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"We all wish to see our senior citizens continue to play a full and active role in our community for as long as they possibly can," she added.
Helping Hand succeeded in mobilising volunteers from all sectors of the community-senior citizens, celebrities, women's groups and students.
"I am proud to say that the people of Hong Kong have once again shown just how generous they can be in devoting their time and effort to supporting a worthy cause," she said.
This is the 12th year in which Helping Hand has organised the cookie campaign.
A record-breaking 165,000 cookies were sold in a week. More than $5 million has been raised for the elderly.
End/Tuesday, February 21, 1995
Human element is vital in safe operation of fast ferries
The Director of Marine, Mr Allan Pyrke, called on operators of fast ferries to place more emphasis on human element in the whole operation of these craft.
Speaking at the opening of the 11th Fast Ferry International Conference and Exhibition this (Tuesday) afternoon, Mr Pyrke said human element be it in shore management, navigation, propulsion, maintenance, or whatever, was important in the safe operation of these craft.
He pointed out that from the administration viewpoint, the safety philosophy of regulating high-speed ferries had to be based on the management and reduction of risk.
Human error accounted for 80 per cent of all casualties in the shipping industry, Mr Pyrke said.
He noted that while there were no similar statistics for fast ferries but based on his own experience over many years of conducting inquiries into fast ferry accidents in Hong Kong, a similar statistic was probable.