Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
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Friday, August 29, 1997 CONTENTS ======== 1. FS concludes his Australia visit 2. Transcript of Acting FS 3. Government committed to improving fire safety 4. Half-yearly Economic Report 5. Pilot scheme to expedite the issue of occupation permits 6. Phase I of Measles Vaccination Campaign ends next week 7. Employer of visitors jailed nine months 8. Airport Core Programme achievement enhanced HK's image 9. Technical Memorandum for supervision plans 10. Parking demand and supply 11. Gradings of beach water quality announced 12. Works to improve water supply system in NT 13. Consultancy study to speed up Tung Chung development 14. A roving exhibition on STD awareness 15. Reports on the 1995 Annual Economic Surveys now on sale 16. Monetary statistics for July 1997 17. Foreign exchange reserves figure as at end of July 1997 18. Special stamps on 1997 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings 1. FS concludes his Australia visit ******************************** The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, just finished with his last leg of official visit to Melbourne, Australia. He met with the Hon Jeff Kennett, Premier of Victoria, and the Hon Alan Stockdale, Treasurer and Minister for Multimedia today (Friday). In the evening he attended a boardroom dinner hosted by the AustralAsia Centre of the Asia Society, where he met a large group of corporate CEOs. Concluding his first official visit to Australia, the Financial Secretary said: "I came with the mission of offering a first-hand update for the Australian business and community leaders and senior government officials about the situation of Hong Kong after July 1. "I had frank discussions with interlocutors here and had impressed upon them the 'business as usual' sentiment in Hong Kong. Judging from the reaction I got, I think I had reinforced Australian investors' confidence in Hong Kong," Mr Tsang said. Mr Tsang also said he had useful discussions with the Minister for Multimedia and other relevant government officials on the development of information technology. "There are many lessons for Hong Kong to learn from the development of information technology and multimedia capabilities in Australia. I am hoping that Hong Kong will be able to tap on Australia's expertise in this area," Mr Tsang said. Earlier in the week, the Financial Secretary visited Sydney and Canberra. Apart from the Deputy Prime Minister, he had also met with key government officials responsible for finance and trade matters. He had delivered three keynote speeches during this visit. Mr Tsang will be back in Hong Kong on Sunday (August 31) night. End 2. Transcript of Acting FS *********************** Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr K C Kwong, at a media session at the Central Government Offices Press Room this (Friday) afternoon:- Ag FS: Yesterday and today, we have seen relatively large fluctuations in the stock market. I think it is understandable that quite a few people would be concerned. But it is important to note that the stock market is only one of many facets of our financial market. And as announced today in our half-yearly economic report, our economic fundamentals are very good. We are expecting a 5.5 per cent growth for the whole of the year. And also, we should recognise that despite the volatility in the stock market in the past days or so, the trading has been orderly and smooth. Thanks to the very proper and good monitoring and regulation of the market by both the Stock Exchange and the Securities and Futures Commission. As an international financial centre, I think it is understandable that when we see volatility in the markets around us, there will be some knock-on effect on Hong Kong. But given our strong economic fundamentals and very well-run stock market, I think there is no cause for concern. Q: Shouldn't it be right for the Government to institute any measure to stabilise the market? Ag FS: I think that is really a hypothetical question. The important thing is to look at the economic fundamentals of Hong Kong and also look at the operation of the market and so long as the market is operating in an orderly and smooth manner and so long as we have very strong economic fundamentals, I do not think there is any real cause for concern. End 3. Government committed to improving fire safety ********************************************* The Chief Executive has thanked the Hon Mr Justice Woo and his team for their work in conducting the inquiry and compiling the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Garley Building Fire, an SAR Government spokesman said today (Friday). Mr Justice Woo met the Chief Executive this morning on the Commission's Final Report. "The report gives an extensive list of recommendations on measures to improve fire safety. The Chief Executive has expressed concern about the findings of the Report," the spokesman said. The Government attaches great importance to fire safety, which is a matter of great community concern. The recommendations are being considered carefully by relevant departments. "We will consider how these recommendations will reinforce the package of measures we have taken to improve fire safety and to raise the community's consciousness of fire risk," the spokesman said. "Since the Garley Building Fire, efforts have been made by introducing both legislative and administrative measures to improve fire safety," the spokesman stressed, adding that these measures were being co-ordinated by an inter- departmental working group chaired by the Security Bureau," he said. During the last few months, the government has embarked on a series of measures to upgrade fire safety of old commercial buildings and to raise the community's consciousness of fire risk. As regards legislative measures, the government is planning to extend the application of the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance to old commercial buildings to upgrade the fire installations (FSIs) and equipment, means of escape (MOE), means of access (MOA) and fire resisting construction (FRC) of these buildings. "Based on the existing requirements in the Ordinance for prescribed commercial premises, old commercial buildings will be required to provide additional FSIs and equipment and to improve their MOE, MOA and FRC," the spokesman said. "The enforcement authority may issue directions to require responsible persons to improve fire safety measures with reference to the Authority's Codes of Practice. Drafting of legislation is in progress," he said. As regards administrative measures, a working group comprising the Works Bureau, Fire Services Department, Buildings Department, Labour Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and representatives from two lift and escalator contractor associations, has drawn up recommendations and taken follow-up actions on enhancing fire safety in lift maintenance and replacement works. As for the community's consciousness, a Community Relations Unit which has a role in planning, developing and co-ordinating community involvement programmes, has been formed in the Fire Services Department to strengthen community education and relations in fire safety. In addition, the Fire Services Department is running a "Fire Safety Ambassadors" Scheme in which the Ambassadors will act as front line fire safety watchers and help disseminate fire safety messages to the public. Fire safety will also be included as a Major Publicity Campaign in 1998/99 to sustain the government's momentum to raise the public consciousness of fire risk. "The inter-departmental working group will continue to co-ordinate follow-up actions arising from the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Garley Building Fire," the spokesman added. End 4. Half-yearly Economic Report *************************** The following is the gist of the Economic Situation in the First Half of 1997 and Updated Forecasts of GDP and Prices for 1997 issued by the Economic Analysis Division of the Financial Services Bureau: Economic Situation in the First Half of 1997 and Updated Forecasts of GDP and Prices for 1997 MAIN POINTS * In the August update of the economic forecasts for 1997, the forecast growth rate in real terms of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is maintained at 5.5%, which is higher than the (revised) estimated growth of 4.9% for 1996. * Growth in the economy accelerated further in the first half of 1997. GDP is expected to have grown by around 6-6.5% in the second quarter. There was probably a further advance from the 6.1% increase in the first quarter. The respective growth rates were 4.0%, 4.6%, 5.2% and 5.7% in the preceding four quarters in 1996. GDP growth could turn out to be better than the current forecast if the momentum seen in the recent quarters can be sustained, and particularly if export performance can continue to improve. * Robust domestic demand is providing the main impetus to overall economic growth. Investment spending is forecast to grow markedly, underpinned by a strong demand for machinery and equipment and intensive building activity in both the public and private sectors. Consumer spending is also forecast to thrive, amidst sustained growth in population, steady rise in household income, and tighter labour market conditions. * Exports of goods, which have had a relatively moderate performance earlier, are expected to pick up somewhat in the latter part of the year. In particular, exports to the mainland of China (the Mainland) should accelerate further, while exports to the United States should also maintain a notable growth. Exports to Singapore, Taiwan and the Republic of Korea are likely to recover, in tandem with the gradual upturn in global demand for electronic products. However, overall export growth could still be constrained by the relative strength of the US dollar, as well as by the adverse effect that may be brought about by the sharp depreciation of several East Asian currencies since early July. Meanwhile, the growth in exports of services is expected to be sustained. * The labour market has continued to tighten, along with the acceleration in economic growth. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down further, from 2.5% in the first quarter to 2.4% in the second quarter. The underemployment rate stayed at a low level of 1.1% in the first quarter and 1.3% in the second quarter. Vacancies rose significantly, and earnings recorded notable increases. * The forecast of consumer price inflation in 1997, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (A), is revised downwards from 7.0% to 6.5%. The actual outturn in the first seven months of this year was 6.0%. In 1996, the average increase in the CPI(A) was also 6.0%. Although domestically generated inflationary pressures are likely to intensify in the ensuing months, imported inflation is expected to remain mild. The surge in vegetable prices in July due to the prolonged rainy weather should be temporary. On balance, there should be room for a small downward adjustment to the annual inflation forecast. DETAILS External trade Exports of goods showed a generally slack performance in the first half of 1997. For the first half of 1997 as a whole, total exports grew by only about 5% in real terms over a year earlier, same as in the second half of 1996. Within this total, re-exports rose by about 7% in real terms in the first half of this year, slightly slower than the 8% increase in the second half of last year. Domestic exports fell further, by about 2% in real terms in the first half of this year, albeit much smaller than the decline of 9% in the second half of last year. Export performance was still overshadowed by a number of unfavourable factors in the first half of 1997. The continued strength of the US dollar had weakened the price competitiveness of Hong Kong's exports in the world market. Import demand in Japan was dampened by the slow-down in its economic growth and the increase in sales tax as from April. In the United Kingdom, import demand also slackened, possibly due to an on-going adjustment to the large inventory accumulated in the earlier periods. In Singapore, import demand remained generally subdued, affected by the ebb in the global electronic product cycle. These apart, the continued shift of Hong Kong's exports to offshore trading also contributed to the modest overall export growth. Exports to the United States and the Mainland nevertheless registered a better performance than those to the other major markets. Imports rose by about 7% in real terms in the first half of 1997 over a year earlier, up from the 5% growth in the second half of 1996. Reflecting a strengthening in domestic demand, retained imports rebounded to a growth of about 7% in real terms in the first half of this year, having declined by 1% in the second half of last year. As imports rose faster than exports, the visible trade deficit widened to $96 billion in the first half of 1997, equivalent to 12.6% of the value of imports, from $84 billion and 11.4% in the same period in 1996. The larger deficit was nevertheless mainly related to a greater intake of capital goods, in line with the surge in local investment. Exports and imports of services rose by 6% and 7% respectively in real terms in the first quarter of 1997 over a year earlier. An invisible trade surplus of around $30 billion was recorded in that quarter. With further increases in offshore trading and in exports of professional and various other business services, there should have been a continued sizeable surplus in invisible trade in the second quarter. Domestic demand Consumer spending strengthened further, with retail sales rising by 3.4% in volume terms in the first half of 1997 over a year earlier, following a 2.7% increase in the second half of 1996. The pick-up was particularly noticeable in the second quarter, with a year-on-year increase of 5.1%, as compared to a 2.0% rise in the first quarter. Sales of motor vehicles and of jewellery and watches increased most significantly, by 35.2% and 10.2% respectively in volume terms in the first half of 1997 over a year earlier. Overall investment spending remained robust in the first half of 1997. On machinery and equipment, retained imports of capital goods rose sharply, by about 23% in real terms in the first half of 1997 over a year earlier, having risen by only 1% in 1996. On building and construction, private sector building activity picked up considerably in recent months, in tandem with buoyancy in the property market. Work under the Public Housing Programme also accelerated further. On the other hand, there was a slow- down in civil engineering work in the public sector, due to the winding down of some of the projects under the Airport Core Programme. The property market The residential property market continued to be bullish during most of the first half of 1997, underpinned by strong end-user and investment demand against a relatively limited supply in the short term. After a very hectic first quarter, there was a brief consolidation in April and early May. The market was then re-activated in the latter part of May and most of June. Towards the end of June, it quietened down again, in anticipation of the Government's moves to stabilise the residential property market and increase flat supply substantially in the longer term. Flat prices in selected major developments were, on average, 13% higher in the second quarter of 1997 than in the first quarter, and 48% higher than a year earlier. Flat rentals rose less rapidly, by an average of 5% in the second quarter of 1997 over the first quarter, and 14% over a year earlier. On commercial property, the sales market for office space was also active during the first half of 1997. Amidst a better economic outlook and increased investment interest, there was a pick-up in acquisition activity for Grade A and Grade B office space in the main business districts and other more convenient locations. As to shopping space, the sales market was bullish while the rental market also held firm, amidst sustained growth in retail business. The market for industrial property remained generally sluggish, affected continuously by the relocation of production processes outside Hong Kong. Demand for modern multi- purpose industrial premises nevertheless picked up somewhat, but this was associated more with a revival in demand for office space. Planned developments of residential property increased substantially, by 308% in terms of units and 234% in terms of usable floor area in the first five months of 1997 over a year earlier. This suggests that the supply of new flats will be more abundant in the next few years. Meanwhile, planned developments of industrial property and of property in the "others" category also increased, whereas those of commercial property declined. The financial sector The financial markets were very active during the first half of 1997. The stock market was particularly buoyant, as the Hang Seng Index kept setting new records through June, after a brief setback in April. For the first half of 1997 as a whole, the Index rose by 13%, faster than the increases in the share price indices in Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom but slower than that in the United States during the period. (In July and August, the local stock market experienced greater volatilities, being overshadowed by the currency turmoil and the setback in stock markets in East Asia.) The market exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar against the US dollar remained stable throughout. Tracking the movements of the US dollar against other major currencies, the trade-weighted Effective Exchange Rate Index of the Hong Kong dollar rose by 1.4% during the first half of 1997. (In July and August, the Hong Kong dollar continued to hold firm on the strong side of the linked rate, notwithstanding the currency turmoil in East Asia.) Domestic credit and money supply grew at a brisk pace. Reflecting buoyancy in both the stock and property markets, loans to financial concerns and stockbrokers, loans for residential mortgages, and loans to building, construction and property development increased faster than other types of loans during the first half of 1997. Hong Kong dollar deposits also grew rapidly, raising their share in the total deposits. The general buoyancy in the major asset markets reflects confidence in the Hong Kong economy through the handover. The labour market Along with the acceleration in economic growth, overall labour market conditions continued to tighten in the first half of 1997. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down further to 2.4% in the second quarter, from 2.5% in the first quarter. The underemployment rate stayed at a low level, at 1.1% in the first quarter and 1.3% in the second quarter. Also, the proportion of the employed working longer hours in the second quarter was higher than in the first quarter. Employment in most of the major service sectors continued to exhibit solid growth. Employment at building and construction sites also showed a further sharp increase, bolstered by intensive building activity in both the public and private sectors. By contrast, employment in the local manufacturing sector was dampened further by relocation of the labour-intensive production processes outside Hong Kong. Meanwhile, vacancies staged a strong pick-up across all major sectors. Earnings in the major sectors surveyed generally showed further significant increases in money terms, and for a number of these sectors, also notable increases in real terms. For all the major sectors taken together, earnings as measured by payroll per person engaged rose by 9% in money terms or 3% in real terms in the first quarter of 1997 over a year earlier. As to wages, there was an average increase of 6% in money terms in March 1997 over a year earlier, corresponding to little change in real terms. Inflation Consumer price inflation remained relatively moderate in the first half of 1997. Low inflation in the major supplier economies, a continued strong US dollar, and generally soft world commodity prices together helped keep imported inflation in check. Domestically generated inflationary pressures were largely contained so far. The inflation situation within the period was characterised by stable food prices, slower year-on-year rates of increase in private housing rentals and transport fares, and even reduction in the prices of a few consumer goods and services. On a year-on-year comparison, the CPI (A) increased by an average of 5.9% in the first half of 1997. This was slower than the average increase of 6.3% in the first half of 1996, yet marginally faster than that of 5.7% in the second half of 1996. As to the Composite CPI, it increased also by an average of 5.9% in the first half of 1997. This was the same as the average increase recorded in the second half of 1996, but considerably slower than that of 6.8% in the first half of 1996. Updated forecasts Following regular practice, the GDP and price forecasts for 1997 have been reviewed by individual component. The updated forecasts are summarised in the table annexed. On external trade, total exports are forecast to grow by 6.8% in real terms in 1997, down from the earlier forecast of 7.2%. Within this total, re-exports are forecast to grow by 8%, as compared to the earlier forecast of 8.5%. This is mainly to take account of the slower-than- expected growth earlier in the year, notwithstanding some pick-up in the second quarter. Domestic exports are forecast at zero growth, instead of the earlier forecast of a 1% decline. Some increases in real terms were apparent for domestic exports in June and July. Looking ahead, export performance is expected to fare better in the latter part of the year. In particular, exports to the Mainland for outward processing should accelerate further, in face of the robust export growth in the Mainland. Exports to the United States are expected to maintain a notable growth, underpinned by its firm import demand. Exports to Singapore, Taiwan and the Republic of Korea are likely to improve somewhat in the coming months, as the global demand for electronic products gradually revives. However, a number of negative factors could still constrain Hong Kong's overall export growth. The relative strength of the US dollar will continue to affect the price competitiveness of Hong Kong's exports in the rest of the year. The sharp depreciation of several East Asian currencies since early July is likely to dampen import demand in the respective economies in the near term. Meanwhile, import demand in the member countries of the European Union taken together will probably remain modest, given the tight fiscal policy stance they currently maintain and their generally slow economic growth. Imports of goods are forecast to increase by 8.4% in real terms in 1997, similar to the earlier forecast of 8.2%. The slightly slower growth envisaged for re-exports is reckoned to be largely offset by a faster growth envisaged for retained imports, by 9.2% in real terms, as compared to 7.3% in the earlier forecast. A continued rise in retained imports is consistent with the strength of domestic demand. The forecast growth rate of exports of services in 1997 is revised downwards to 6% in real terms, from 7.5% in the earlier forecast. This is largely due to the slower-than- expected growth in the first half of the year. Contrary to earlier optimism, the performance of tourism in the second quarter was much weaker than expected. Nevertheless, visitor arrivals should return to more normal growth in the rest of the year. Also, growth in offshore trading, as reflected by the steady pick-up in transhipment cargo flows, as well as further increases in exports of financial services and of various other professional and business support services, should continue to lift exports of services in overall terms. Concurrently, the forecast growth rate of imports of services in 1997 is adjusted downwards, to 5.5% in real terms, from 6% in the earlier forecast. Again, this is in recognition of the slower-than-expected growth so far. On domestic demand, the forecast growth rate of private consumption expenditure in 1997 is maintained at 5.5% in real terms. Consumer sentiment remains bullish, as reflected in particular in keen purchases of higher-value items. Solid growth in employment and sustained rise in household income should continue to support consumer demand generally. The relatively moderate inflation should help real purchasing power. Moreover, the increased take-up of flats should continue to boost purchases of household furnishings and other related consumer durables. The forecast growth rate of government consumption expenditure on a national accounts basis in 1997 is also kept unchanged, at 5% in real terms. Overall investment spending in the economy, as reflected by gross domestic fixed capital formation, is forecast to grow by 13.4% in real terms in 1997, up from 10.3% as forecast earlier. Analysed by component, private sector expenditure on building and construction is forecast to grow by 12% in real terms, faster than 9.5% in the earlier forecast. This is mainly to take account of the much intensified private sector building activity, as well as the large increase in building consents recorded in recent quarters. Concurrently, recognising the high volume of property transactions in the first half of the year, the forecast growth rate of transfer costs of land and buildings is raised substantially to 45% in real terms, from the earlier forecast of 25%. Along with a more rapid increase envisaged for private sector building output, real estate developers' margin is forecast also to yield a faster growth, at 16% in real terms, instead of 12% as forecast earlier. On the other hand, public sector expenditure on building and construction is forecast to grow more slowly, by 1.5% in real terms, as compared to 3% in the earlier forecast. Construction work on more projects under the Airport Core Programme will come to a close. But against this, building work under the Public Housing Programme should continue to grow strongly. Taking both sectors together, total expenditure on building and construction in 1997 is forecast to increase by 7.2% in real terms, faster than the earlier forecast of 6.5%. Expenditure on machinery and equipment is forecast to grow by 13.8% in real terms in 1997, up from 11% in the earlier forecast. Within this total, the forecast growth rate of public sector expenditure on machinery and equipment is kept unchanged, at 30% in real terms, underpinned mainly by the continued intake of functional parts and installations for the major infrastructural projects. The forecast growth rate of private sector expenditure on machinery and equipment is revised upwards, from 10% in real terms to 13%. This is mainly attributable to heavier investment in office equipment as well as industrial and construction machinery. Overall, the forecast growth rate in real terms of GDP in 1997 is maintained at 5.5%, with growth being driven mainly by continued robust domestic demand, and to a lesser extent a gradual pick-up in export performance. On inflation, the forecast rate of increase in the CPI(A) in 1997 is revised downwards, from 7.0% to 6.5%. The CPI(A) rose by an average of 6.0% in the first seven months of the year. The pick-up in the rate of increase to 6.5% in July was mainly due to an upsurge in vegetable prices caused by the prolonged rainy weather. Vegetable prices should return to a more normal level as supply catches up in due course. Imported inflation is expected to remain subdued in the near term. On the other hand, domestically generated inflationary pressures are likely to gather strength. For instance, certain transport fares are set to rise in September and property rentals are already on a firming trend. Yet on balance, there should be room for a small downward adjustment to the inflation forecast for 1997 as a whole. (The Half-yearly Economic Report 1997 will be on sale at the Government Publications Centre on Ground Floor, Lower Block, Queensway Government Offices on Tuesday, September 2, at $62 a copy.) Annex ----- Forecast Current for 1997 update as released as released on 30.5.97 on 29.8.97 ----------- ----------- (%) (%) Growth rate in real terms: -------------------------- Private Consumption Expenditure 5.5 5.5 Government Consumption Expenditure 5 5 Gross Domestic Fixed Capital Formation 10.3 13.4 Transfer costs of land and buildings 25 45 Building and construction 6.5 7.2 Public sector 3 1.5 Private sector 9.5 12 Real estate developers' margin 12 16 Machinery and equipment 11.0 13.8 Public sector 30 30 Private sector 10 13 Total Exports of Goods 7.2 6.8 Domestic exports -1 0 Re-exports 8.5 8 Imports of Goods 8.2 8.4 Exports of Services 7.5 6 Imports of Services 6 5.5 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 5.5 5.5 Per Capita GDP 2.6 2.6 Growth rate in money terms: --------------------------- GDP 12 12 Per Capita GDP 9 9 Rate of increase in: -------------------- GDP Deflator 6.5 6.5 Domestic Demand Deflator 5.5 5.2 Consumer Price Index (A) 7.0 6.5 End 5. Pilot scheme to expedite the issue of occupation permits ******************************************************** The Works Bureau will from next month (September) conduct a six-month pilot scheme to help private developers speed up the building construction time with a view to expediting the issue of occupation permits of residential flats. A Bureau spokesman said today (Friday) that starting from next Monday (September 1), developers of development projects on Hong Kong Island might choose to employ approved contractors to carry out any combination or all of the following public works outside their lot boundaries in connection with the development: i) connection to the public drainage/sewage system, ii) construction of run-ins and repair of damaged footpaths, and iii) provision of water supply connection. At present, drainage connections from the private developments to the public drainage/sewage system are undertaken by the Drainage Services Department at the cost of developers. Similarly, water supply connections from the Government water mains are carried out by the Water Supplies Department at the developers' cost. Moreover, it is quite common that a private developer may need to construct a new run-in to its development or to re-construct the adjoining footway and the necessary run-in damaged by the building activities. The current practice is for the Highways Department to carry out such construction works to be paid for by the developer. The spokesman said the new scheme would lead to a saving in the construction time as a result of better control of the works and improvement in the co-ordination and programming of property development. The property development industry estimates that the issue of occupation permits could be advanced by up to two months as a result of this new flexible approach. To exercise this option, developers represented by their Authorised Persons, will be responsible for carrying out the feasibility study, the application for Excavation Permits, co-ordination with the relevant Government Departments and utility companies and supervision of the site works in accordance with the stipulated standard. Upon completion, the relevant Departments will conduct a technical audit to ensure the quality of works meets the standards and requirements of the Government. At the end of the six-month trial period in February 1998, the scheme will be reviewed before deciding whether full implementation territory-wide should be proceeded. Authorised persons and registered structural engineers as well as the Real Estate Developers' Association have been consulted and are supportive of the pilot scheme. The Works Bureau has written to over 1,800 individuals/organisations last week about the pilot scheme. End 6. Phase I of Measles Vaccination Campaign ends next week ****************************************************** The first phase of the Special Measles Vaccination Campaign targeted at teenagers between 12 and 19 would end on September 6. The Department of Health urged people in this age group who had not received the second dose measles vaccine to do so in the next week. A spokesman for the Department said: "So far the Campaign has been running smoothly and orderly since it was launched in July. "To date, more than 340,000 young people have already received the measles vaccination, representing 58.7 per cent of the eligible target population in this age group." He pointed out that the next phase of the Campaign targeted at children aged one to 11 would begin on September 8. There would be two separate arrangements for children aged one to five and primary school children aged six to 11. Children aged one to five who had not received the measles vaccine before or who had received only one dose of the vaccine should come forward for vaccination between September 8 and November 15. Vaccination would be given free of charge at the Department's 63 General Out-patient Clinics (GOPC) and 49 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHC). Appointment discs for vaccination are now available. For persons aged six to 11 or those studying in primary schools, vaccination would be given at their schools by inoculation teams from DH between September and November this year. Alternatively, members of the public might also obtain vaccination from their private doctors at their own expense. For enquiries, members of the public can call the special hotline on measles on Tel. No: 2833 0111. End 7. Employer of visitors jailed nine months *************************************** A supervisor of a vehicle demolition company received a nine-month imprisonment sentence at Western Magistracy for employing nine Pakistan and Chinese visitors, an Immigration Department spokesperson said today (Friday). The 53-year-old defendant pleaded guilty on August 28 to nine charges of being the employer of a person not lawfully employable. He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment on each charge, to be run concurrently. The eight Pakistan visitors and a Chinese visitor was each convicted of one count of taking up employment without the permission from the Director of Immigration. Among the eight, a 26-year-old Pakistan defendant also pleaded guilty to a count of using a false travel document. Another 29-year-old Pakistan defendant was convicted of a count of possessing a false instrument, namely a pair of bogus immigration arrival and departure stamps on his passport. The eight Pakistan defendants were given imprisonment sentences ranged from a one-month suspended jail sentence to 12 months imprisonment. The Chinese visitor received a one- month imprisonment sentence, suspended for 18 months. Immigration officers conducted an anti-illegal worker operation at Fung Kutt Heung, Yuen Long last Friday (August 22). They found the nine visitors moving motorcycles spare parts inside the engineer company. The supervisor and the nine were arrested for further enquiry. Subsequent investigation showed that the eight Pakistan visitors came to Hong Kong between October 1995 to May 1997. They had overstayed for one month to 22 months. The Chinese visitors, a nephew of the supervisor, arrived Hong Kong in August for sightseeing. He was allowed to stay until August 31. The eight Pakistan defendants all admitted that they were aware of their visitor status and were not allowed to work in Hong Kong. They approached the supervisor to work as causal workers for a daily wage from $100 to $200 and another $1,100 for them to share. The Chinese visitor got $1,000 as reward. The supervisor admitted that even knowing the nine were visitors to Hong Kong, he still recruited them to work at the demolition company. He employed them without inspecting their proves of identity. The Immigration spokesperson warned that it is an offence for anyone to employ someone who is not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and to imprisonment for three years. "Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration," said the spokesperson. "Those who breach the conditions of stay are liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for two years," added the spokesperson. End 8. Airport Core Programme achievement enhanced HK's image ****************************************************** The professionalism and capability demonstrated in the Airport Core Programme (ACP) had enhanced Hong Kong's image as a service centre for infrastructure projects in the Asia- Pacific region, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Provisional Legislative Council, Mr Ronald Arculli, said today (Friday). In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Lantau Link Visitors Centre delivered by his Provisional Legislative Council colleague Mrs Miriam Lau in his absence, Mr Arculli said the success in the ACP - completion of eight of the 10 ACP projects all on schedule and within budget - had made Hong Kong well acclaimed for its capability in cost control and project management of great infrastructure development. "Many overseas organisations, government, business, trade, professional and academic alike, have visited us and made enquiries with a view to sharing our experience in building and managing mega projects. "I am sure our expertise acquired through the ACP will ensure us a fair share in the US$1.5 trillion infrastructure development cake in the Asia-Pacific region in the next 10 to 20 years," Mr Arculli said. He noted that the overall costs of the ACP had been reduced twice, from the original $164 billion to $158.2 billion in January 1994, and then to $156.4 billion in October 1996. "As Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Provisional Legislative Council, and as a legislator who has been involved in the ACP since its inception in 1991," Mr Arculli said, "I would like to offer my hearty congratulations to those involved for doing so well in cost control." "As the ACP is now entering its final stage, I look forward to your sustaining the excellent record in the past years and completing the remaining two projects, the new Airport and the Airport Railway, on time and within budget," he said. Speaking on the same occasion, Secretary for Works Mr Kwong Hon-sang said the visitors centre served to pay tribute to all who had been involved in the planning and construction of the Lantau Link - architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, workers and government officers. "It also provides the public with a vantage point to look at the remarkable landmark of Hong Kong for generations to come," he said. The Lantau Link Visitors Centre is set up by the New Airport Projects Co-ordination Office (NAPCO), which has also provided the adjacent viewing platform at North West Tsing Yi Interchange and the ACP Exhibition Centre at Ting Kau. Director of NAPCO, Mr Billy Lam, said that together with the viewing platform, the centre would allow the general public a good appreciation of not only the beauty of the Lantau Link, but also the tremendous challenges in its construction and maintenance. There are car parking facilities at the visitors centre. The public can also go there using bus services. On display at the centre are models and photographs as well as samples of materials, such as cables and bolts, used in the construction of the bridges. Two computer games will test visitors' knowledge of the Lantau Link. Outside the centre is a section of the main suspension cable of Tsing Ma Bridge. The centre is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 6.30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. It is closed on Wednesday, except when it is a public holiday. The centre will also be closed during the Christmas holidays, New Year's Day and the Lunar New Year holidays. Admission is free. The viewing platform is open throughout the year from 7 am to 10.30 pm from Sunday to Friday, and from 7 am to 1.30 am the following day on Saturday and public holidays. A bus route 243R running from Lai Chi Kok MTR station to the centre operates from 9.30 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Enquiries about the centre can be made at 2495 5825. End 9. Technical Memorandum for supervision plans ****************************************** A Technical Memorandum prescribing details in respect of supervision plans required to be lodged with the Building Authority (BA) under the Buildings Ordinance is gazetted today (Friday). A Government spokesman said that to tighten controls over the safety of building works and street works, building professionals would be required to lodge supervision plans with the BA before they could commence such works. "The move is to minimize hazards from building works and street works, thereby reducing the risk to the workers on site, persons around the sites and adjoining buildings, structures and land," the spokesman said. Building works include construction, site formation, ground investigation, foundation, demolition, alteration and addition works, whereas street works include the construction, formation or laying out of any private street or access road. Major points of the Technical Memorandum, which provides a framework for site safety management, include: (a) the circumstances in which a supervision plan is not required for building works or street works; (b) the procedures, timing, sequence of submission, form and content of a supervision plan; (c) the classes of supervision that the BA identifies as appropriate to various types of building works and street works, having regard to the complexity of specific building works or street works, the manpower required and level of supervision required for each of the classes of (d) the management structure to ensure site safety, the manpower required for each element of the management structure, the qualifications and experience of the personnel involved and the specific tasks to be associated in each element of the management structure; (e) the means for the drawing up of a supervision plan for specific jobs taking into account an appraisal of the hazard of the site and the works, the method statements for the safe execution of the works and the precautionary and protective measures to overcome the risk; and (f) the circumstances where notification in retrospect of minor deviations from a supervision plan may be permitted and the procedures for proposed or actual deviations from a supervision plan. "The detailed criteria and means of determining the classes to which particular building works or street works belong will be stipulated in a Code of Practice to be issued later this year. The building industry will be consulted in drawing up the code," the spokesman said. Authorised Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Contractors will be subject to disciplinary actions which include a maximum fine of $250,000 if - (a) they have drawn up supervision plans that do not comply with the material requirements of the Ordinance; (b) they have repeatedly drawn up supervision plans that do not comply with the requirements of the Ordinance; or (c) they have permitted material deviations/deviated in a material manner from the supervision plans without reasonable causes. The spokesman said the viability of the construction industry would not be adversely affected by the requirements of the Technical Memorandum as better safety standards at construction sites resulting from the proposals would benefit both the general public and construction workers by reducing the number of accidents and the number of working days lost. The Land and Building Advisory Committee, and its Building Sub-Committee, the Authorised Persons and Registered Structural Engineer Committee, the Hong Kong Construction Association and the Real Estate Developers Association have been consulted over the Technical Memorandum and their views have been taken into account when it was finalised. The Technical Memorandum will be tabled in the Provisional Legislative Council on September 3, 1997. It is expected to come into operation by the end of the year on a date to be appointed by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands. End 10. Parking demand and supply ************************* In response to media enquiries on the Consumer Council's Report on Car parking in Private Residential Developments, a spokesman for the Transport Department said that the figures relating to supply and demand for domestic car parking spaces as quoted in the report are taken from the department's 1995 Parking Demand Study and relate to the situation which existed in March 1994. Since completion of the study, an inter-departmental working group chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Transport has been co-ordinating and monitoring the implementation of measures recommended therein. "According to a more recent assessment based on the situation as at December 1996, the supply and demand of domestic car parking spaces has increased to 290,000 and 291,000 respectively," the spokesman said. "Therefore, on a territory wide basis the supply and demand of domestic car parking spaces is more or less balanced. "Nevertheless we acknowledge that shortfalls still exist in certain districts particularly the Eastern District, Yuen Long and Yau Tsim Mong. To address the shortfall in such areas, the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines has been revised to introduce a range of parking provision for residential developments. A standard towards the high side will be adopted in those areas with shortfalls. "Regarding the recommendations in the Consumer Council's report, the department welcomes the suggestions made to address consumer concern." In relation to paragraph 2.5 of the report, the spokesman stressed that Government has not imposed any restraints on the provision of car parking spaces since 1981. End 11. Gradings of beach water quality announced ***************************************** The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Friday) released its latest beach water quality monitoring results to inform swimmers and the public about the water quality of the beaches in Hong Kong. The beach grading results are announced weekly on every Friday during the bathing season to coincide with the weekly frequency of beach monitoring by EPD. Under EPD's monitoring system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the most recent trends in E. coli data collected. Among the 37 beaches, seven are found to be in "good" condition (Grade 1), 16 "fair" (Grade 2), 12 "poor" (Grade 3) and two "very poor" (Grade 4). "Grade 1" beaches include: Hairpin (S) Lo So Shing (S) South Bay (S) Hap Mun Bay (S) Cheung Sha Upper (S) Kiu Tsui (S) Hung Shing Yeh (S) "Grade 2" beaches include: Chung Hom Kok (S) Cheung Sha Lower Deep Water Bay (S) Discovery Bay* Middle Bay (S) Kwun Yam Wan (S) Repulse Bay (S) Tong Fuk (S) Shek O (S) Pui O (S) St. Stephen's (S) Tung Wan on Cheung Chau (S) Turtle Cove (S) Clear Water Bay 1st (S) Stanley Main (S) Trio (Hebe Haven) (S) "Grade 3" beaches include: Big Wave Bay (S) Tung Wan on Ma Wan (S) Silvermine Bay (S) Old Cafeteria Clear Water Bay 2nd (S) New Cafeteria (S) Silverstrand (S) Golden Beach (S) Hoi Mei Wan Kadoorie (S) Lido (S) Butterfly (S) "Grade 4" beaches include: Casam (S) Gemini Note: * Non-gazetted beach (S) Shark prevention net installed The grades of South Bay and Cheung Sha Upper have changed from "2" to "1"; Deep Water Bay, Middle Bay and Clear Water Bay 1st from "3" to "2"; Silvermine Bay, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido from "4" to "3"; Clear Water Bay 2nd from "2" to "3". These changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of these beaches. In general, many beaches are likely to be more polluted than the grades suggested during and after periods of heavy rain. Hence, bathers should avoid swimming at beaches, particularly Grade 3 and 4 beaches, for a few days after a storm or heavy rainfall. The public are reminded that Grade 4 beaches are generally considered unsuitable for swimming at any time. At present, five gazetted beaches, namely Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Castle Peak and Rocky Bay, are closed to swimmers based on the beach water quality monitoring data for 1996. End 12. Works to improve water supply system in NT ****************************************** The Water Supplies Department will carry out a number of construction works in the New Territories later this year to improve the water supply system. The first project, due to start in December, is to build Stage II of the Tan Kwai Tsuen Fresh Water Service Reservoir to improve water supply from northern Tuen Mun to Yuen Long. The reservoir will have a capacity of 37,000 cubic metres. Works will also include laying associated watermains and drainage pipes. Upon completion of this stage in about 21 months, the service reservoir will be capable of meeting the total daily demand for 97,000 cubic metres from areas stretching from northern Tuen Mun to Yuen Long beyond 2004. Meanwhile, the department will build a header tank in Chuen Lung, Tsuen Wan, to provide fresh water supply to some 2,900 local villagers. At present, villagers have to rely on stream water or well water to meet their need. The Department will also lay about 2.5 kilometres of fresh water mains in Wo Yi Hop and Chuen Lung with diameters ranging from 150 to 300 millimetres. The project will begin in December and complete in a year. It forms part of the Wo Yi Hop Phase I programme to improve fresh water supply for residents of the Wo Yi Hop village extension area. End 13. Consultancy study to speed up Tung Chung development **************************************************** The Territory Development Department (TDD) today (Friday) commissioned a consultancy study on the feasibility of speeding up the development of Tung Chung and Tai Ho in North Lantau. "As part of the Government's effort to increase land production to boost housing supply, we intend to speed up the development by redefining the remaining three phases into two phases," a TDD spokesman said. "Phase 1 is one of the ten Airport Core Programme projects and is largely completed while Phase 2 is in progress for completion in 2002," the spokesman said. "These two phases will provide homes for about 88,000," he added. "To meet medium and long-term housing demand, there is a need to redefine the remaining development in two phases instead of three," he said. "The original target population of 120,000 will be increased to 216,000 upon completion of Phase 3 by 2006, and from 210,000 to 320,000 upon completion of Phase 4 by 2011," he added. "The consultants have been asked to make recommendations on the scope of these two phases of developments in order to meet the revised population targets", the spokesman said. The study will cover such areas as planning, engineering, environment, transport and traffic, drainage and geology. It will also look into the feasibility of a cable car route running from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping for tourists. An agreement on the consultancy study was signed today between Project Manager/Hong Kong Island and Islands of the TDD, Mr Cheung Tai-yan, and representatives of the Mott Connell Ltd. End 14. A roving exhibition on STD awareness ************************************ A roving exhibition will be held from today (Friday) to September to arouse public awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The exhibition is organised by the Department of Health's Social Hygiene Service (SHS), which is tasked with the prevention, control and treatment of STDs in the territory. In the second quarter of 1997, the Service treated 5,188 STD cases, representing an increase of 3.1 per cent when compared with 5,032 cases in the same period last year. The majority of STD patients are young, with 64 per cent of them aged between 20 and 40. The male-to-female ratio was 1.7 to 1. Among all the STD cases diagnosed, the greatest increase was in primary syphilis, although it accounted for only a small percentage of all cases recorded. Fifty-six cases of primary syphilis were diagnosed in this quarter, compared to 31 cases in the same period last year. The exhibition will be held in all Social Hygiene Clinics and the Red Ribbon Centre, as well as in the following housing estates: Lei Tung Estate (August 29 - September 4), Oi Man Estate (September 4-10), Tai Wo Estate (September 10-16) and Cheung Fat Estate (September 16-22). New posters and publicity cards are produced and distributed to drive home the message proper use of quality condom and avoidance of multiple sex partners are the most important methods of preventing STD. Information concerning STDs can also be obtained at the following hotlines: AIDS Hotline 2780 2211 and Dr Sex Hotline 2337 2121. End 15. Reports on the 1995 Annual Economic Surveys now on sale ******************************************************* The following five reports on the 1995 annual economic surveys have recently been published by the Census & Statistics Department and are now on sale: * Report on 1995 Annual Survey of Industrial Production ($46); * Report on 1995 Annual Survey of Building, Construction and Real Estate Sectors ($26); * Report on 1995 Annual Survey of Wholesale, Retail and Import and Export Trades, Restaurants and Hotels ($48); * Report on 1995 Annual Survey of Transport and Related Services ($22); and * Report on 1995 Annual Survey of Storage, Communication, Financing, Insurance and Business Services ($36). These reports are bilingual publications in English and Chinese. They contain a wide range of statistics on the structural and operating characteristics of various economic activities for the reference year 1995, based on data collected from establishments engaged in those activities. Examples of statistical items included in the reports are: * number of establishments, number of persons engaged; * compensation of employees; * gross output, sales of goods, business receipts and other income; * value added (a measure of contribution to gross domestic product); * purchases of goods and materials; * other operating expenses; and * gross additions to fixed assets. Apart from statistics relating to the year 1995, the reports also contain summary statistics for the year 1993 and 1994 to facilitate comparison in recent years. The statistics contained in the reports are useful to both the Government and the private sector in formulating policies and making decisions. Copies of the reports may be purchased at the Government Publications Centre of the Information Services Department, Ground Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; and the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. End 16. Monetary statistics for July 1997 ********************************* According to statistics published today (Friday) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the growth of deposits and loans and advances both moderated during July 1997. Deposits The rise of total deposits slowed to 0.5% in July, from 1.1% in June. The increase was mainly contributed by a 1.8% rise in HK dollar deposits, which more than compensated for a fall of 1.4% in foreign currency deposits. During the month, HK dollar demand deposits surged by 4.1%, after declining by 2.7% in June, while time deposits continued to grow by 3%, having increased by 3.4% in the previous month. On the other hand, savings deposits declined by 2.1%, following a rise of 1.9% in the previous month. The rise in time deposits was partly due to the offering of higher deposit rates by banks to attract Hong Kong dollar funds in response to higher interbank rates. US dollar foreign currency deposits rose by a modest 0.5% in July, after decreasing by 1.2% in the previous month, while non-US dollar foreign currency deposits declined markedly by 3.1%, following a fall of 0.6% in June. The fall of non-US dollar foreign currency deposits was largely due to the valuation effect stemming from a stronger US dollar, to which the Hong Kong dollar is linked. Loans and advances Total loans and advances fell by 0.6% in July, having increased by 2.4% in June. Domestic credit expansion slowed for four months in a row to 1.3% in July, as both loans for trade financing and other local loans grew more moderately in the month. Meanwhile, offshore loans fell by 2.5%, having increased by 3.3% in the previous month. Analysed by currency, HK dollar loans were up by 1.9% in July while foreign currency loans decreased by 2.2%. As the expansion of HK dollar loans was marginally faster than that of HK dollar deposits, the HK dollar loan-to-deposit ratio edged up from 107.6% at end-June to 107.7% at end- July. Money supply HK$M1 picked up by 1.5% in July, as the increase in HK dollar demand deposits more than offset the 2.6% fall in currency held by the public. HK$M2 and HK$M3 expanded by 1.7% during the month. Compared to a year earlier, HK$M1, HK$M2 and HK$M3 rose by 14.9%, 25.0% and 24.7% respectively. End 17. Foreign exchange reserves figure as at end of July 1997 ******************************************************* The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (Friday) announced that the official foreign exchange reserves of Hong Kong, including those held in the Land Fund, were US$81.7 billion at the end of July 1997 (end-June: US$82.9 billion), placing Hong Kong at the fifth position in world ranking. As at end of July, the foreign reserves held in the Exchange Fund were US$66.1 billion (end-June: US$67.6 billion) and those in the Land Fund were US$15.6 billion (end-June: US$15.3 billion). The slight decrease of the Exchange Fund foreign reserves was due to seasonal factors. "US dollars were used to redeem currency notes in July as currency in circulation returned to normal levels after the relatively high level over the long weekend at the end of June. July was also one of the drier months of the year when Government had to draw down its fiscal reserves placed with the Exchange Fund," said an HKMA spokesman. The foreign reserves figures published exclude forward transactions yet to be settled. Including forward transactions, the foreign reserves held in the Exchange Fund and the Land Fund were US$68.6 billion and US$15.7 billion respectively. Exchange Fund Foreign Currency Assets (US$ billion) Excluding Net Including forward forward forward transactions transactions transactions March 95 52.4 (0.2) 52.2 June 95 53.6 - 53.6 September 95 51.8 2.8 54.6 December 95 55.4 1.8 57.2 March 96 58.1 1.7 59.8 June 96 57.3 2.7 60.0 September 96 55.4 6.7 62.1 December 96 63.8 5.7 69.6 January 97 65.9 5.2 71.1 February 97 63.8 4.3 68.1 March 97 63.4 4.3 67.7 April 97 63.6 4.0 67.6 May 97 66.6 1.8 68.4 June 97 67.6 2.1 69.7 July 97 66.1 2.5 68.6 Foreign Exchange Reserves Ranking 1. Japan US$222 billion Jul 97 2. China US$126 billion Jul 97 3. Taiwan US$ 89 billion Jul 97 4. Germany US$ 85 billion Jun 97 5. Hong Kong US$ 81 billion Jul 97 Singapore US$ 81 billion Jun 97 6. US US$ 70 billion May 97 7. Spain US$ 64 billion Jun 97 8. Brazil US$ 58 billion May 97 9. Italy US$ 45 billion Jun 97 Source: HKMA, IFS, Reuters End 18. Special stamps on 1997 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings ***************************************************** The acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, announced today (Friday) that a set of special stamps on the theme of 1997 World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings will be issued on September 21 (Sunday). The set of stamps commemorates the 1997 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the IMF held in Hong Kong from September 23 to 25. The stamps depict some of the services which help Hong Kong maintain its role as an international financial and service centre in Asia. The set includes a $1.30 stamp (finance and banking), a $2.50 stamp (investment and stock exchange), a $3.10 stamp (trade and telecommunications) and a $5.00 stamp (infrastructure and transport). "This set of stamps is printed in lithography stochastic, a new printing method which produces sharper images and is the first time used on Hong Kong stamps," Mr Luk said. "A new pane layout of 25 stamps, each without gutter will also be introduced. The stamps are designed by Mr Colin Tillyer and printed by Ashton-Potter (Canada) Ltd.," he added. Starting from tomorrow (Saturday), the stamps will be on display for advance information of the public at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Sha Tin Central Post Office. Official first day covers will also be put on sale at all post offices at $1 each as from the same day. Advance orders for mint stamps, serviced first day covers and presentation packs will be accepted at all post offices from tomorrow to September 5 (Friday). No handling fee will be charged. "There is no limit on the order quantity but the minimum is five sets of stamps or five serviced first day covers. The order will be available for customers' collection as from October 13 at the post office where the order is placed," Mr Luk said. Meanwhile, a beautifully designed presentation pack containing the four stamps will be available for sale at $20 each at all post offices as from September 21. It can also be ordered through the advance order service. A restriction of ten sheets of stamps of each denomination (250 sets of stamps) and two presentation packs per customer queuing will be imposed on the first day of issue on September 21 and on subsequent days while stocks last. Mr Luk pointed out that on the first day of issue, hand-back service would be provided at all post offices to official and privately-made covers bearing indication of the first day of issue on September 21. "A special postmark will also be introduced. A GPO-1 hand stamp will be available for hand-back service at all 22 philatelic offices." All post offices will be opened on September 21 from 8 am to 4 pm. However, counter services provided will be restricted to sale of the new stamps and acceptance of registered mails. At the same time, the public hall of the Philatelic Bureau on the first floor, 681 Cheung Sha Wan Road will be opened for datestamping covers with the 'Junk' pictorial postmark from 8 am to 4 pm on September 21. End
