WHILE some people agree that gambling is an undesirable hobby, others consider it just another form of entertainment like sports or shopping.

A recent article, "Gambling Is No Big Evil If Under Control" published in issue 21 of the Shatin District bulletin, NTS Region, stated that gambling, if kept under control, is relaxing entertainment and in Hong Kong serves the purpose of charity since a percentage of losers' bets goes to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charitable Fund.

The article concluded that gambling was acceptable and should not be discouraged as long as gamblers could maintain self-control and keep from falling into unmanageable debt. The author's position implied that gambling had become part of the Force culture. But, there are many who disagree with this perspective.

Light gambling leads to heavy gambling and is a form of indulgence. Claiming an indulgence can be under control is obviously self-defeating.

Undeniably, police work is very stressful, but the relief of stress should not be an excuse for gambling. Despite the occasional win, a gambler usually loses - horse racing officials and casino owners depend on this principle, otherwise they would not go into the gambling business.

Those who don't mind losing small amounts of money at the racecourse would be better off putting that money into the bank. In the beginning the savings may be small - but will grow into a considerable sum as time goes by. And instead of gambling your money away, the bank savings could be used for holidays or to buy worthwhile personal items and in doing so not only relieve personal stress, but also set a good example for one's children.

Instead of gambling, to achieve real happiness a healthier lifestyle should be considered. A good way to start is to consider taking up such worthwhile pursuits as hiking, photography, calligraphy, Tai Chi, travelling, further study, or even stamp collecting. For gambling to become part of the Force culture is something that all should work together to prevent.

If you have any comments on the subject of gambling, please write an article that may be considered for this column, or phone the Staff Relations hotline: 2866-7519.

POLICE OFFICERS' CLUB Change Your POC Car Park Label Now!!! Please be aware that POC 1998 car park labels are now available for collection. Please ensure that you bring a copy of your registration document or alternatively fax the document through to POC on 2838-9665. When collection your label if you submitted only the copy on application, please show the reception staff your original registration document. The 1997 car park labels expired on 1 February. Vehicles now found displaying old labels will be charged at the guest rate of $20 per hour. To avoid problems change your car park label now. The price of the car park label remains unchanged at $30 per vehicle. GO SURFIN' IN THE BEAT CAFE Attention all internet surfers! The Beat Cafe now has its own internet terminal. There is no charge for usage but members must purchase at least one beyerage (coffee, soft drink, fruit juice, etc) in the cafe before they can log on. Time on line depends on demand, usually 30 minutes if others are waiting, which can be checked from the waiting list booklet next to the terminal. Children's Easter Party Sunday 12 April. $85 per child. Includes Easter egg hunt, bilingual comedy show, jumpy castle and, of course, an Easter tea party. Lobster!!! 16 March lobster promotion at all POC restaurants. Cooked lobster is $150 per catty. Sushimi is $170 per catty. Supercircuit Training Feeling a bit tired and low on energy? Then revitalise your life by joining supercircuit training. People at all stages of fitness are welcome and are encouraged to workout at a level they can handle. Be at the POC rooftop tennis court at 12:45pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. [Free T-shirt for those who have attended five consecutive sessions].

This year's Spring Reunion will be held from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May at the Embassy Hotel, Bournemouth, with the AGM taking place at 10am on Saturday 9 May.
The Reunion starts with afternoon tea. The full board tariff is GBP98 per person. If accommodation is not required, lunch and /or dinner can be reserved at very reasonable prices.
The London Chinese Lunch Will be held on Saturday 11 July at the New World Restaurant, Gerrard Place, London, starting at noon .The cost of GBP17 per head includes a nine-course lunch with wine,(a cash bar for other drinks is also available ).
Any Hong Kong member who will be in UK at this time and wants to attend either of these functions should contact their local representative Mac McLoughlin, CSP A NTN, on 2666-4222 for a booking form.

The toughest foot race on earth across 240 kilometres of the Sahara Desert in Morocco over 19 March to 4 April, sees four Hong Kong Police officers competing for the first time, who ask that you contribute to their efforts to raise money for the Society for the Promotion of Hospice Care by supporting them through a cash donation.
The Society for the Promotion of Hospice Care is a registered charity dedicated to the holistic care of terminally ill cancer patients and their families. All donations will go towards the promotion of the hospice movement in Hong Kong.
You can help out by sending a cheque made out to: The Society for the Promotion of Hospice Care Ltd. Please mark "Sahara Race For Hospice" on the back of the cheque and send it to: GPO Box 13772 or 1832 Swire House, 11 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong.
Also include your name, address and phone/fax number.
For more information contact the Society for the Promotion of Hospice Care: 2868-1211, fax 2530-3290.
And thanks for your support!

Leave Homes

FORCE holiday bungalow accommodation is available from March 11, 1998 - April 13, 1998 for Gazetted and Inspectorate officers and their civilian counterparts as follows:

Interested colleagues should obtain a letter of introduction from the Personnel Services Branch Holiday Facilities Unit and contact the hotels directly for reservations.