A fun filled tour to Toronto

A wonderful visit to Toronto, Canada

 

First day : (Toronto time : 30.10.'13)(Wednesday)

It’s nine thirty at night when I arrived at Toronto.   

It’s ten o’clock when I reached Comfort Hotel Downtown.  We checked in and lived in 1011.  Such a good number with three ‘one’!  

We went to a Korean restaurant.  The chicken’s tasty. 



Second day : (Toronto time : 31.10.'13)(Thursday)

The following morning we woke up at eight o’clock but I was sleepy.  After taking a quick breakfast in the hotel, we went sight-seeing.  

First stop, we went to Yonge Street.  We strolled around.  We went to ‘Tsui Yuen’ ‘yum cha’.  Then we returned to hotel to sleep until it’s around six o’clock in the evening.  We then went to the China Town where was interesting with Chinese shops.  They sold many local products, however, with Chinese sellers.  They spoke politely with a smile on their faces.  I love it.  We then had our supper in ‘ma ma dumplings’.  The food was very tasty, especially the wonton soup.   

On the way to China Town, we visited the University of Toronto.  It was big.

 
 

Third day : (Toronto time : 1.11.'13)(Friday)

After taking a quick breakfast in hotel, we went sight-seeing.  We took the subway to Kipling.  It was the last station for the west direction of Toronto.  We got on the bus no. ‘192’ to go to the Pearson International Airport.  We found out the departure in Terminal 3 and noted the Cathy Pacific airline.  This was the co. we had to take the air tickets. 

Then we went to the Union Station.  We enjoyed the beautiful sceneries of the Lake Ontario.  There were many ducks, swallows swimming by the side of the dock.  We enjoyed the cakes in a small caf'e shop, too. 

After supper in a restaurant, we returned to hotel to get some rest.

  


Fourth day : (Toronto time : 2.11.2013) Saturday

We ate at 9:30 am.  We started our excursion in the subway.  We got on the subway train at Bloor-Yonge station.  We alighted at Queen's Park.  There were many black squirrels in the Park. 
The greenery scenery was attractive.  There were many beautiful buildings around it.  We visited the Faculty of Music building. 

We got along the south direction to the Union Station.   It was big and crowdy.  We visited the CN Tower and intended to see the belugas at  Marineland nearby.   However, the time was already too late to entrance.  We visited the play equipments and ate some ice-cream.  Then we went to the Vietnam Food Restaurant to have our supper.  The food was good.  We wandered along the Yonge Street and the Bloor.  There were many tall buildings.  I like the view.

Then we went back to hotel.



Fifth day : (Toronto time : 3.11.2013)(Sunday)

It was late when we were awaken.  We took the breakfast in the hotel restaurant.  We went sightseeing afterwards.  We intended to go to the Niagara Falls.  We chose a right destination!  It's great!

We found out the bus in Dunas Street Bus Terminal.  The travel bus was organised by Greyhound Canada Trans Co.  It's route no. 7.  After one and a half hour passing the countryside, distant houses and the big fields, we reached the traffic gate.  We had no idea of the gate only when the migration officer told us that we had to return to Canada.  It's because we had no visa to USA.  The boundary was the entrance of the America.  We walked through the big bridge to find that we were in a film's spot!

Niagara Falls

 

Niagara Falls

It's late when we had returned to Toronto downtown.  We took supper in 'siu shatin restaurant' in China Town District.  The food was very delicious.  We were tired when we entered the hotel room.



Sixth day : (Toronto time : 4.11.2013) (Monday)

As above, we took a very quick breakfast. 
We started our journey.  But, we were very tired.  We slept all day.  Maybe it's because of jetlag.

At about three thirty in the afternoon, we began to go to Toronto Zoo.  We loaded on Yonge station subway and carried on eastwards.   We got off in Kennedy Station.   Then, we transitted Bus No. 86A to get to the Toronto Zoo.  When we arrived at the spot, the Zoo had already closed.  We then returned to hotel.



Seventh day : (Toronto time : 5.11.2013)(Tuesday)

We started our journey early in the morning after breakfast.  We went to the Toronto Zoo.  We saw big pandas, birds, jacquers, parrots, snakes, marine fishes, horses...etc.  We're very happy.  I appreciated the fresh air, too.

We went to the town to have lunch.  We visited Castleolem afterwards.  The old castles were built by a very wealthy man 150 years ago.  They were very fabulous.  I like them.  We took our supper in 'siu shatin' once more for it's a good restaurant.  We got on '510' cable tram to return to hotel.

 

Eighth day : (Toronto time : 6.11.2013) (Wednesday)

We arrived at the Toronto Pearson Terminal at 10 o'clock.  We checked in at 10:30 a.m.  We met our friends in the airport.  The flight started at 2:15 pm.  We arrived at Hong Kong at HK Time 6:30 pm  (7.11.2013) after fifteen hours of flight.   We took the meals on the aeroplane.


On the whole, I appreciated the opportunity to go to Toronto on individual visit scheme.  I enjoyed it very much.  I gained much knowledge about Toronto especially its traffic network.  I am sure I'll be happier when I visit it next time.

Thank you.

Mary.

記一次義務工作的經過和感想

記一次義務工作的經過和感想

 

我的鄰居笑琼是一位「明愛」的幹事，她邀請我去做義工，探訪獨居老人，我當然樂意去探訪她，並替她清理家居。

 

雖然我是一位六十歲的年青長者，我是精力充沛的；雖然如此，對於獨居老人郤有共鳴，身同感受，並且心裏也會有担心的事情及憂慮前途…..等等。

 

這是一位公共屋邨裏的獨居長者，名叫玲姐，她營營役役，早上去晨運，回家後煲粥給自己吃，然後執拾房間，再到街市買餸菜，然後回家煮食。當我到達她的家門時，她正從外面回家。

 

她那沒有牙齒的面容給我留下深刻的印象，表達出她心裏的驚喜和盼望。

 

我們寒喧一番後，便替她清理屋子，推門而入，發現她的房子亂七八糟，我便使盡平生努力，大約過了三小時後，屋子變得窗明几淨，份外温馨。

 

黃昏的時候，我向玲姐道別，並祝她身體健康。

 

回到家門時, 我感覺極之暢快，心情極好，果然，助人是一件快樂的事情。

 

Mary

 

(350字)

萬里長城

三山五岳騰巨龍，

人間勝景問長城。

秋天的晚上

秋天的晚上

炎炎的夏日晚上已經靜悄悄的溜走了，我最喜歡的秋天晚上已經悄悄的到來，秋天有著一種奇妙的魔法，晚上當你在家中覺得很悶熱的時候，到外面散散步、透透氣，放鬆身心，你會發現在這個時候不但沒有夏天晚上那悶熱、討厭的感覺；也不會有冬天濕濕冷冷的感覺。

夏天的晚上十一時我才睡，可现在呢？秋天到了，你也知道，天色迅速地暗淡起來，我總是想著快速地，提早準備舒服地躺在床上，要不然，睡遲了，早上便睡過了上班的時間。

我愛秋天的晚上，在秋天的晚上獨自一人坐在窗前的座椅上吹著涼爽的秋風，欣賞我最喜歡的「緊張大師」希治閣的偵探電影，觀看到半途時，想休息一下的時候，再望望眼前那又大又圓的月亮，再加上甜美的葡萄果子，吃上一口濃郁的朱古力，朱古力少少苦澀的味道加上一點甜甜酸酸的葡萄味道還有百力芝的口感，好像有著比平常在夏天的晚上的葡萄果子還會甜上好幾倍，繼續看我的偵探電影，真是人生的一大享受啊!


我喜歡秋天晚上，在秋天的晚上有著一種奇妙的魔力，它會派涼爽的晚風來把你那悶熱、心浮氣燥的心情帶走，到公園散散步，海邊踱踱步，當我回到家中的時候，你已經把所有的煩惱和不愉快的事情通通忘掉，就好像變了另一個人似的。

我只能說秋天的晚上這個時段是每天中最具有安撫人心和最美麗的時刻。

最後我只能說我愛上了秋天的晚上。


Mary

(532字)

Summer memories @ 2013 (夏日的回憶)


Time flies. It seemed it was only yesterday when I attended the English evening class. I took part in the DSEEE and scored good marks.

In this summer period, I re-decorated my house. The works are completed and the house looks very comfortable and bright. I visited the famous tourist spots in Hong Kong, too. I strolled around outlying islands. I enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful sceneries very much indeed.

I appreciate the evening school English teacher. Her inspiring words are wonderful and positive. Her proactive manners are very respectable and active, resulted her students’ English standard to have been improved to a great level. I got the champion, a reward and a cheque given by the institute as the rewarding merit, were achieved.

I will be on retirement next month. I’ve planned a lot of activities to be carried out afterwards. They are travelling plans, living in bungalows, studying, taking care of young babies, cleaning houses, making clothes, planting some potted flowers, meeting interesting people…etc. Most of all, I’ll attend the culinary class to cook some tasty food for my family.

Of course, I should take good care of my health. Keeping hopeful and happy is the utmost important thing to do every day. Mary

Good Manners

Good Manners !

－    Wait your turn.

－    Use polite words.

－    Listen carefully.

－    Cooperate with others.

－    Show your appreciation.

－    Give compliments.

知足常樂，潔心良藥。

A fishing ship in the Victoria Harbour, HK

 

Sub-divided flats

PART B

For questions 2-9, choose ONE question and write about 550 words in the space provided on Pages 6-8.  Mark which question you are going to attempt using the question number box on Page 6.

Learning English through Social Issues

A local TV station is looking for input for a series they are producing on 'Issues for the Next Generation'.  They are asking young people to submit aritcles on various topics, the best of which will be turned into a TV report.  Write an article on one future issue.  Your article may cover one or more of the following aspects : its potential advantages and disadvantages, its implications, your feelings about it, and how it can be solved in the future.

The sub-divided flats in Hong Kong.

     The following issue is for the next generation and TV programme. 

     As Hong Kong is a small place with a huge population, housing problem has plagued HK for a long time.

     Sub-divided flats are a key housing problem nowadays and a key-point for the next generation.  Sub-divided flats usually exist in old and shabby buildings.  They are formed by dividing a flat into different small rooms so that the owner can ripe higher profit as the same flat can be rented out to a number of tenants.

     The problem with these sub-divided flats is that unauthorised alterations and additions and structural changes are done to the building in the process of converting one single flat into a number of smaller flats.  Some are even bed-space tenants.  The problem of sub-divided flats affects mainly the HK citizens to a wide extent, especially the grass-roots.  The grass-roots can only afford to live in these low-rent sub-divided flats.  Indeed, it is a grief to live in such bad living environment.

     There are numerous problems living in these sub-divided flats.  The bad hygienic conditions, that is, shared toilets, as well as shared cooking, water, electiricity facilities raised many potential risks.  The residents often quarrel with each other, because of the congested environment and close contact.  The bad elements from triad societies easily penetrate into buildings with these sub-divided flats.  Talking on phones is easily overheard by others.  Moreover, the letters in the letter boxes are easily damaged or stolen.  People of different cultures, languages, originals and religions living in close proximity will easily lead to misunderstanding.  These people lead a hard life.  They are not willing to live in these unpleasant places.  However, they have no other alternatives.

    The fire in November 2011 in Fa Yuen Street raised public awareness on the safety of sub-divided flats.  Nine persons were killed in the blaze.  Many sub-divided flats existed in old buildings in Mongkok.  Since the fire was such a big disaster, the HKSARG paid great attention to the case.  The Chief Executive C Y LEUNG proposed ten methods/measures, or to put in a better way, ten initiatives to solve the problem.  However, the property price is still soaring significantly.

    It is good to note that the residents are being settled to live in public housing flats.

    Voices from citizens of HK echo loudly in the positive in recent days.

     It is estimated that the government cannot solve it for the time being.  But we must be optimistic that the problem of sub-divided flats will be solved in the near future.  Giving time to the HKSARG to work is the most appreciated thing to do nowadays.

     Sub-divided flats existed in HK for a long time because of their low-price rents.  The grass-roots and citizens need subsidized housing flats.  The HKSARG should build more public flats to accommodate them.

     I feel sad to hear the news of the Fa Yuen Street fire.  Fire can damage the structure of the buildings, too.

     The government should find more land to building public housing.  The New Territories and outlying islands such as Lantau Island and Cheung Chau are good choices.  The coastline should be expanded to building more housing estates.  Recently, there are plans suggested by HKSARG to reverse the factories into residential flats.  Why not distribute them to the residents living in those sub-divided flats?

     In view of the above possibilities, I am sure the problem of sub-divided flats will be solved.

Mary
13.3.2013

(556 words.)

FOOD NOT BOMBS

Food Not Bombs

 

Have you ever been touched by images of poverty and war and wanted to do something to stop them?  If so, you should consider joining Food Not Bombs.  This volunteer movement is dedicated to ending hunger, war and poverty through direct action, not just empty protests.  It is one of the fastest growing humanitarian movements in the world.

 

The first Food Not Bombs chapter was formed by a group of anti-nuclear protesters in Massachusetts, USA in 1980 and there are now hundreds of chapters throughout the world.  The group has three main beliefs.  Firstly, as their name suggests, they believe that all the money, time and energy currently being spent on war should be spent on food for the hungry.  For example, the United States Government now estimates that the war in Iraq will end up costing more than 500 billion dollar – that amount of money could end world hunger many times over.

 

Secondly, they believe that world hunger is not due to a shortage of food, but to the unnecessary wastage and unequal distribution of food.  It is a fact that the world produces more than enough food to feed every single person.  However, it is also a fact that not enough of it reaches the mouths of those who need it the most, and a huge proportion actually ends up being wasted.  For example, every year more than 160 billion kilograms of food is produced in the United States.  Nearly a third of that food – 45 billion kilograms – is wasted by retailers, restaurants, and consumers.  As another example, Hong Kong Government figures show that over 9 million kilograms of food is wasted in Hong Kong every year.  That constitutes around one third of the city’s total waste. 

 

The third main belief of Food Not Bombs is that a vegetarian diet should be encouraged because it is both healthy and does not involve killing.  People can get very sick from eating fish, meat or poultry that has not been cooked properly, or has begun to spoil.  However, with vegetarian food, there is a much smaller risk of people developing health problems from food spoilage.  Furthermore, because a vegetarian diet does not contribute to the suffering of animals, Food Not Bombs believes that it is preferable to a meat-based diet.

 

Every Food Not Bombs chapter, no matter where in the world it is located, acts according to these three core beliefs.  However, the chapters can decide for themselves how best they will try to help the people in their community.  Many chapters do things like visit grocery stores, bakeries and markets to collect food that would otherwise be thrown away, and go ‘dumpster-diving’ to recover usable food that has already been thrown out.  They then use this food to cook free, healthy vegetarian meals which are served in public places to anyone who would like one.

 

That is not all they do, however.  They also work to reduce the amount of waste – not just food waste – that society generates by helping redistribute it to people who are in need.  A good example of this is the ‘Really Free Market’ that is held every two months by the chapter of Food Not Bombs in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Food Not Bombs volunteers accept donations of things that people no longer need – children’s toys, old clothes, furniture and so on – and display them at the Really Free Market.  People who visit the market are welcome to take what they need – free of charge.  The market helps the Christchurch community in several ways.  Firstly it is an excellent way for people to dispose of things they no longer need.  Secondary, it reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise go into a landfill.  Thirdly, it helps people who do not have much money provide for their families, and fourthly, it helps build a stronger sense of community.

 

Whether they can actually stop war or poverty is questionable, however it is true that they don’t just shout slogans and wave signs.  One of the major factors separating modern anti-war activist groups like Food Not Bombs from earlier anti-war groups is that instead of just complaining about things they don’t like, these people are actually doing something productive.  Their actions directly address society’s inequalities, by providing food for the people that need it and spreading an anti-war message, all at the same time.

以泥鰍魚、黑豆、黑芝麻、陳皮及薑煲湯，可養血生髮，抗血管硬化，增加免疫力。

Task 5

You're Charlie Hung.  Write a letter of thanks on behalf of the "Health for LIfe Fun Day"  Organising Committee to your great speaker,  Mrs. Angela Chow.  Use information from pages 2, 6, 7, 10 of the Data File and the recording.

Your Ref. No. 1089/1306

                                                                                         "Health for Life Fun Day"
                                                                                         Organising Committee
                                                                                         Charlie Hung
                                                                                         NT Secondary School
                                                                                         48 Link Road
                                                                                         Ma On Shan
                                                                                         NT
Ms Angela CHOW
'Keep Active' Charity
Room 21
Fortune Building 2/F
48 Jordan Road
Kowloon

                                                                                        10 March, 2013

Dear Ms Angela,

Health for Life Fun Day

     I am writing to thank you for giving the amusing talk at our school's 'Health for Life Fun Day" on 7.3.2013.

     Thank you for your showing the participants a range of exercises and movements, suitable for people of all ages.  We appreciate your enthusiasm and devotion to the action bringing the participants moving, jumping and dancing to music tunes you had brought with you.  Your encouragement was successful, and soon there was much laughter in the school hall as students, parents and even grandparents exercised happily together.  Though I did not usually like PE before, I would join an after-school dance class next year.

     "Fun" was the theme of the day.  This was ably introduced by you.  You brought happiness as well as usefulness to the audience.  Thanks again for your great efforts to make this occasion a special success and joyfulness!

                                                                                     Yours sincerely,

                                                                                     Charlie Hung
                                                                                     On behalf of
                                                                                     "The Health for Life Fun Day"
                                                                                     Organising Committee

Mary

 

 

After passing the Tai O Rural Committee and the narrow Kat Hing Back Street, you will find the picturesque Hau Wong Temple at the end of a small causeway.  Hau Wong Temple is the most popular one in the village.  It was first built in 1699 to commemorate a man called Yang, who protected the last Sung emperor called Ping when he was hiding in Hong Kong from the marauding Mongols.  Inside the temple, the revered figure of Hau Wong stands behind a long altar of flowers and offering.  To the left of the main hall is a shrine to the Earth God and to the right are fossils of sharks’ bones and a whale’s head, discovered by local fishermen.  Its position overlooks Po Chue Tam, or Pearl Bay, and has excellent fung shui.  Geomancy (fung shui) is the ancient science of understanding the earth’s spirit and the regulation of human life in accordance with it, and the two Chinese characters that make up the term fung shui literally mean “wind & water”.  It is believed that the positioning of objects in harmony with nature will bring good fortune.  The birthday of Hau Wong is on the sixth day of the sixth moon.  To celebrate the occasion, there are theatrical performances lasting for four days.

 

Bus No. 1 will take you back to Mui Wo.

Bus No. 21 between Ngong Ping and Tai O are available

Bus No. 11 between Tung Chung Town centre and Tai O are available

Lunar New Year 2013

Hong Kong’s Little Venice – Tai O

 

A closer look at the stilt-house community.

 

 

In Tai O market street, there is a general odour of salt fish and shrimp paste. 

Choi San (財神爺), the God of Wealth, is on the right of Kwan Tai temple.  The busiest time here is Chinese New Year when people come to burn joss sticks and to pray for wealth and good fortune in the coming year.

2013年__新年快樂

各位親愛的朋友：

祝你們新年快樂！

Ｍary 姐

Dear,

Wishing you all the best of the Year of Snake!

Mary.

哈蜜瓜

哈蜜瓜去核去蒂留皮，與瘦肉、銀杏、南杏及陳皮煲兩小時，可滋陰潤肺，舒
緩咽喉乾涸。

Advantages and disadvantages of credit cards

 

Advantages and disadvantages of credit cards

 

There are numerous spectacular advantages as well as disastrous disadvantages of credit cards.  Many people benefit from them but some do not.  Why?  The reasons are listed in the following paragraphs.

 

Credit cards are convenient, safe and easy to carry.  The users may not need to carry a lot of cash.  Monthly statements to users will let them keep track of the ways they spend the money.  Some of the credit cards offer interest free payment or period of up to fifty-six days to pay back.  There’s no need to exchange for a lot of money in the other currencies when one gets overseas.

 

Some shops team up with the banks to give interest-free installments for the consumers.  For example, the purchase of electrical items such as refrigerators, air-conditioners; other items are computers, cars, lorry, gas equipments …etc.   Some institutions even offer the interest free services to users.  The examples are tourist companies, movements of houses companies, cosmetics, beauty salons…etc.  These attractions are widely and especially welcomed by the employees and citizens of Hong Kong holding the credit cards. 

 

E-shopping is encouraged by many companies.  They usually use credit cards as forms of pay-back for ordering products and services.  For example, the cinemas and gift campanies provide such services.

 

It is considered fashionable to spend by credit cards.  Thus, a favorable status is created.  The customers directly get the privileges of discounts into the price.  Bonus points are earned.  Fabulous prices are offered to the users.  Coupons are sometimes given.  They provide special discount for certain products.  Direct credit is usually given into the account, too.

 

Lastly, the credit cards service boost the local economy for it creates lots of job opportunities, for example, the customers’ service hotlines.  It is desirable as a solution to the immediate financial problem. The customers pay back the money after pay day so that enough time is granted to the users.

 

However, the disadvantages of credit cards are evidently disastrous.  It is because of people’s carelessness and overdraft in spending money.  The large sums of money to be paid back to the banks form very heavy burden.  Some youngsters over-spend just because of vanity.  They think that using credit cards is a form of glory and showing superior status among their friends.

 

Credit cards are useful ‘weapons’ in this modern world.  They help us to live more freely and leisurely.  However, we must take note of their dangerous disadvantages they bring to us.  If something is used correctly, it will be of benefit.  If used incorrectly, it will do harm.  Just as the famous Chinese proverb says, “The water that bears the boat is the same that swallows it up.”  In case of credit cards, there is genuine truth in it.

Mary

香煙加稅是勸阻青少年吸煙的有效途徑嗎？

作業7

香煙加稅是勸阻青少年吸煙的有效途徑嗎？

     是的，香煙加稅是勸阻青少年吸煙的有效途徑。

     “香煙加稅”對香港青少年絕對是一個有效的預防措施。為他們自己著想，不應該鼓勵年輕一代吸煙。另外，對於十幾歲的吸煙者，增加香煙稅收無疑是他們嚴重的負擔。

     吸煙對我們的健康是有害的。在每包香煙上都印有一個口號：“香港特區政府忠告市民，吸煙有害健康”，這意味著香港特區政府決心阻止市民吸煙。這當然包括十幾歲的吸煙者。事實上，香港特區政府已經推出了非常高的香煙稅項導致香煙的價格顯著上升。例如，購買價HK $ 13（不抽稅）香煙已達到港幣55元正（已抽稅）。因為經濟能力的原因，很多香港青少年最終也戒掉吸煙。

     在官方功能上，吸煙不利於外觀，尤其是女孩和婦女。吸煙阻礙了他們的健康成長。吸煙對懷孕的女性是非常危險的。事實上，吸煙可能會導致嬰兒在子宮內死亡。正因為如此可怕的原因，許多十幾歲的孕婦吸煙者都明智地戒煙。這個決定是幫助他們的。他們將從增加香煙稅走出來。相信你都知道，香煙是奢侈品。恭喜那些已經改變了自己的主意的年輕孕婦。從此，他們帶領自己過一個充滿希望的生活。

     香港特區政府已推出多年在“公共區域”禁止吸煙運動。此規例設訂於公園，走廊，公車總站，餐廳，火車站，纜車地區，寫字樓，醫院，診所，中學和小學....等，如果有人違反了法律，違規者將被控罰款。事實上，近年來已有許多次執法行動。由於非吸煙區的數量是非常有限的，許多十幾歲的吸煙者發現吸煙不方便；他們必須找到一個合適的地方，一個遙遠的地方吸煙。漸漸地，他們覺得找尋這些地點是勞累的。他們可能會認為加稅香煙也是太昂貴了。因為不愉快的原因，他們停止吸煙。

     高價的香煙也幫助了父母。一旦他們知道他們的孩子吸煙，將減少給與零用錢。由於買不起高稅收的香煙，他們會逃避自己吸煙。

     對於十幾歲的吸煙者來說，香煙加稅無疑是一個很好的調節作用。因此，香港特區政府一直鼓勵執行下去。

謝謝。

Mary 姐

（800字）

Is tax increase an effective way to discourage teenage smokers?

Assignment 7

Is tax increase an effective way to
discourage teenage smokers?

 

Yes, tax increase is an effective way to discourage teenage smokers.

 

“Tax increase to cigarettes” is definitely an effective preventive measure against the youngsters taking cigarettes in HK.  The young generations should be discouraged to take cigarettes for their own well-beings.  Moreover, tax increased cigarettes set a sample for the teenage smokers to void for terrible burden.

Smoking is harmful to our health.  There is a slogan “Smoking is hazardous to your health” printed on each packet of cigarettes which means the HKSAR Government is determined to discourage the citizens from taking cigarettes.  It certainly includes the teenage smokers.  In fact, the HKSAR Government has launched very high tax on cigarettes which result in the cigarettes’ prices rising significantly.  For example, purchase price HK$13 (without tax) for a packet of cigarettes has reached HK$55 (with tax).  Ultimately, many HK teenage smokers have quit smoking because of the economical reason.

 Smoking in official functions has an unfavorable appearance, especially the girls and women.  Smoking hinders their health growth up.  Smoking is extremely dangerous to the females who are pregnant.  In fact, smoking may lead the babies to die in the uterus.  Because of this stressful reason, many pregnant teenage smokers will wisely quit smoking.  This action relatively helps them.  They will be released from the tax increased cigarettes.  You know, cigarettes are luxury items, too.  Congratulations to those who have changed their mind.  They lead a hopeful life.

 

HKSAR government has launched the campaign of ‘No Smoking in Public Areas’ for many years.  This regulation sets upon parks, corridors, bus-terminus, restaurants, train stations, peak-tram areas, offices, hospitals, clinics, secondary and primary schools ….etc.    Fines will be executed if anyone breaks the law.  In fact, there are many law enforcement actions being carried out in recent years.  Since the non-smoking areas are so limited in number, many teenage smokers find it inconvenient to take cigarettes.  They have to find a right place, a far-away spot to take it.  Gradually they are tired of finding these locations.  In addition, they may think that the tax increased cigarettes are too expensive.  With these un-enjoyable reasons, they stop smoking.

 High price in cigarettes also helps the parents.  Once they know their children are taking cigarettes, pocket money will be decreased.  Since the tax increased cigarettes are so unaffordable, they will escape themselves from taking cigarettes.

Tax increase on cigarettes is certainly a good regulation for the teenage smokers.  So, HKSAR government has been encouraged to enforce it forever.

 
Thank you.
 

Mary

(458 words)