PRESS DIGEST - Hong Kong - April 24

HONG KONG, April 24 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Hong Kong newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HONG KONG ECONOMIC TIMES

-- The government is understood to be inclined to allow Kowloon Motor Bus increase fares by 5 to 6 percent. However, the bus operator now wants to raise the proposed increase after lit learned a tunnel toll increase had been approved.

APPLE DAILY

-- The growth in the amount of yuan deposits in Hong Kong had a near-20 percent average in each of the first two months this year. Three mainland lenders have received approval to issue no more than 17 billion in yuan-denominated bonds in the Hong Kong market.

-- Mainland-based property investor, food manufacturer China Seven Star Shopping has issued a profit warning for its 2007 earnings, citing increased advertising costs and worsening competition.

MING PAO DAILY NEWS

-- Hutchison (0013.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has increased its holding in its Italian 3G mobile unit to 97 percent, according to the company's annual report.

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST