In Brief
Top mainland developer eyes housing society flats
The China National Real Estate Development has approached the Housing Society to explore buying one of its developments in Tseung Kwan O. The company had earlier proposed buying the 20,000 vacant Home Ownership Scheme flats from the Housing Authority. Representatives of the mainland's biggest property developer have visited the Serenity Place estate, but a society spokesman said last night it was too early to talk about a sale. Only 50 of the 1,526 flats in the development had found buyers when sales were suspended in April.
Solo tourist caught in immigration sweep
A 41-year-old mainlander in Hong Kong under the individual travel scheme was among 102 mainland visitors arrested in a crackdown on illegal workers in Yuen Long. He was the seventh individual mainland traveller arrested in Hong Kong since July, when the mainland began easing its group travel requirement. In that time, 69,000 mainlanders have visited the city on individual permits. Those held in yesterday's six-hour operation were found living in abandoned pig farms or other makeshift huts in 13 villages. Police believe they travelled with the intention of working. All were arrested for breaching conditions of stay.
Less discontent over the economy, survey finds
A University of Hong Kong poll found public discontent with the economy fell from 82 per cent in mid-July to 68 per cent earlier this month. But only 8 per cent said they were satisfied with the economy. Public dissatisfaction with political conditions fell from 48 per cent to 47 per cent. The figure stood at 34 per cent in March.
Fewer visitors on tours
Fewer mainland travellers will visit Hong Kong on 'golden week' tours this year than last - probably because more are now able to visit as individuals - says Shi Dongxiong, deputy manager of the Guangdong China Travel Agency.
