Lai see

hot off the press

They say mainland provinces are rapidly closing the gap on Hong Kong. But every now and then there's a little reminder that the gap is still a substantial one.

Officials from Liaoning are in town to promote their fair province, but reporters registering for a promotional event yesterday were somewhat surprised when no press materials were available.

'Wait a bit,' they were told.

Fifteen minutes later, reporters were given photocopies of the press release - which had been scribbled out by hand on Conrad Hotel stationery!

smooth-talker in name