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proposed. Indeed if such a change were accepted the need for this machinery would be emphasized and its effectiveness might have an important bearing on the feasibility and chances of success of the
new concept which this paper seeks to advocate.
31. The New Territories as usual pose a special problem and I shall not here deal with this complication in detail; but I consider that in most areas of administration the functional divisions of govern-
ment should continue to be extended outwards to the New Territories
and that there would be little or no harm in making the Urban Council's responsibilities colony-wide. The interests of indigenous villagers, both real and fancied, would continue to need some protection, but the geographical consultative network is already long established and strong in the New Territories and I see no threat to these special interests in the proposals I have outlined.
Conclusion
32. To sum up I believe that the further development of the Urban
Council along the lines at present contemplated will either be too
insignificant to satisfy or interest anybody or else may well before
very long constitute a dangerous diversion from the main stream of
policy. The unofficial members of the Council itself have formulated
their own aspirations for the next ten years or so, and whilst in
this the nominated members have no doubt exercised a moderating
influence, I nevertheless believe that nothing like this is remotely
acceptable.
33. I believe there would be even greater dangers in doing nothing. An increasingly sophisticated society is developing and we must
expect the emergence of more and more men and women who are interested
and wish to play some part in public affairs. Most of these can
be useful if a part can be found for them to play, but they will
cause harm if they are frustrated indefinitely. I have proposed
a new approach which would in my view give a wide degree of
flexibility in meeting legitimate aspirations of this kind, which
would conform with rather than run counter to the present pattern
/of