Off Beat

Staff Relations Hotline: 2866-7519

Mind your words - and be nice

WORDS can be constructive or destructive, and in the workplace how we use our words will determine whether or not relationships with colleagues are harmonious or bitter. The following are some tips on maintaining a good working relationship with your colleagues.

Don't put a negative label on others: If you openly criticise or gossip about your subordinates they will not devote themselves to their work nor achieve high standards. Negative labels undermine one's dignity and demoralise. On the other hand, positive comments and words of appreciation will enhance enthusiasm and confidence.

Don't kick an underdog: Rather, along with proper guidance and assistance, use encouraging words like: "Never mind, you'll be able to do better next time", or "We know that you have tried your best".

Don't verbally abuse others: Abusive jokes directed at others are not humorous. Never underestimate the destructiveness of such derisive "jokes". They hurt those concerned and cause irreparable damage to trustful relationships.

Don't swear.

Being kind and considerate in the use of our words avoids unnecessary conflicts, make others feel respected, and in turn enhances harmony, boosts morale and improves communication among colleagues.

Remember, Nature gave us two ears and one mouth to listen more and speak less.

Salaries Tax Deduction Rate for Uniform and Equipment Maintenance

WITH effect from 1997/98, the tax deduction rate granted to uniform members of the Police Force to cover maintenance of uniform and equipment is $2,400.
The deduction will not automatically be given, but instead must be claimed by individual officers in their annual salaries tax return.

Holiday Home Promotion Period

THE reduction of rental fee for all holiday homes from March to May '98 has been very well-received by Force members. The promotion period will therefore be further extended to 12 July 98. Full fee will be charged from the 13 July to 31 August, that is over the summer holiday period. Members are encouraged to book their holiday home early in order to avoid competition.

Special Discounted Airfares

THINKING of a vacation in the UK, or going there to attend the graduation of your child? Then you should know about these great deals on specially discounted airfares:
Group Departures:
Departure Dates/Return Dates/Airfares (R/T)
1) 23 June 98 / 06 July 98 / $5,500
2) 30 June 98 / 13 July 98 / $5,500
3) 07 July 98 / 20 July 98 / $6,800
Flight Schedules:
Hong Kong to London by British Airways BA 028 (2300 / 0500 hrs)
London to Hong Kong by British Airways BA 027 (2130 / 1700 hrs)
Ticket is valid for 90 days from date of departure. No alteration to departure date is allowed once deposit is made. No stay-behind surcharge will be applied, however seat availability will be subject to confirmation by British Airways. The airfare does not include airport taxes of any kind.
Interested officers can make reservations through Rita Kwan of Marketing & Incentive Department, Charming Holidays Ltd: 2542-0220. A deposit of $1,000 per person is required upon booking. Settlement of the full payment must be made at the latest one week prior to departure at the office of Charming Holidays at 10/F, Golden Centre, 188 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong. Booking requests will not be entertained within 2 weeks of departure.
For connecting flights and flights to other destinations, a 5 per cent discount on the published fare will be offered to Force members.
The Travel Desk of Personnel Services Branch is also arranging with the company for discounted airfares in September 1998 for children of officers going back to the UK for the new school year. Details will be announced in due course.
For enquiries please call APWO HQ: 2804-1109.

POLICE OFFICERS' CLUB

FATHER'S DAY

Celebrate Dad's big day in the POC Grill Room with a wonderful lunch buffet ($78 per person). Or, try one, or both, of the specially prepared Chinese menus in the Tsui Hang Village Restaurant ($2,380 for a table for 12; or $1,980 for 12 diners). Enquiries and reservations: 2891-4128.

CELEBRATE YOUR KID'S GRADUATION
POC has prepared two Graduation Banquet Menus in the Chinese Restaurant for $1,880 and $1,680 respectively. Information and reservations: 2891-4128 or 2591-1924.

POC WINES and WHISKIES SUPER DISCOUNTS!!!
Chevignac Blanc $35 per bottle; Dievole Handover Wine (red) $69 per bottle; Etched POC 1997 Red Wine $165 per bottle; Handover Whisky in mahogany box $795 each. These tasty beverages can be ordered directly from the POC Wine Shop by calling: 2591-1914.

SWIM COACHING FOR IMPROVERS
From 15 June, every Monday nad Wednesday from 7pm to 8:15pm at POC poolside. Price: $38 per session.

POC WINE OF THE MONTH (MAY)
Kendall Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon 1994. A broad, rich, full-bodied wine with flavours of blackberry and cassis backed with notes of cedar and toast. This wine drinks well now, but will continue to gain complexity with time in the cellar.

FOR YOUR WEDDING BANQUET
Tying the knot? . . . then the POC Tang Shiu Kin Hall, which can accommodate up to 29 tables (that's 348 celebrants), is perfect for your wedding banquet. The restaurant has specially arranged two wedding banquet menu packages, priced at $3,980 or $3,380 per table of 12 diners. For more details on the menus and offers that come with a POC wedding banquet please call catering manager Raymond Fan: 2891-4128.

EXPIRY OF OLD POC MEMBERSHIP CARDS
With effect from 1 June 98 all old POC membership cards will expire. In order to ensure that your card remains valid, please approach POC reception before the end of May and apply for a new one.

HEALTH TAPES
POC is now offering a range of health video and audio tapes for hire at POC reception. The tapes will shortly expand in quantity but at present there are ten that may be of interest. Tape rental is $10/week, with a $2 late charge being levied per day.

RISING 3's PLAYGROUP
Give your child the opportunity to further their communication, creative and social skills through: art and craft activities, music and movement, creative play, story-time, and fun. Each group will have a maximum of 14 children between 18 months and 3 years. The groups will be led by Louise Byard or Beryl Chung, who are both mums and experienced English School Education Assistants. Cost per 2-hour session: $75. For more information and registration call Beryl Chung: 2571-5004.

Coming Soon!!!

Coordinated by Administration & Support Group, Personnel Services Branch, professionals from the Hong Kong Medical Association will soon be sharing their thoughts and answering your questions on high blood pressure, cardiac disease, gastric disease, nervous breakdown, household health care and more in our new monthly column, TREASURE YOUR HEALTH, beginning in June. So stay tuned.

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 ].

Leave Homes

FORCE holiday bungalow accommodation is available from May 27 - June 28, 1998 for Gazetted and Inspectorate officers and their civilian counterparts as follows:

Hoi Fu Fa Yuen, P3 in Macau, May 27, 31, Jun 1-10, 13-28
Casa Pearl Terrace in Macau, May 27-31, Jun 1-28
Casa Sagres in Macau, May 27-31, Jun 1-28
Hellen Garden in Macau, May 27-29, Jun 1-28
Ham Tin No.10, 1/F in Pui O, Jun 1-28
Tung Tsz A4, May 28-29, Jun 1-5, 8-28

Accommodation after June 29, 98 will be allocated by ballot. For reservations, apply to Personnel Services Branch Holiday Facilities Unit at 2804-1135. Applicants please use the new application forms (Rev 97). You cannot apply for more than one bungalow during the same period.
The following hotels are offering accommodation at reduced rates for Force members:

Mandarin Oriental Macau (800-967338)
New World Emperor Hotel Macau (2192-6074)
Hotel Sintra (2546-6944)
Holiday Inn Macau (800-965646)
Hotel Ritz Macau (2739-9928)
Forum Hotel Shenzhen (2866-7699);and
Shenzhen Century Plaza Hotel (2598-0363)
Shenzhen Nanhai Hotel (2315 5388)
Guangzhou Hai Tao Hotel (2311-2283); and
Gold Coast Hotel (2452-8888)

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