The additional road infrastructure to support this is incompatible with developing a world-class harbourfront. Some plans for the area around the Grand Hyatt and the Convention Centre show the current four-lane Convention Avenue converted into a 13-lane road with new flyovers to handle the traffic.

The cost of more roads around the harbour is simply too high. Already, it is nearly impossible for residents and tourists to navigate their way to the harbour from the 'living' zones in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay through and over the massive 'dead' zones of extensive roads.

For Hong Kong to become the events capital of Asia, it requires a comprehensive plan outlining where to locate new venue space. The new AsiaWorld Expo at the airport addresses some of the requirements. New facilities in West Kowloon will help, and in case more space is needed, the TDC will need to look elsewhere, including making applications for space in Kai Tak. By all means, it could consider mooring a vessel in the harbour.

Without expansion the Convention Centre will forever be profitable and fully booked for conventions and smaller exhibitions.

Will the fact that not all venue space is available in one location be taken as a disadvantage when Hong Kong competes with other cities for large international events? Not likely. Providing quality train and ferry services between venues greatly enhances the Hong Kong experience. And as we regain our core harbour-front areas for pedestrian access and enjoyment, a more enticing street-level environment will become Hong Kong's competitive advantage when pitching for events.

Not only will delegates to exhibitions and events stay an extra day, we will bring back the international tourists who have been staying away since 1997 - hopefully, well before mainland tourists tire of shopping in Hong Kong.

PAUL ZIMMERMAN, Mid-Levels

Beijing's business

I am a visitor to Hong Kong. The article headlined 'Beijing welcome for all but one' (Sunday Morning Post, October 24) said officials in Beijing declared legislator Leung Kwok-hung not welcome.

This is no surprise and must be viewed in the overall picture of a united China. It is difficult to imagine any country allowing fundamentally different systems of government within its borders. Hong Kong is part of China and therefore subject to its decisions.

JOHN K. HERZOG, Mid-Levels

It's the economy!

I am sympathetic to Jack Muir's underlying anger ('Minimum wage issue is about human rights too', October 25 ) in his response to my letter headlined 'Cost of minimum wage' (October 21).

However, he is misguided in believing the minimum wage issue is not just about economics. In the immortal words of Bill Clinton's election adviser, 'It's the economy, stupid'. It is always the economy. Almost all human rights violations are driven by economics, and the power that it brings. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to ensure that sound economic principles are employed in our decision-making on new legislation like the minimum wage proposals.

Despite Mr Muir's accusations, I do not believe people should pay employees 'the lowest amount they can get away with'. I merely stated the fundamental principle of economics that there is an equilibrium price at which a good or service will settle, based upon supply and demand. If wages are artificially raised, then the result will be unemployment. His examples of lower unemployment in Ireland and Britain came many years after the introduction of a minimum wage and were a result of economic growth. At first, employers were forced to hire workers at higher wages, which caused unemployment to rise for years.

The plight of victims of unscrupulous employers who abuse helpers by paying them below the contracted salary is an issue that must be addressed. These abuses occur in spite of existing minimum wage legislation, and are failings of our legal system and society's efforts to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. This is not an excuse to introduce bad legislation.

Finally, before recklessly accusing Hong Kong residents of slavery, Mr Muir ought to think of the consequences of the unemployment caused by his advocated policies. What would become of overseas workers forced to return home? The rubbish dumps outside Manila and Jakarta are crowded enough without more families being forced to scavenge there.

HANIF KANJI, Pokfulam

True democracy

I am now accustomed to having my political statements distorted by anti-China advocates such as Roy Prouse (October 30). I work for Hong Kong, and do not interfere in the mainland's affairs. Let the mainland develop its own democracy.

I am a firm believer in democracy when it is given its true meaning, that is, for the good of people, not for politicians struggling for power. Television has given an opportunity for publicity to the richest and best liars. How many people know that Ralph Nader is standing for the US presidency, since he is too poor to advertise himself?

Developing countries have for too long been misled by propaganda about western 'democracy'. This has led some of them into the same kind of corrupt leadership and created only greater poverty. Now they are seeing the truth as never before, and as some Americans have themselves said, they have become enemies of their former 'patrons' in Washington. Half the American people have also opened their eyes to the shameless propaganda and false promises of their politicians, as well as their illegal interference in other countries.

Is that what Mr Prouse calls democracy? If so, count me out. I believe in people's democracy, homegrown.

ELSIE TU, Kwun Tong

Loans scheme a trial

I refer to the letter 'Most old buildings ineligible for mortgage scheme' (October 27), by Ian Brownlee.

We are encouraged by his comment that the Urban Renewal Authority's initiative to promote a better mortgage loan scheme for owners who refurbish their old buildings through our voluntary rehabilitation schemes is a move in the right direction.

These schemes are being undertaken on a trial basis, and cover the nine target areas set out in the urban renewal strategy published by the government in 2001. We consider this coverage to be appropriate for these trial schemes, but will review and adjust it as appropriate, subject to the initial results of the schemes.

On the proposed certification of old buildings, it is a valid but complex issue affecting all old buildings in the territory. We understand the government is looking into this issue.

STEPHEN LAM, district development director, Urban Renewal Authority

Puzzled learner

I was very interested in a recent letter about the difficulty that expatriates face when learning Cantonese. It said that when an expatriate tries to use Cantonese, many locals will 'reply' by slowly and deliberately repeating what was said.

I too have experienced this phenomenon. In addition, locals will wave vigorously at me with one hand at close proximity, in much the same way as a four- or five-year-old child waves excitedly at animals when visiting a zoo. I wonder what the reasons for this curious phenomenon could be. Perhaps some local professor would care to write and give us an explanation.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Cruel traditions

China, do not import cruel traditions from Spain, France and Portugal ('Blood and wonder at China's first bullfight', Sunday Morning Post, October 24). Stop all bullfighting now.

BENOIT VAN DEN BROUCK, Gent, Belgium