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Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 1998 The following letter was sent to CP Eddie Hui Ki-on... DEAR SIR, The Opening of the Legal Year is a most important occasion for the Judiciary and the legal profession. I am writing on behalf of the Judiciary to thank the Hong Kong Police Force, in particular the Police Band, the Traffic police and the Waterfront Division, for all the they did on this important day. I am also most grateful to Mr Wong Doon-yee, Mr Craig Mallabone and Mr C J Howard for the their assistance and participation in the inspection of the Guard of Honour. All guests were highly impressed by the parade. Yours sincerely, The Hon Mr Justice Andrew Li Chief Justice of Hong Kong

Chinese language courses DEAR SIR, Many children of Force members study abroad resulting in a poor standard of their spoken Chinese. Consequently some parents arrange for their children to learn more Chinese in Hong Kong when they return for their summer vacations. Because the Police Sports and Recreation Club conducts many activities and courses for children during the summer holidays, I suggest the club arrange Chinese language courses (at the level taken by HKCEE students)for them. Yours sincerely, An Offer from Marine South REPLY . . . DEAR SIR, The purpose of organising various recreational courses in the Pliice Sports and Recreation Centre is to meet the needs of its members. To this end, would "the officer from Marine South" please contact Sergeant Ng at 2319-0007and give more details for our consideration. In view of the different standards of Chinese language and ages of the individuals that would take them, our limited language classes may not meet the wide range of needs. Therefore, I world request other readers, if of similar need, to contact us and sound out their views. Yours faithfully, Mrs Hanny Yeung, General Manager, Police Sports & Recreation Club

Tie-clip can be a painful experience DEAR SIR, I am a woman police officer dissatisfied with the design of the new tie-clip for our winter uniform because when worn it tends to prick and even cut into the skin of the neck. I have consulted with other woman police offices who have expressed the same view. (Name withheld on request) REPLY . . . DEAR MADAME, This matter was raised at the Uniform and Accoutrements (Land Regions) Sub-Committee meeting on 7 January when the chairman was made aware of a number of complaints from women officers who have found the tie-clip uncomfortable. The problem has been found to be that the clip is 'S' shaped and the end protrudes outwards, away from the tie. The CSO PStores has been requested to arrange for remedial alterations to be carried out as a matter of urgency and, in the long term, to incorporate a clip similar to that on the male officers' tie. Any woman officer who wishes to exchange her tie may approach Stores to do so. I trust that this information will be of help to all woman officers. Yours faithfully, C W Mitchell, SP Field Supoort