【明報專訊】CHINA's birth rate and figure in 2019 sank to 10.48 per thousand and 14.65 million respectively, the lowest since 1949, after a decline of 580,000 births. Abolishing the one-child policy has not been effective in encouraging more births. Other factors, including higher living standards and rising divorce rates, have made the number of babies fewer. (photo.1)

Ocean park is hungry

OCEAN PARK is running low on money. Nonetheless, it has still suggested a one-off HK$10.64 billion be injected into its purse and two repayment periods be extended and their interest charges be waived. Debt-ridden and poverty-stricken, the park's new plan includes rezoning itself and adding 26 new rides. Also, it wants to cancel the dolphin show, which is much criticised by green activists, and remove some old ones such as the Dragon (瘋狂過山車) and Raging River water ride (滑浪飛船). Some think that it is not appropriate to grant the park such a large sum before it repays its debts. What's your view? (photo.2)

HRH no more

''HRH'' means ''his or her royal highness''. It is a title referring to a royal member. But Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer be able to use that after the Queen agreed that they might step back from their official duties. They will no longer receive public funds and have to repay the renovation costs for their residence totalling about HK$24 million. Other questions linger, one being whether and how their security should be paid for. (photo.3)

■Gear up

According to the passages on this page, answer the following questions.

(1) China's birth rate in 2019 is the lowest ( in a century / in about 70 years / in a decade ).

(2) Prince Harry will be able to use the ''HRH'' title after he repays the renovation costs. ( True / False / Not given )

(3) Ocean Park does not want to repay its debts. ( True / False / Not given )

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

waive (v) 取消收取

debt-ridden (adj) 債務纏身的

poverty-stricken (adj) 一貧如洗的

residence (n) 居所

[Smarties' Power English 第268期]