN SURVEY DATES AS IS DONE, FOR INSTANCE, IN THE 90-DAY PRE-LICENSING PERIOD FOR A ROADWORTHINESS TEST OF A CAR.
♦ MARINE DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL SURVEY HIGH RISK VESSELS SUCH AS LARGE CAPACITY PASSENGER VESSELS, OIL TANKERS AND DANGEROUS GOODS VESSELS.
t TWO PRINCIPAL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL VESSEL WILL BE RECOGNISED, NAMELY PASSENGER AND NON-PASSENGER CARRYING VESSELS.
* A BETTER DEFINITION OF PLEASURE VESSELS SO THAT SUCH VESSELS AT PRESENT OPERATED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES WOULD BE RE-CLASSIFIED TO THEIR APPROPRIATE COMMERCIAL CLASS.
» A COMPUTER SYSTEM.
» A FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM FOR CERTAIN COMMON OFFENCES.
» A MORE APPROPRIATE AND SIMPLIFIED ’’DRIVING LICENCE” STRUCTURE, TO BE CALLED COXSWAINS AND ENGINE OPERATOR LICENCES.
♦ A UNIFIED TONNAGE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM.
» COMPREHENSIVE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TO BE MADE.
♦ A SINGLE BROAD-BASED CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE ON ALL APPROPRIATE MATTERS CONCERNING LOCAL CRAFT.
MR PYRKE SAID THE TARGET DATE FOR NEW LEGISLATION WAS IN THE EARLY 1990’S, BUT NOTED THAT SOME PROPOSALS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED UNDER CURRENT LEGISLATION IF POSSIBLE.
ON THE RATIONALE FOR UNDERTAKING THE REVIEW, MR PYRKE POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN RECOGNISED FOR SOME TIME THAT SOME OF THE PRESENT LAWS AND PROCEDURES WERE OVER-COMPLICATED, ANOMALOUS AND ARCHAIC AND HAD, IN SOME INSTANCES, HINDERED MARINE DEVELOPMENT.
’’OVER THE YEARS LOCAL CRAFT LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED AND WIDENED TO MEET SPECIFIC PROBLEMS SUCH AS CHANGING VESSEL TYPES, NEW TECHNOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, CHANGING PATTERNS OF MARINE TRADE AND POPULATION CENTRES BUT NO OVERALL REVIEW HAD TAKEN PLACE IN RECENT YEARS,” HE SAID.
MR PYRKE STRESSED THAT THE REVIEW HAD BEEN INITIATED AND CARRIED OUT ENTIRELY BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30,
1989
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HONG KONG-NEW ZEALAND AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT INITIALLED * * t * t t
FOLLOWING A SERIES OF NEGOTIATIONS WHICH BEGAN IN 1987, THE HONG KONG AND NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENTS HAVE INITIALLED THE TEXT OF A NEW HONG KONG-NEW ZEALAND AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT.
IN WELCOMING THE NEW AGREEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THIS NEW AGREEMENT WITH NEW ZEALAND WOULD BE THE FIFTH HONG KONG AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT TO BE SEPARATED FROM UNITED KINGDOM AGREEMENTS.
IT WAS CAST IN A FORM WHICH WAS CAPABLE OF REMAINING IN FORCE BEYOND 1997 THUS ENSURING THE CONTINUITY OF HONG KONG AIR LINKS WITH NEW ZEALAND.
"I AM DELIGHTED THAT THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT HAVE, IN THIS PRACTICAL WAY, DEMONSTRATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THEIR CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE," SHE SAID.
AIR SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NEW ZEALAND WERE INCREASED TO TWICE WEEKLY LAST DECEMBER. FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR, BOTH CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND AIR NEW ZEALAND CAN DOUBLE THEIR WEEKLY SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NEW ZEALAND.
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AMENDMENTS TO SFC BILL WILL BE PROPOSED t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION BILL WILL BE PROPOSED DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATURE, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE ON APRIL 12, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH ADDRESS OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS, MR NENDICK SAID HE BELIEVED THE LEGISLATION WOULD CONTAIN ADEQUATE CHECKS AND BALANCES AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE ABUSE OF POWER BY THE NEW COMMISSION WITHOUT UNDERMINING ITS ABILITY TO DISCHARGE ITS FUNCTIONS EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY.
"THE CREATION OF THIS NEW BODY REPRESENTS A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN THE WAY HONG KONG’S MARKETS ARI- TO BE SUPERVISED BUT ONE WHICH BRINGS US INTO LINE WITH OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES." HE SAID.
/MR NENDICK........
THURSDAY, MARCH JO, 1989
4
MR NENDICK SAID THAT NATURALLY PERHAPS, THERE WERE THOSE WHO EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT, AS HONG KONG MANAGED VERY WELL IN THE PAST WITHOUT ANY MARKET DISCIPLINE OR SIGNIFICANT PROTECTION TO INVESTORS, IT COULD CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.
"FURTHERMORE, THEY GO ON TO SAY, IF STRICTER RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE INTRODUCED AND ENFORCED, MARKET ACTIVITY WILL BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED, TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE ORDINARY INVESTOR," HE SAID.
"BUT SUCH VIEWS IGNORE REALITY," HE SAID. "WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT, WE ARE NOW A PART OF ONE INTER-DEPENDENT WORLD MARKET FOR SECURITIES AND A PART IN WHICH INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS ARE PLAYING AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE."
HE SAID SUCH INVESTORS REQUIRED PROPER STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND SO DID OUR INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AND AFFLUENT LOCAL COMMUNITY.
"WITH AVERAGE LIVING STANDARDS ON A PAR WITH THOSE OF A NUMBER OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, OUR INVESTORS NOW EXPECT THAT THEIR HARD EARNED SAVINGS ARE SUBJECT TO PROPER SAFEGUARDS AND THAT INFORMATION UPON WHICH THEY CAN MAKE INFORMED JUDGEMENTS IS AVAILABLE TO ALL IMPARTIALLY," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO ADDRESSING THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM OF INSIDER DEALING.
HE SAID THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS ENACTED IN JULY LAST YEAR. WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE ONCE THE NEW SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION WAS IN A POSITION TO ENSURE PROPER ENFORCEMENT.
THIS LEGISLATION WOULD ACT AS A DETERRENT TO CREEPING TAKEOVERS AND INSIDER DEALING AND MAKE IT EASIER TO DETECT THOSE WHO PERSISTED IN BREAKING THE RULES.
"WE ARE ALSO PLANNING SHORTLY TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION WHICH WILL SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE RANGE OF SANCTIONS WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED ON THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN INSIDER DEALING," HE SAID.
ONCE THE NEW SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION CAME INTO BEING, HE ADDED, IT WOULD BE PARTICIPATING WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN A MAJOR OVERHAUL OF THE REMAINDER OF OUR SECURITIES AND INVESTOR PROTECTION LEGISLATION.
"THE PRESENT LEGISLATION MAINLY DATES BACK TO THE EARLY 1970’S AND WAS ENACTED IN CIRCUMSTANCES VERY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE WHICH NOW PREVAIL." HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS \WARE OF. AND WOULD AVOID, THE DANGERS OF OVER-REGULATION.
/"I AM ........
THURSDAY, MARCH JO, 1989
- 5
"I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT THERE ARE NO SIGNS THAT THE REFORMS THAT ARE IN THE COURSE OF BEING IMPLEMENTED ARE HAVING ANY DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON MARKET ACTIVITY.
"INDEED THE REVERSE SEEMS TO BE THE CASE. SINCE THE CRASH, AND IN FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHANGES BEING MADE, NO LESS THAN THREE OF THE LARGEST U.S. INVESTMENT BANKS HAVE ACQUIRED SEATS ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE.
"TURNOVER HAS RETURNED TO LEVELS EXPERIENCED IN THE EARLY PART OF 1987 AND PRICES HAVE RISEN BY MORE THAN 50 PER CENT FROM THEIR POST-OCTOBER 1987 LOW.
"I FIRMLY BELIEVE THEREFORE THAT THE INGREDIENTS ARE NOW IN PLACE FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE SAID.
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GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
**»»»»
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT STARTING THIS WEEK THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT BACTERIA DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
/BATHING WATERS
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 19$9
6
BATHING WATERS COMMONLY BECOME WORSE DUE TO HEAVY USAGE DURING THE SUMMER. HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
"A” GRADE INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE MEAN E.COLI COUNT IS LESS THAN 100 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS LESS THAN SEVEN CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
"B” GRADE INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE MEAN E.COLI COUNT IS LESS THAN 1,000 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS LESS THAN 18 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
"C" GRADE INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE MEAN E.COLI COUNT IS 1,000 OR MORE PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS 18 OR MORE CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE. NORMALLY. A RECOMMENDATION ON CLOSURE WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A ”C” GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, A RECOMMENDATION TO RE-OPEN A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A ”B” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, SIX BATHING BEACHES HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THESE BEACHES ARE ANGLERS', CASTLE PEAK, SILVERMINE BAY, OLD CAFETERIA, ROCKY BAY AND TING KAU.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAILED TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE SIX BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN ”X” IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH PRESENT
----- GRADING
(AS AT 30.3.89)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY
/CHUNG HOM KOK .......
THURSDAY, MARCH }0, 1989
- 7
CHUNG HOM KOK A DEEP WATER BAY A HAIRPIN A MIDDLE BAY A REPULSE BAY B SHEK O A SOUTH BAY A ST STEPHEN’S A TURTLE COVE A STANLEY MAIN B ROCKY BAY X TO TEI WAN* A
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER A
CHEUNG SHA LOWER A
DISCOVERY BAY* A
HUNG SHING YEH A
KWUN YAM WAN A
TONG FUK a
LO SO SHING A
PUI O A
SILVERMINE BAY X
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU B
TUNG O* a
/SAI KUNG
THURSDAY, MARCH JO, 1989
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SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS A
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH A
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH A
HAP MUN BAY A
KIU TSUI A
PAK SHA CHAU A
SILVERSTRAND A
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) A
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS' X
APPROACH B
CASAM A
GEMINI A
HOI MEI WAN B
LIDO A
TING KAU X
TUNG WAN. MA WAN A
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA B
CASTLE PEAK X
/KADOORIE ..
THURSDAY, MARCH JO, 19^9
KADOORIE
BUTTERFLY
B
B
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING. » NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
IN ADDITION TO THIS REGULAR REPORTING SYSTEM, AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WATER QUALITY OF ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE PREPARED BY THE EPD AFTER EACH BATHING SEASON.
THIS WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BEACH MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES ON THE SUITABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL BEACHES FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL HOLMES, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF THE EPD, ON 5-8351234.
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MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES FOR DOCTORS, DENTISTS * ♦ t t t
A TOTAL OF 52 OFFICERS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WERE PRESENTED LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES TODAY (THURSDAY).
UNDER THE LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE SCHEME, OFFICERS WHO HAVE SERVED THE DEPARTMENT WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE FOR 20 YEARS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE AWARD.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR, DR S. H. LEE. PRESENTED THE CERTIFICATES TO THE OFFICERS - COMPRISING DOCTORS, DENTAL OFFICERS, PRINCIPAL HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR, SUPERINTENDENT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AND SUPERINTENDENT RADIOGRAPHER.
ADDRESSING THE RECIPIENTS, DR LEE SAID HE WAS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CADRE AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER GRADE.
/.HE PRAISED
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
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HE PRAISED THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICERS FOR SETTING A FINE EXAMPLE IN DEDICATION TO THE PROFESSION AND FOR HAVING CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE.
SPEAKING ABOUT THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1), DR LEE SAID THAT IT WOULD ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS IN THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT MANY OF THE DOCTORS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CONDITIONS OF WORK.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENT MEASURES FOR THE GRADE, AND A SPECIAL COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE HAD ALSO BEEN SET UP TO REVIEW THE QUALITY OF PATIENT SERVICES, HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF, FURTHER IMPROVEMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE.
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MORE PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE ♦ ♦ t t ♦
THE HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE (HDA) FOR SEVERELY DISABLED PERSONS WILL BE EXTENDED TO SEVERELY DISABLED PERSONS AGED 16 TO 59 FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
UP TO NOW, THE HDA HAS ONLY BEEN AVAILABLE TO PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER WHO REQUIRE CONSTANT ATTENDANCE FROM OTHERS IN THEIR DAILY LIFE BUT ARE NOT RECEIVING THIS ATTENDANCE IN A GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED INSTITUTION.
FOLLOWING THE REVISION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BASIC RATES, WHICH TAKES EFFECT NEXT MONTH. THE RATE OF THE HDA WILL BE $1,240 PER MONTH, TWICE THE RATE OF THE NORMAL DISABILITY ALLOWANCE (NDA).
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 6,000 PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM THE EXTENSION, AND THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE WILL BE $89 MILLION.
UP TO THE END OF FEBRUARY. 3,200 PEOPLE WERE DRAWING THE HDA.
/’’APART rail .........
THURSDAY, MARCH 50, 1989
11
’’APART FROM LOWERING THE QUALIFYING AGE, THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM THOSE FOR PERSONS AGED 60 AND ABOVE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR HDA, A PERSON MUST BE AGED 16 OR ABOVE AND MEET ALL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR NDA; CERTIFIED EITHER BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OR THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES OR THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO BE IN NEED OF CONSTANT ATTENDANCE; AND NOT BE RESIDING IN A GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED INSTITUTION.”
STAFF FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS WILL ASSIST EXISTING NDA RECIPIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED BY MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS THAT THEY REQUIRE CONSTANT ATTENDANCE TO APPLY FOR THE HDA.
’’INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE PERSONS CAN ALSO APPLY THROUGH THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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LEGISLATION ON PLATINUM COMES INTO EFFECT ♦ ♦ ♦ t *
THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (PLATINUM) ORDER 1988 AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTION (DEFINITION OF PLATINUM) REGULATIONS 1988 WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1), THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE ORDER AND REGULATIONS RESTRICT THE USE OF THE TERM ’’PLATINUM” IN PRECIOUS METAL AND JEWELLERY TRADES TO DESCRIBING ARTICLES OF A FINENESS OF AT LEAST 850 PARTS BY WEIGHT OF PLATINUM IN 1,000 PARTS BY WEIGHT OF ALLOY.
THEY ALSO REQUIRE EVERY ARTICLE OF PLATINUM THAT IS SUPPLIED OR OFFERED TO BE SUPPLIED BY ANY PERSON IN THE COURSE OF TRADE OR BUSINESS, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS, TO BEAR A STANDARD OF FINENESS MARK AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN INVOICE OR RECEIPT.
THE FINENESS MARK OF AN PLATINUM ARTICLE SHOULD BE IN THE LETTERS ”PT” AND ARABIC NUMERALS INDICATING IN PARTS PER THOUSAND THE FINENESS OF THE PLATINUM CONTENT. THE FINENESS CAN ALSO BE SHOWN BY THE CHINESE CHARACTERS (CHUK PAK KAM), WHICH INDICATE A FINENESS OF NOT LESS 990.
IN CASE OF AN ARTICLE COMPRISING PARTS MADE OF PLATINUM AND OTHER METALS, THE LEGISLATION STIPULATES THAT EACH PART OF THE PLATINUM SHOULD BE MARKED AS REQUIRED AND THE TRUE COMPOSITION OF THE OTHER PARTS MUST ALSO BE DESCRIBED ON AN ACCOMPANYING INVOICE OR RECE1 PT.
/IF AN .......
THURSDAY, MARCH JO, 1989
12 -
IF AN ARTICLE WITH A SURFACE TREATMENT OF PLATINUM IS MARKED WITH WORDS DESCRIBING SUCH TREATMENT AND THE WORD "PLATINUM" HAS BEEN USED, THE OTHER WORDS IN SUCH DESCRIPTION SHOULD BE AS LARGE AS THE WORD "PLATINUM".
IT IS ALSO STIPULATED IN THE LEGISLATION THAT ANY PERSON WHO SUPPLIES ANY PLATINUM ARTICLE IN BUSINESS TRANSACTION, SHOULD DELIVER TO THE PURCHASER AN INVOICE OR RECEIPT CONTAINING THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SUPPLIER, AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE ARTICLE AND THE FINENESS MARK.
DETAILS ON THE TRADE DESCRIPTION (MARKING) (PLATINUM) ORDER 1988 AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTION (DEFINITION OF PLATINUM) REGULATIONS 1988 ARE CONTAINED IN A NOTICE TO TRADERS IN PLATINUM, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT TO THE CONCERNED TRADE ORGANISATIONS AND TO DISTRICT BOARDS.
WITH THE LEGISLATION ON PLATINUM TAKING EFFECT ON SATURDAY, A TRADER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE MARKING ORDER WILL BE LIABLE, ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $100,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
IN THE CASE OF CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT, THE TRADER WILL FACE A FINE OF $500,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR FIVE YEARS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE MARKING ORDER AND DEFINITION REGULATIONS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 3-7600994.
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MONG KOK DB ELECTS UC REPRESENTATIVE t t t t t
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY) ELECTED MR STEPHEN HO FEI-CHI AS ITS REPRESENTATIVE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MR HO DEFEATED THE OTHER CANDIDATE IN THE ELECTION, MR JUSTIN CHIU KWOK-HUNG, BY EIGHT VOTES TO SEVEN.
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/15
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
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PRESENTATION OF CLASPS TO CSD STAFF ♦ ♦ * t ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, WILL PRESENT CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL TO 22 STAFF AT A PARADE AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE PARADE WILL ALSO MARK THE PASSING-OUT OF 53 RECRUIT ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF BASIC TRAINING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION OF CLASPS AND THE PASSING-OUT PARADE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO USE THE SERVICE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 3 PM SHARP.
PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES AS THERE WILL BE FIXED PRESS POSITIONS.
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INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ON LOK TSUEN ON AGENDA
* » * * *
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MEASURES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ON LOK TSUEN. FANLING, AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE ISSUE OF A LABOUR SHORTAGE IN THE TERRITORY, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION IN NORTH DISTRICT.
/A HIMBER
THURSDAY, MARCH JO, 1989
■jCXT-i,
A MEMBER WILL ENQUIRE WHETHER THE PRACTICE OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES NOT BEING ABLE TO RECEIVE A PENSION, AND LARGE SCALE GARMENT FACTORIES ADOPTING THE CONTRACTUAL SYSTEM, CONFORMS TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
NEW SUB-OFFICE OPENS IN KOWLOON CITY *****
A NEW SUB-OFFICE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE HAS BEEN SET UP TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF THE LUNG SHING, KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WAI AREAS.
LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 68-74 JUNCTION ROAD, THE LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG. SAID THE PLAN FOR THE SUB-OFFICE HAD BEEN IN THE PIPELINE FOR SOME TIME IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES IN THE LUNG SHING, KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WAI AREAS, AND TO PROVIDE LIAISON.
HE SAID THAT SINCE THE LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICE HAD BEGUN OPERATIONS ON FEBRUARY 9, IT HAD HANDLED CLOSE TO 1,800 CASES, INCLUDING COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES, INDICATING THAT IT WAS WELL RECEIVED BY THE RESIDENTS.
THE LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICE. LIKE OTHER DISTRICT SUB-OFFICES, OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONAL SERVICES THROUGH ITS PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE.
IT IS ALSO HEAVILY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY LIAISON WORK AND KEEPS CLOSE LINKS WITH THE DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, MR WONG S1K-KONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE LUNG SHING AREA COMMITTEE, MR MA YU-LEUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WAI AREA COMMITTEE, MR WONG DAT-SHOI.
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/15
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
- 15 -
TEMPORARY MOVE OF CSCT OFFICE * * » » »
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING WILL MOVE TEMPORARILY TO NEW PREMISES AT ALEXANDRA HOUSE JN CENTRAL FROM MONDAY (APRIL 3).
THIS IS TO ENABLE RENOVATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE OFFICE’S EXISTING PREMISES IN EXCHANGE SQUARE. THE RENOVATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE BEGINNING OF JUNE.
THE NEW ADDRESS OF THE OFFICE, AND ITS TELEPHONE MAIN EXCHANGE (WHICH REMAINS UNCHANGED), ARE AS FOLLOWS:
32ND FLOOR, ALEXANDRA HOUSE 16-20 CHATER ROAD CENTRAL HONG KONG
TELEPHONE MAIN EXCHANGE: 5-8427666 TELEX NUMBER: 61919 SECUR FAXLINE NUMBER: 5-8105385
-----0------
NEW WATERFRONT DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW WATERFRONT DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, SHEUNG WAN.
THE PROPOSED DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION WILL BE OF A NEW STANDARD DESIGN CONSISTING OF AN EIGHT-STOREY BLOCK, A SINGLE STOREY PODIUM, A COVERED COMPOUND AND A DRILL YARD.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE OFFICES, REPORT ROOM, DETENTION CELLS, ARMOURY, RADIO EQUIPMENT ROOM, CANTEEN AND RECREATION ROOMS, BARRACK AND LOCKERS/CHANGING ACCOMMODATION AND LAUNDRY.
DOG KENNELS AND CARPARKING FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1991 .
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 21.
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/16
f i
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
- 16 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL * * * » «
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAM SHUI PO AND WONG TAI SIN FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL AND GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
IN SHAM SHUI PO, FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY ON SUNDAY (APRIL 2) AND ON CHING MING FESTIVAL DAY (APRIL 5), WING MING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN YEE KUK WEST STREET, YU CHAU WEST STREET, KING LAM STREET, WING HONG STREET AND TAI NAN WEST STREET WILL BE ALSO SUSPENDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GOING TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY ABOVE CHING CHEUNG ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK WEST STREET AND KING LAM STREET.
ON THE SAME DAYS (APRIL 2 AND 5), VEHICLES HEADING FOR DIAMOND HILL CEMETERY IN WONG TAI SIN SHOULD TRAVEL VIA LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE INTERCHANGE AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR AT THE JUNCTION OF HAMMER HILL ROAD WITH LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
NO PARKING SPACES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
-----0 -----
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWUN TONG FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK FOR EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIRS.
TSUN YIP STREET BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND HOI BUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
HOI BUN ROAD BETWEEN TSUN YIP STREET AND LAI YIP STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON LAI YIP STREET AND HOW MING STREET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT TO HOI BUN ROAD EASTBOUND.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES ON HOI BUN ROAD EASTBOUND WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT TO LAI YIP STREET.
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/17........
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
- 17 -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN TAI KOK TSUI
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 2), THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FOO KWAI STREET IN TAI KOK TSUI, NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN POK MAN STREET AND FOO KWAI STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
ROAD WORKS WILL BE IN PROGRESS DURING THIS TIME.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----o-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CSD WILL CONTINUE COMBINED APPROACH IN CORRECTIONAL WORK .... 1
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL AT TERMINALS WILL BE STUDIED......... 2
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED.......... 2
NEW SERVICE FOR FOOD EXPORT PRODUCTS ..................... 4
BUDGET SITTINGS RE-SCHEDULED ............................. 4
NT ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS VISIT REMOTE VILLAGES......... 5
FSD CONTROL STAFF HhVE IMPORTANT ROLE..................... 6
1989 BUDGET LEGISLATION GAZETTED.......................... 6
C1LJ4GE OF TITLE OF R & V SURVEYOR GRADE.................. 8
AUSTRALIAN BmNK GRANTED LICENCE .......................... 9
INCREASES in social security payments .................... 9
CHAIRMAN OF WAGES PROTECTION BOARD APPOINTED ............. 11
AMENDMENTS TO TWO DRAFT OZP’S ANNOUNCED .................. 11
HOKLAS REACHES A STAGE OF COMPETENCE, MATURITY............ 13
GOOD START TO TREE PLANTING SCHEME........................ 14
WORK TO ALLEVIATE EFFECTS OF FLOODING IN YUEN LONG........ 15
ANTI-MOSQUITO EDUCATION CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW.......... 16
CANOPY TO BE BUILT ALONG PIER ROAD IN CENTRAL............. 17
LONG-SERVING IMMIGRATION STAFF HONOURED .................. 18
CLINIC TO BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY............................ 18
RE-GROUPING OF LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICES .................. 19
SAI YING PUN PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED D.JJGEROUS........ 19
CHILDREN’S DAY FESTIVITIES IN TUEN MUN ................... 20
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1954-56................ 21
BOARDING, ALIGHTING RESTRICTIONS TO BE LIFTED............. 22
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ABERDEEN STREET ..................... 22
TRAM SERVICE BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN - WESTERN MARKET1....... 23
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
1
CSD WILL CONTINUE COMBINED APPROACH IN CORRECTIONAL WORK *******
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE ITS PRIMARY ROLE IN CORRECTIONS BASED ON THE PROVEN SUCCESSES OF COMBINING A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH WITH FIRM DISCIPLINE AND HUMANE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CORRECTIONAL STAFF PARADE AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, MR CHAN ALSO SAID THAT IN THE OPERATION OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES, THE DEPARTMENT WAS TAKING A CLOSE LOOK AT POSSIBILITIES OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC SECTOR MARKET IN THE HOPE OF BRINGING ABOUT FUNDAMENTAL INCREASES IN PRODUCTIVITY.
THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT AS A NECESSARY PART OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, CORRECTIONAL WORK WAS A JOB WHICH MUST BE DONE.
"OVER THE YEARS, OUR PENAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE CONTINUED TO ADMIT AND TREAT SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF OFFENDERS OF ALL KINDS. THIS IS SO DESPITE THE WIDELY ACCEPTED PRINCIPLE OF USING CUSTODIAL SENTENCES AS A LAST RESORT,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THE ARRIVAL OF BOAT PEOPLE AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN HONG KONG HAD ALSO ADDED NEW DIMENSIONS AND COMPLEXITIES TO THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK.
TURNING TO THE WORK OF THE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, MR CHAN REMARKED THAT THIS WORK WAS LITTLE KNOWN TO THE MAN IN THE STREET, AND SELDOM WAS THE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER HELD IN THE SAME REGARD AS OTHER PUBLIC SERVANTS WHOSE SERVICES COULD BE SEEN AND THEREFORE MORE READILY APPRECIATED BY THE PUBLIC.
THE COMMISSIONER TOLD THE STAFF ON PARADE THAT THEY HAD TO REALISE THAT THEY WERE WORKING THROUGH A PERIOD OF STRAIN AND VOLATILITY.
"IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT OUR STAFF ALWAYS MAINTAIN A HIGH DEGREE OF VIGILANCE AND BE MINDFUL TO ACT WITHIN THE LAW IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES," MR CHAN SAID.
AT THE CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER PRESENTED CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL TO 22 VETERAN STAFF WHO HAD GIVEN EXEMPLARY SERVICE.
THE PARADE ALSO MARKED THE PASSING-OUT OF 53 RECRUIT ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAD COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF BASIC TRAINING AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL AT TERMINALS WILL BE STUDIED * » » » t
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS APPOINTED THE FIRM OF BLEWETT DODD CHUNG LEE LTD TO UNDERTAKE A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL AT THE CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS.
A CONTRACT FOR THE #740,000 STUDY WAS SIGNED THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (PORT SERVICES), MR DAVID HUNT, AND THE FIRM’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR ALFRED CHING.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, THE CONSULTANT FIRM IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN FOUR WORKING MONTHS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CONSULTANT WAS ASKED TO IDENTIFY THE MAXIMUM COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL AT THE CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS.
"THE CONSULTANT IS ALSO REQUIRED TO RECOMMEND, IF NECESSARY, AN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION FOR SUCH COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WAS TO MAXIMISE THE COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL AT THE CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS SO AS TO PROVIDE A RETURN OF REVENUE FROM COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
THIS WOULD ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO MEET THE RUNNING COSTS OF THESE TERMINALS WITHOUT RELYING WHOLELY ON PASSENGER EMBARKATION AND BERTHING FEES.
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JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED » * t t t
A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 44 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, 10 WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.
THE REMAINING 34 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
/A GOVERNMENT
FRIDAY, MARCH , 19$9
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THAT THERE
THAT THERE TO BELIEVE
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS
WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ENDED THIS MORNING, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS
YESTERDAY AND IDENTIFICATION AT SUSPICIOUS
LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 30,007 PERSONS, 4,925 VEHICLES AND 994 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
TWENTY-ONE PERSONS WERE SUMMONED AND I I PERSONS CHARGED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. A FURTHER 254 PERSONS WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,684 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING. AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF SIX PERSONS IN FOUR ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY AND HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
ANOTHER 12 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT TO POSSESS FOR INSPECTION \ RECORD OF EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
NEW SERVICE FOR FOOD EXPORT PRODUCTS
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATION SERVICE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO FACILITATE EXPORTS OF FOOD CONTAINING ANIMAL OR POULTRY PRODUCTS.
THE NEW SERVICE, WHICH COVERS THE INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OF SUCH FOOD CONSIGNMENTS, WILL BE PROVIDED ON A FEE-CHARGING BASIS.
THE INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION SERVICE FEE FOR A HEALTH CERTIFICATE IN RESPECT OF EACH CONSIGNMENT INSPECTED WILL BE $3,120.
ANNOUNCING THE NEW SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT LOCAL FOOD MANUFACTURERS HAVE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN THE PAST IN EXPORTING THEIR PRODUCTS TO MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES WHICH INSIST ON SUCH PRODUCTS BEING INSPECTED AND CERTIFIED BY A GOVERNMENT VETERINARY OFFICER.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE NEW SERVICE WILL HELP MANUFACTURERS OVERCOME THEIR DIFFICULTIES, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S FOOD EXPORTS," HE SAID.
DR CHENG SAID THAT, AT PRESENT, THERE WERE SOME 20 KNOWN MANUFACTURERS WHO HAD INDICATED A NEED FOR SUCH SERVICE. THEY INCLUDE EXPORTERS OF MOONCAKES, EGG NOODLES, EGG ROLLS, OTHER DIM SUM PRODUCTS AND PROCESSED MEATS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW SERVICE CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT’S HEALTH CERTIFICATION SECTION ON 3-7332276.
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BUDGET SITTINGS RE-SCHEDULED
*****
THE SECOND BUDGET SITTINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO APRIL 26 AND 27, BECAUSE OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HEARINGS TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG.
THE SITTINGS WERE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR. APRIL 19 AND 20, BUT AS THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THE SAME WEEK, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE SITTINGS SHOULD BE RE-SCHEDULED.
THE REVISED TIMETABLE FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTINGS IN APRIL AND MAY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
/WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY, MARCH , 1989
- 5 -
WEDNESDAY APRIL 12 REGULAR SITTING
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19 REGULAR SITTING
WEDNESDAY APRIL 26 ) 2ND BUDGET SITTING ) (MEMBERS OTHER THAN
THURSDAY APRIL 27 ) OFFICIALS SPEAK)
WEDNESDAY MAY 3 REGULAR SITTING
WEDNESDAY MAY 10 3RD BUDGET SITTING (OFFICIALS SPEAK)
WEDNESDAY MAY 17 REGULAR SITTING (4TH BUDGET SITTING COMMITTEE STAGE AND 3RD READING OF APPROPRIATION BILL)
WEDNESDAY MAY 24 REGULAR SITTING
WEDNESDAY MAY 31 REGULAR SITTING
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NT ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS VISIT REMOTE VILLAGES *****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY, MR LEO KWAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE EASTERN PART OF SAI KUNG NORTH TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE WAY OF LIFE IN REMOTE VILLAGES.
ON ARRIVAL AT WONG SHEK PIER, THEY WERE GREETED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR TANG KWONG-WING; THE VICE-CHAIRMEN, MR WONG CHUN-WAI AND MR SHEK WING-TONG; AND A TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR HO TAI-WAI.
THEY BOARDED A VESSEL TO TRAVEL TO SHUM WAN WHERE MR BURRETT BRIEFED THE PARTY ON THE MARICULTURE ZONE THERE.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO KO LAU WAN AND TOURED THE VILLAGE.
ON TAP MUN CHAU, THE PARTY CALLED AT THE TAP MUN NEW FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE IN THE VILLAGE.
THEY ALSO VISITED INTERESTING SITES ON THE ISLAND, INCLUDING KING LAM SCHOOL - THE ONLY PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TAP MUN, A FOOTBALL PITCH ON THE TOP OF A HILL, A TIN HAU TEMPLE BUILT MORE THAN 200 YEARS AGO, AND THE OLD MARKET.
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/6........
FRIDAY, MARCH 31
1989
FSD CONTROL STAFF HAVE IMPORTANT ROLE ♦ ♦ » ♦ *
THE WORK OF THE FIRE SERVICES CONTROL STAFF IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT AS THAT OF THEIR OPERATIONAL COUNTERPARTS, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HEADQUARTERS), MR RAY JOHNSTON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF A SQUAD OF FIVE SENIOR FIREMEN/SENIOR FIREWOMEN (CONTROL), MR JOHNSTON SAID THE CONTROL STAFF REPRESENTED THE FIRST CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC IN RECEIVING CALLS FOR HELP IN FIRES OR OTHER CALAMITIES, OR FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES.
,3YOUR ACCURACY AND PROFICIENCY IN COMMUNICATIONS, DECISION MAKING AND THE SUBSEQUENT MOBILISING OF RESOURCES ARE SOME OF THE ESSENTIAL FACTORS THROUGH WHICH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAN PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
AFTER REVIEWING THE PARADE, MR JOHNSTON PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARD TO SENIOR FIREMAN TSE POK-CHUNG.
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1989 BUDGET LEGISLATION GAZETTED ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED THAT FIVE ORDINANCES BE AMENDED TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN OF THE REVENUE RAISING PROPOSALS, AND TAXATION CONCESSIONS, ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ON MARCH 1 THIS YEAR.
AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKING ORDINANCE, THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKING ORDINANCE PROVIDE FOR A 15 PER CENT INCREASE IN DEPOSIT TAKING COMPANY FEES FROM APRIL 1, 1989.
THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE IS INCREASED FROM $550 TO $630 FROM APRIL 1, 1989 UNDER THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE.
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 PROVIDES FROM MARCH 1, 1989 FOR A REVISION IN THE DUTY PAYABLE ON BEER, A REDUCTION IN THE DUTY PAYABLE ON BRANDY AND AN INCREASE IN THE DUTY PAYABLE ON ALL OTHER TYPES OF LIQUOR, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL, AND ON TOBACCO AND HYDROCARBON OILS.
/THE BILL
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 1989
THE BILL ALSO CHANGES THE METHOD BY WHICH DUTY IS ASSESSED ON BEER TO ONE UNDER WHICH DUTY IS ASSESSED ON THE VOLUME OF BEER RELEASED FOR LOCAL SALE.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE PROVIDE FOR AN EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE IN THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE FEES FOR DRIVING LICENCES, PERMITS AND DRIVING TESTS.
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS PROVIDED FOR FIVE CONCESSIONS IN THE AREA OF PERSONAL TAXATION, TWO CONCESSIONS IN THE AREA OF BUSINESS PROFITS TAX, ONE CONCESSION IN THE AREA OF PROPERTY TAX, AND FOR THE COMPLETE ABOLITION OF INTEREST TAX.
THE PERSONAL, PROFITS AND PROPERTY TAX CONCESSIONS WILL APPLY TO PROVISIONAL AND FINAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING APRIL 1, 1989, AND ALSO, WHERE APPROPRIATE, TO 1989-90 PERSONAL ASSESSMENTS. THE ABOLITION OF INTEREST TAX IS EFFECTIVE FROM YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING APRIL 1, 1989.
THE TAX CONCESSIONS INCLUDE A REDUCTION IN THE STANDARD RATE FROM 15.5 TO 15 PER CENT AND A REDUCTION FROM 17 TO 16.5 PER CENT IN THE RATE OF PROFITS TAX PAYABLE BY CORPORATIONS.
IN ADDITION, IT IS PROPOSED TO REVISE CERTAIN PERSONAL TAXATION ALLOWANCES, INTRODUCE A "SINGLE PARENT" ALLOWANCE, AND INCREASE THE INITIAL ALLOWANCE FOR EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON QUALIFYING MACHINERY AND PLANT.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE REVENUE RAISING PROPOSALS WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL S409 MILLION IN 1989-90. THE COST TO THE REVENUE OF THE TAXATION CONCESSIONS PROPOSED IS ESTIMATED TO BE 81,100 MILLION IN 1989-90, AND $1,735 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
THE AMENDMENT BILLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 12.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE AMENDMENTS CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, FINANCE BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, FOURTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TO OMELCO, 8 JACKSON ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/8........
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
- 8 -
CHANGE OF TITLE OF R & V SURVEYOR GRADE
*****
A DECLARATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCING A CHANGE OF TITLE OF THE RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR GRADE WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR GRADE WAS CREATED OVER 40 YEARS AGO WHEN THE DEPARTMENT WAS FORMED AND THE TITLE OF RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR THEN REFLECTED THE MAIN DUTIES OF THE GRADE IN THE VALUATION OF PROPERTIES FOR RATING PURPOSES.
OVER THE INTERVENING YEARS THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK HAS EXPANDED SIGNIFICANTLY INTO OTHER AREAS. THESE INCLUDE PROVIDING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND VALUATION ADVICE TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND RATING NOW CONSTITUTES ONLY ONE ASPECT OF THE WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR GRADE.
IN ORDER TO REFLECT THEIR CURRENT DUTIES MORE ACCURATELY, THE VARIOUS RANKS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR GRADE HAVE NOW BEEN RETITLED AS FOLLOWS:
PREVIOUS TITLE REVISED TITLE
PRINCIPAL RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR
SENIOR RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR
RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR
ASSISTANT RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR
STUDENT RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR
PRINCIPAL VALUATION SURVEYOR
SENIOR VALUATION SURVEYOR
VALUATION SURVEYOR
ASSISTANT VALUATION SURVEYOR
STUDENT VALUATION SURVEYOR
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED AND WOULD REMAIN AS THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
-----0------
/9........
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
- 9 -AUSTRALIAN BANK GRANTED LICENCE * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE STATE BANK OF VICTORIA HAS BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STATE BANK OF VICTORIA IS THE FIFTH LARGEST BANK IN AUSTRALIA. IT HAS OPERATED A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE AND A REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY IN HONG KONG SINCE MARCH 1987.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AUSTRALIA RANKED TENTH AMONG HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS IN 1987.
"IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL FOR AUSTRALIA TO HAVE APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATION IN THE HONG KONG BANKING SECTOR, GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TRADING LINK BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE GRANTING OF THE LICENCE BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS TO 162. OF WHICH 127 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG. THIS IS THE SECOND BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.
-------0----------
INCREASES IN SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS
*****
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PA) AND OLD AGE ALLOWANCE (OAA) PAYMENTS WILL BE INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT STARTING TOMORROW (APRIL 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
DETAILS OF THE NEW PA PAYMENT RATES ARE AS BASIC SCALE RATES PER MONTH FOLLOWS: NEW SCALE (S)
FAMILY SIZE CURRENT SCALE ($)
SINGLE PERSON 560 620
FAMILY:
1ST ELIGIBLE MEMBER 4 20 465
2ND ELIGIBLE MEMBER 4 20 465
3RD ELIGIBLE MEMBER 110 455
4TH ELIGIBLE MEMBER 4 10 455
/5TH AND........
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 1989
10 -
5TH AND EACH ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLE MEMBER
400
445
CORRESPONDINGLY, OTHER SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS UNDER THE SCHEME WILL ALSO BE INCREASED.
THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT PER MONTH FOR THOSE AGED BELOW 70 WILL BE INCREASED FROM $280 TO $310 WHILE THOSE AGED 70 OR ABOVE WILL HAVE AN INCREASE FROM $320 TO $355.
THE DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT WILL LIKEWISE BE INCREASED TO $310, REPLACING THE EXISTING RATE OF $280.
THE NEW ANNUAL LONG TERM SUPPLEMENT WILL BE $790 FOR A SINGLE PERSON; $1,580 FOR A FAMILY WITH TWO TO FOUR ELIGIBLE MEMBERS AND $2,370 FOR A FAMILY WITH FIVE OR MORE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS, AS COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RATES OF $710, $1,420 AND $2,130.
"THE ADJUSTMENTS WILL HELP RESTORE THE PURCHASING POWER OF PA PAYMENT, WHICH WAS LAST REVISED 10 PER CENT UPWARDS IN APRIL 1988," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, APART FROM THE INCREASE IN PAYMENT, THE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE OAA WILL BE FURTHER LOWERED TO COVER PERSONS AGED 67.
STARTING TOMORROW, THE NEW RATE FOR THOSE AGED 70 AND ABOVE WILL BE INCREASED TO $355 PER MONTH FROM $320 WHILE THE RATE FOR THE 67-69 AGE GROUPS WILL BE $310 PER MONTH INSTEAD OF $280.
TO QUALIFY, THE APPLICANT MUST HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS SINCE REACHING THE AGE OF 62.
IN ADDITION, THE PERSON IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A SIMPLE INCOME DECLARATION.
SINGLE PERSONS WILL BE ENTITLED TO THE ALLOWANCE PROVIDED THEIR INCOME IS NOT MORE THAN $1,800 PER MONTH AND THEY HAVE ASSETS WORTH NOT MORE THAN $100,000. THE LIMITS FOR A MARRIED COUPLE ARE A MONTHLY INCOME OF $3,000 AND ASSETS WORTH $150,000.
"APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE IN PERSON OR IN WRITING TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, ELDERLY PERSONS WHO FIND IT DIFFICULT TO VISIT THE FIELD UNITS IN PERSON CAN APPOINT SOMEONE TO APPLY ON THEIR BEHALF," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"APPLICANTS OR APPOINTEES SHOULD BRING ALONG WITH THEM TO THE FIELD UNIT THE APPLICANT’S HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
"THEY WILL THEN BE GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT TO COME BACK ON A SPECIFIED DATE FOR COMPLETION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS."
THE DEPARTMENT’S FIELD UNITS WERE PROCESSING SOME 5,500 INITIAL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE MARCH 1 WHEN ACCEPTANCE BEGAN, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
O - -
/11
FRIDAY, MARCH 31,
1989
11
CHAIRMAN OF WAGES PROTECTION BOARD APPOINTED * * * t t
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, TO SUCCEED MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
MR CHAN, WHOSE TERM OF OFFICE EXPIRES TODAY (FRIDAY), HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SINCE 1985.
A NOTICE OF THE APPOINTMENT OF MR CHUNG AND SIX OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO THE BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
MEMBERS REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS ARE MR A.R. HAMILTON, MR HO SAI-CHU AND MR NICOLAS YEUNG SHU-YAN, WHILE THOSE REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES ARE MR CHEUNG WOOD-LUN, MISS LI FUNG-YING AND MR TAM YIU-CHUNG.
EXCEPT FOR MR HAMILTON, THE APPOINTEES ARE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
OTHER MEMBERS ON THE BOARD ARE THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
-------------------0------- AMENDMENTS TO TWO DRAFT OZP’S ANNOUNCED ♦ * t t t
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT HO MAN TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND THE DRAFT SHOUSON HILL AND REPULSE BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE MAJOR AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT HO MAN TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS THE RE-ZONING OF THE SITE LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF FAT KWONG STREET, SHEUNG LOK STREET AND SHEUNG FOO STREET.
THIS IS RE-ZONED FROM "GOVERNMENT/ENSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SITES ALONG THE SOUTHWESTERN SIDE OF WATERLOO ROAD IS RE-ZONED FROM "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" TO REFLECT THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF THE AREA.
/OPPORTUNITY IS .......
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 1989
12 -
OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO INCORPORATE THE RESTRICTIONS OF SPECIAL CONTROL AREAS NOS. K6/1 AND K7/1 INTO THE PLAN AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A SUB-AREA OF "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B) 1" FOR THE HO MAN TIN STREET AREA.
FURTHERMORE, A TRIANGULAR SHAPED SITE LOCATED TO THE SOUTH OF SHEUNG LOK STREET IS RE-ZONED FROM "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" TO "OPEN SPACE" TO PROVIDE MORE OPEN SPACE IN THE DISTRICT.
THERE ARE SOME OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING OF SERVICE RESERVOIRS AND OPEN SPACE TO RATIONALISE THE LAND USE ZONING AND TO INDICATE CLEARLY THE PREDOMINANT USE OF LAND AND TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE TOPOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITES.
THE SERVICE RESERVOIRS ARE NOW ZONED
"GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" INSTEAD OF "OPEN SPACE" AND SOME "OPEN SPACE" ON THE STEEPER SLOPES WHICH ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT ARE RE-ZONED "GREEN BELT".
AS FOR THE DRAFT SHOUSON HILL AND REPULSE BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS ARE NOW MADE IN THE AMENDED DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN:
(A) TO ALLOW MINOR RELAXATION OF SITE COVERAGE AND PLOT RATIO RESTRICTIONS SET OUT IN "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" ZONE TO BE CONSIDERED ON INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF THE DEVELOPMENT/RE-DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD IN ORDER TO PERMIT MORE FLEXIBILITY IN DESIGN;
(B) TO EXCLUDE ANCILLARY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND
CARETAKER'S OFFICE AND ACCOMMODATION FROM PLOT RATIO AND SITE COVERAGE CALCULATIONS IN THE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" AND "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" ZONES TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THE SET RESTRICTIONS;
(C) TO PERMIT MOTOR REPAIR GARAGE AND CARPARK USES TO BE CONSIDERED UPON APPLICATION BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ON THE "OTHER SPECIAL USES" ZONE ANNOTATED "PETROL FILLING STATION".
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THESE AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE AS A RESULT OF MEETING TWO OBJECTIONS PREVIOUSLY LODGED WHEN THE DRAFT SHOUSON HILL AND REPULSE BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WAS GAZETTED IN SEPTEMBER 1987.
THE AMENDMENT PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
- DISTRICT OFFICE (SOUTHERN), SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG
/- PUBLIC ENQUIRY ........
FRIDAY, MARCH , 1989
- PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
- KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS OF THE DRAFT HO MAN TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN SHOULD SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, NOT LATER THAN APRIL 21 THIS YEAR.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT OF THE DRAFT SHOUSON HILL AND REPULSE BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING^TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, BY APRIL 14.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP SALES COUNTER, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; OR 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
- - 0 -
HOKLAS REACHES A STAGE OF COMPETENCE, MATURITY
*****
A MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) AND THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT ACCREDITATION SERVICE (NAMAS) OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU), ENDORSED TEST CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY ACCREDITED LABORATORIES AND ACCOMPANYING EXPORTED GOODS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN EACH OTHERS*S TERRITORIES WITHOUT FURTHER TESTING.
"IT INDICATES THAT THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR INDUSTRY ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT HAVE REACHED A STAGE OF COMPETENCE AND MATURITY WHICH HAS FACILITATED INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE," SAID THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG. WHO REPRESENTED THE GOVERNMENT AT THE MOU SIGNING CEREMONY.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT ONLY SEVEN BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WORLDWIDE AS BETWEEN NATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEMES. THE MOU SIGNED TODAY IS THE EIGHTH.
PRIOR TO AGREEMENT ON THIS MOU, EXPORTS BY HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS TO THE UK MARKET WERE SUBJECT TO TESTING IN UK. LABORATORIES, OFTEN AFTER INITIAL TESTS HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED IN HONG KONG.
/SUCH GOODS, ........
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 1989
SUCH GOODS, ACCORDING TO MR YEUNG, MIGHT BE LIABLE FOR RETURN TO HONG KONG IF THE UK LABORATORY TEST RESULTS PROVED TO BE UNSATISFACTORY.
"THE ONUS IS NOW ON OUR MANUFACTURERS TO USE HOKLAS ACCREDITED LABORATORIES AND FOR THOSE LABORATORIES TO PROVIDE RELIABLE TEST RESULTS WHICH WILL BE ACCEPTED ON FACE VALUE BY NAMAS, UK’S LABORATORY TESTING AUTHORITY," HE SAID.
HOKLAS WAS LAUNCHED IN MAY 1985. AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 20 ACCREDITED LOCAL LABORATORIES, PERFORMING A WIDE RANGE OF TESTING.
ACCORDING TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (QUALITY SERVICES) OF INDUSTRY, MR ERNEST EVANS, BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR THE NUMBER OF ACCREDITED LABORATORIES IN THE TERRITORY SHOULD BE OVER 30.
HE EMPHASISED THAT LABORATORIES WERE ACCREDITED ONLY AFTER A METICULOUS ASSESSMENT PROCESS. LABORATORIES THAT WERE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH HOKLAS CRITERIA WERE NOT ACCREDITED.
THOSE THAT WERE ACCREDITED AND SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS WERE SUSPENDED FROM THE SCHEME, HE ADDED.
MR EVANS SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG NOW HAD AVAILABLE A MATURE QUALITY SERVICE BUILT ON OVERALL COMPETENCE AND THE INTEGRITY OF TESTING.
BESIDES MR YEUNG, OTHER SIGNATORIES OF THE HONG KONG/UNITED KINGDOM BILATERAL AGREEMENT INCLUDED DR PAUL DEAN, DIRECTOR OF THE UK NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY, WHO REPRESENTED THE UK GOVERNMENT, MR EVANS AND MR JOHN SUMMERFIELD, HEAD OF NAMAS.
-----0------
GOOD START TO TREE PLANTING SCHEME
*****
PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THIS YEAR'S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME HAS BEEN SO OVERWHELMING THAT IN THE EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD ALONE, MORE THAN 6,590 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN PLANTING 7,690 TREES.
OF THESE PEOPLE, 3,620 WERE IN GROUPS.
ANOTHER 110 GROUPS, TOTALLING 9,000 PEOPLE, WHO HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WILL PLANT TREES IN THE COMING WEEKS.
THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR THE 32ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
THE 1989 SCHEME BEGAN ON MARCH 24 AND TREE PLANTING DAYS WILL BE HELD ON EVERY SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY UNTIL THE END OF APRIL.
/COMMENTING ON .......
FRIDAY, MARCH , 1989
- 15 -
COMMENTING ON THE GOOD TURNOUT, THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K. C, IU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) : "THE RESPONSE IS A GOOD REFLECTION OF THE GROWING ” ')L'C CONCERN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ACCEPTANCE BY THE PUBLIC AT LARGE IN SHOULDERING THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF HELPING TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.
"WE WELCOME THE SUPPORT OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE PARTICIPATION BY SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS IS EVEN MORE ENCOURAGING."
HE SAID THAT IT WAS A GOOD START AND FITTED IN VERY WELL WITH THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SCHEME.
"GROUP PARTICIPATION ALSO PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO P OMOTE GOOD HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS. I HOPE MORE PEOPLE WILL COME FORWARD IN GROUPS ON SUNDAYS AND IN THE TREE PLANTING DAYS AHEAD TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT," MR IU SAID.
THE EIGHT DESIGNATED PLANTING SITES ARE TAI MO SHAN, TAI MEI TUK, MUI WO, POK FU LAM, QUARRY BAY, PAK TAM CHUNG, CLEARS WATER BAY AND TAI TONG.
COUNTRY PARK STAFF WILL BE ON DUTY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM TO PROVIDE FREE TREE SEEDLINGS, TOOLS AND ANY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED.
APART FROM THE TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC, ARRANGEMENTS CAN ALSO BE MADE FOR SCHOOL AND ORGANISED GROUPS TO TAKE PART IN THE TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME ON WEEKDAYS BY TELEPHONING THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 3-7332121 FOR ADVANCE BOOKINGS.
-------0----------
WORK TO ALLEVIATE EFFECTS OF FLOODING IN YUEN LONG ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTENDING TO BUILD A NAVIGATION CHANNEL, FLOODWAY AND CONCRETE NULLAH WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 98 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT INNER DEEP BAY AND SHAN PUI RIVER.
THE WORK IS PART OF A MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNELS PROGRAMME TO ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS OF FLOODING IN YUEN LONG AREAS.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MID-1990 AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1993.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA WAS DESCRIBED LN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE NOTICE, ........
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 1?89
16 -
THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER), AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
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 BY MAY 30 THIS YEAR.
------0 ------
ANTI-MOSQUITO EDUCATION CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW * * » » *
PHASE ONE OF THE ANNUAL TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-MOSQUITO EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN'S SERVICE, A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HOTLINE (3-7230013) WILL ALSO BEGIN OPERATION TOMORROW TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON MOSQUITO PREVENTION WITH THE APPROACH OF THE HOT AND HUMID WEATHER.
PLACING EMPHASIS ON THE MESSAGE OF "NO STAGNANT WATER, NO MOSQUITO BREEDING", THE UNIT’S SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR, MR TUNG CHAN-LONG, SUGGESTED THAT THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE THE CHANCE OF MOSQUITO BREEDING:
t TO KEEP ALL TINS, BOTTLES, RECEPTACLES AND OUTER TYRES AWAY FROM OPEN SPACES SUCH AS ROOFS, YARDS AND CANOPIES, AND TO TURN UPSIDE DOWN ALL LARGE RECEPTACLES WHICH CANNOT BE MOVED READILY;
* TO COVER WATER STORAGE TANKS AND ENSURE THAT THEY ARE IN
GOOD REPAIR;
* TO ENSURE THAT DRAINAGE IS IN ORDER; AND
* TO RENEW WATER IN VASES AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY AND TO MAKE
SURE THAT NO WATER ACCUMULATES IN TRAYS OF FLOWER POTS FOR MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS.
HE ALSO URGED BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO INSPECT FREQUENTLY THEIR SITES AND TO REMOVE ALL STAGNANT WATER, OR TO SPRAY AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY, A LAYER OF LIGHT DIESEL ON THE SURFACE OF WATER WHICH COULD NOT BE DISPERSED.
/"DISTRICT HEALTH .......
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 1989
- 17
"DISTRICT HEALTH STAFF OF BOTH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO OFFER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE," HE ADDED.
STAFF OF THE UNIT WILL ALSO SEND LETTERS WITH SUPPORTING PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO BUILDING CONTRACTORS, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF LARGE PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES APPEALING FOR CO-OPERATION.
"TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE MESSAGE, ANTI-MOSQUITO POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR DISPLAY," MR TUNG SAID.
"THE MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO ALLOWS MOSQUITO BREEDING ON PREMISES IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
------0--------
CANOPY TO BE BUILT ALONG PIER ROAD IN CENTRAL * » t « t
PIER ROAD IN CENTRAL WILL BE GIVEN A NEW LOOK WITH THE PROVISION OF AN ARTISTIC CANOPY AND A COLOURED PAVEMENT.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL BUILD A CANOPY ALONG THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY ON A SECTION OF THE ROAD BETWEEN THE VEHICULAR FERRY PIER AND GOVERNMENT PIERS.
THE STEEL FRAMED CANOPY, WITH A LIGHTWEIGHT ROOF COVER, WILL PROVIDE SHELTER TO PASSENGERS WAITING OUTSIDE THE FERRY PIERS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO REINSTATE THE WALKWAY WITH COLOURED GRANITE TILES OF AN INTERESTING PATTERN.
WORKS WILL START IN JUNE AND TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
-----0------
/18
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
- 18 -
LONG-SERVING IMMIGRATION STAFF HONOURED * » * » ♦
THIRTY-TWO MEMBERS OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE WERE AWARDED LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, IN A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS TODAY (FRIDAY).
FIRST CLASPS, SIGNIFYING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE, WERE PRESENTED TO AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR STEVEN KUO KET-CHEN, AND NINE OTHER OFFICERS.
ANOTHER 22 OFFICERS, COMPRISING 12 SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, NINE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND ONE ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER, RECEIVED THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL.
MR CARTER SAID THE AWARD OF THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL HONOURED THOSE WHO HAD RENDERED LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE.
HE CONGRATULATED ALL RECIPIENTS AND THANKED THEM FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF LOYALTY AND DEDICATION TO THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
------0-------
CLINIC TO BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY » » * ♦ t
A JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC PROVIDING CHILD AND MATERNAL CARE AS WELL AS OUTPATIENT SERVICE WILL BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY TO SERVE THE NEW TOWN RESIDENTS FROM NEXT YEAR.
A $9.47 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE CLINIC WILL START NEXT MONTH AND TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. IT WILL THEN BE HANDED OVER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WHICH WILL OPERATE THE FACILITY.
THE SINGLE STOREY CLINIC, FUNDED PARTLY BY A DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL BE LOCATED AT AREA 22 OF JUNK BAY.
-------0----------
/19........
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
- 19 -
RE-GROUPING OF LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICES *****
LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS IN HO MAN TIN AND HUNG HOM WILL BE HANDLED FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BY THE KOWLOON EAST OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE, INSTEAD OF THE KOWLOON SOUTH OFFICE.
THE KOWLOON EAST OFFICE IS LOCATED IN THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-205638.
THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE, WHICH ADMINISTERS THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES CAN SEEK ADVICE FROM THE SERVICE ON THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE. WHEN LABOUR DISPUTES ARISE, THE SERVICE WILL ASSIST THE PARTIES INVOLVED TO COME TO AMICABLE TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.
OTHER AREAS COVERED BY THE KOWLOON EAST OFFICE INCLUDE TO KWA WAN, MA TAU KOK, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON TONG, WONG TAI SIN, SAN PO KONG, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL AND NGAU CHI WAN.
AFTER THE RE-ARRANGEMENT. THE KOWLOON SOUTH OFFICE WILL PROVIDE SERVICE TO ESTABLISHMENTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND KING’S PARK.
THE OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE 18TH FLOOR OF PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7719454.
THE PRESENT SERVICING BOUNDARIES OF OTHER BRANCH OFFICES OF THE SERVICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
--------0 ---------
SAI YING PUN PRE-WAR BUILDINGS
*****
DECLARED DANGEROUS
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED NOS. 6, 8 AND 10 CHUNG CHING STREET, SAI YING PUN, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND NOS. 12 AND 14 LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THESE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS WERE CONSTRUCTED OF TIMBER UPPER FLOORS AND ROOFS ON LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS.
/GENERALLY, THE
FRIDAY, MARCH J1, 198?
20 -
GENERALLY, THE BRICKWORK IN THE WALLS WAS BADLY ERODED WITH SOFT MORTAR JOINTS.
NUMEROUS CRACKS WERE FOUND AT THE PARTY WALLS, REAR MAIN WALLS AND THE FRONT MAIN WALLS, PARTICULARLY ABOVE DOOR AND WINDOW OPENINGS AS MANY OF THE TIMBER LINTELS WERE ROTTEN AND IN DANGER OF COLLAPSE, HE SAID.
THE LINTEL ABOVE THE DOOR OPENING TO GROUND FLOOR KITCHEN OF NO. 6 HAD ALREADY COLLAPSED, CAUSING PARTIAL COLLAPSE OF THE BRICK WALL ABOVE.
FURTHERMORE, MANY OF THE TIMBER FLOOR JOISTS IN NOS. 6, 8 AND 10 WERE DEFECTIVE, BEING SPLIT AND ROTTEN.
OWING TO THE AGE AND THE ADVANCED STAGE OF DILAPIDATION, NOS. 6, 8 AND 10 WERE CONSIDERED TO BE BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR. IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE THEM FOR DEMOLITION.
IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT NOS. 12 AND 14, WHICH WERE OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION AND CONDITION TO NOS. 6, 8 AND 10, SHOULD ALSO BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.
THEY WERE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AS IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT THEY COULD SAFELY WITHSTAND THE EFFECTS OF DEMOLITION OF NOS. 6, 8 AND 10.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JUNE 30 THIS YEAR WERE POSTED IN THE BUILDINGS TODAY.
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CHILDREN’S DAY FESTIVITIES IN TUEN MUN
*****
TWO CARNIVALS WILL BE HELD IN EARLY APRIL IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE "CHILDREN’S DAY".
THE FIRST, TO BE HELD BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 2), WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE OPEN SPACE FACING THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION WU SIU KUI PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ON TING ESTATE.
THE CARNIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE ON TING ESTATE ACTIVITIES ORGANISING COMMITTEE. IT WILL FEATURE GAME STALLS, \ PAINTING COMPETITION AND VARIETY SHOWS.
ON APRIL 9 (SUNDAY), FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM, THE SAM SHING ESTATE CHILDREN'S DAY WILL BE STAGED IN THE BASKETBALL COURT NEXT TO THE SALVATION ARMY LAU NG YING PRIMARY SCHOOL.
PROGRAMMES OF THE DAY INCLUDE GAMES STALLS, ACROBATIC SHOW AND SINGING PERFORMANCES.
BOTH EVENTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND ADMISSION IS FREE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
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ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1954-56 ♦ ♦ * ♦ »
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1954, 1955 OR 1956 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE MAY 6, 1989.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, WOMEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW ID CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY.
’’FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW ID CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000.”
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO RENEW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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 MAY MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
TEL. NO.: 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY 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
gHA 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.: 0-4771543
/TUEN MUN :
FRIDAY, MARCH , 1989
22 -
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA
YUEN. TEL. NO.: 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO.: 0-6727191
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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BOARDING, ALIGHTING RESTRICTIONS TO BE LIFTED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE EXISTING BOARDING AND ALIGHTING RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON KMB BUSES OPERATING IN PART OF THE NORTHWEST TRANSIT SERVICE AREA IN YUEN LONG WILL BE LIFTED FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 2).
THE BUSES ON ROUTES 54 (YUEN LONG WEST - SHEUNG TSUEN), 64K (YUEN LONG WEST - TAI PO KCR STATION), 76K (YUEN LONG WEST - SHEUNG SHUI) AND 77K (YUEN LONG WEST - CHEUNG WAH) WILL BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP AND SET DOWN PASSENGERS IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) BETWEEN THE YUEN LONG LRT TERMINUS AND AU TAU ROUNDABOUT.
NOTICES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE KMB BUSES AND AT THE BUS STOPS TO ADVISE PASSENGERS OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENT.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ABERDEEN STREET
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 6 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 3) TO 6 AM ON APRIL 17. ABERDEEN STREET IN THE MID-LEVELS BETWEEN CAINE ROAD AND STAUNTON STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR DRAINAGE WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE OLD BAILEY STREET FOR ACCESS TO STAUNTON STREET.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1989
TRAM SERVICE BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN - WESTERN MARKET
♦ * * ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A TRAM SERVICE RUNNING BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND WESTERN MARKET WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM MONDAY (APRIL 3) TO CATER FOR THE PASSENGER DEMAND IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT DURING PEAK HOURS.
THE NEW SERVICE, TO BE ON TRIAL FOR FOUR WEEKS, WILL OPERATE FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS DURING THE MORNING AND EVENING PEAK PERIODS AT AN INTERVAL OF 11 MINUTES.
NOTICES OF THE SCHEDULE OF SERVICE WILL BE DISPLAYED AT TRAM STOPS.
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