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CREDIT cards are widely used in Hong Kong as credit card users are attracted by the convenience of saving them the need to carry a large amount of cash. The bonus gifts, lucky draws, annual fees exemption and so called 'low' interest rate for outstanding non-repayment offered by credit card companies are added attractions.

¡@But when we think carefully, credit cards are not an entire blessing for users. Since users can, to a certain extent, advance cash, they may not have paid due attention to their actual spending capacity and are less resistant to extravagance. Gradually and unconsciously, they will become habitual overspenders. They will only find themselves in heavy debts and incurring high interests upon receiving their account statement.

¡@Before applying for a credit card, one has to understand the actual interest rates charged by credit cards companies as opposed to the 'low' interest rates promoted in their advertisements. Most of the credit card companies will charge a monthly interest rate ranging from 2% to 3.5% on non-repayment, equivalent to an annual interest rate of 24% to 42% (a complex interest rate of 26.8% to 51.1%). These two-digit interest rate will never be regarded as low at all.

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WHAT'S ON POLICE OFFICERS CLUB FOOD AND BEVERAGE DINING TREATS (call POC for details) - Mid Autumn Festival Special Set Meal (for 12 people) $2,580 - Dance Night Special Set Meal (for 12 people) $1,997 TANG SIU KING HALL Monthly new dim sum varieties. New set meal for 12 which at $2,680 includes complimentary bottle of XO for every tables. Chinese Wedding Package - $4,380 per table. August mooncake promotion with discount price. GRILL ROOM Chinese lunch buffet on Sundays for $58 per person. Thai or S / East Asian lunch buffet for only $80 per person including one free drink on Fridays . BEAT CAFE Homemade pizza promotion. VERANDAH BAR Blue Ice beer promotion (August). Holstein beer promotion (September) LUNCH TIME AEROBICS Mon & Wed from 12:50pm to 1:35pm. Contact Irene Pang:2591-1912 A vast selection of wines are available at POC Wine shop - including the Specially promoted Red Bordeaux Vin De Table at only $22 per bottle Done Deal. Thomas Yip (managing director of Topsy Trading co Ltd) after signing POC wine shop contract with ACP P NG Wai-kit NAME GAME The recent renovation of the VIP Rooms in the TSK Hall has resulted in the opportunity to consider a change of title. At present the rooms are known as East and West Rooms. It is the POC's intention to change the names to be a little more original. All POC members are invited to suggest new names. If your suggestion is chosen, you will receive a prize of $500 which can be spent at any of the POC catering outlets. First and second runners-up will win POC souvenirs. Suggestion Form: Name:____________________ UI number ________________ Present Posting _____________ Contact Tel. _______________ Suggested Title for Rooms: _________________________ _________________________ Forward your suggestion before 27 August to: The Manager POC Hung Hing Road, Causeway Bay Or FAX: 2838-9665. SUPER CIRCUIT TRAINING ENTRY FORM Name:____________________ UI number ________________ Improvers (Mon & Fir) _________________________ Advanced (Tues & Thurs) _________________________ Phones: 2591-1930 Fax: 2838-9665 ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ASSOCIATION(UK) Autumn Reunion To be held at the Regent Hotel, Royal Leamington Spa from 26 to 28 September. Weekend includes: dinner, bed and breakfast. Any Hong Kong member wishing to attend these events should contact Sylvia Mansell as soon as possible by telephone/fax 01233-720006, or E-Mail: Sylvia@Kimhouse.demon.co.uk. For more details contact Hong Kong representative Mac McLoughlin: 2828-7501. POLICE NIGHT 1997 The annual spectacular, formerly known as Beating Retreat, will be held at PTS on 13 and 15 November ¡@The Singapore Police Band will display in the performances. The 62-man silver band has achieved renown not only at home but also overseas. ¡@Other Highlights will include the PTU and SDO adding splashes of colour and excitement to the entertainment. ¡@Tickets this year will cost $70, $85 and $100 and include a coktail reception following the performance.