I
*
7
1
3
PART VI CONCLUSIONS
127
who can do anything about it'; the domineering attitude of certain minor civil servants; and the apparent inhumanity-though admitted efficiency-with which social services are administered.
466. Remedies suggested for this state of affairs pursued themes that are by no means original but which do not suffer from repetition; for Government to demonstrate more clearly its responsiveness to public opinion; the creation of improved channels of communication for both major and minor problems; the development of more personal contacts between Government servants and the public; and the extension of the Urban Council ward system and/or the establish- ment of Citizens Advice Bureaux as an extension of, or in addition to, the present 'Public Enquiry' system.
467. One witness, however, spoke of the equal importance of community leaders working harder to build bridges' and to stimulate a more informed and constructive approach to public issues. He felt that the community had to play a more responsible and constructive part in relation to important social issues, and he warned against too much indulgence in the personal self-satisfaction and complacent glow which comes from merely criticizing others, particularly the Government.
Comment
468. In recounting these views, we are very conscious that none of these factors was specifically mentioned by any of the demonstrators and rioters as a motive for his participation in the disturbances. Nevertheless, the evidence relating to the ferry fare issue and the outbreak of disturbances had led us to the conclusion that there was, to some extent, a failure in communication between Government, the press and the general public and, consequently, that there is need to take particular note of any factor which is put forward as a contributory or likely cause of such failure.
469. The emergence or existence of a gap between the Government and the people is a continual danger and anxiety for any form of administration, whilst a colonial or bureaucratic government tends to be at a disadvantage in evoking or securing the support of its people, even though it may provide the most efficient administration and offer the best chances for their economic and social progress. But, the evidence before us did not indicate that the vast majority of the population would welcome any fundamental change in the constitutional form of the Govern- ment or that this was a material factor in causing the riots. We were left with the impression that those who complain are seeking not so much a change in Govern- ment, as readier access to the Government.
470. In this connection, however, two matters emerged as tending to create a gap between Government and the people which might well merit closer attention in the future: (a) difficulties arising from the fact that the language of the law