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THE KOWLOON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, through Chairman
Mr. Robert Der, expressed strong objections to the proposal on June 19.
Mr. Der believed that Standard Time should be adopted throughout the year. HK TIMES quoted him in its headline as describing the Summer Time proposal
as "rash."
THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE on June 22
was reported to be against the proposal, claiming it would jeopardise trade with
China and have adverse effects on trade with the United States, Britain, France,
Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The Chamber's suggestion: Standard Time.
THE CHINESE REFORM CLUB, a left-wing body, at the same time also
came out against the proposal, claiming it would cause confusion in business, civil
aviation and telecommunications with other countries.
MING PAO EVENING NEWS (June 22) had a special feature article
saying that most people, specially those in commerce in industry, were greatly dissatisfied with the proposal. The paper said the scheme was "unnecessary" since
there was no longer a fuel problem.
MR. AMBROSE CHOI, the Urban Councillor, was quoted in SING TAO WAN PAO as opposing the proposal since it "would run counter to the rhythm
of nature." Also, Mr. Choi feared workers and students leaving their homes in
darkness would "fall prey to robbers"; besides, he added; there would be confusion
among overseas buyers and manufacturers. Having produced all these arguments, Mr. Choi then suggested that Standard Time be adopted if a unitary system had to be used.