in 1926 and it is the only organisation which represents the opinion of all the
inhabitants of the New Territories. By the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance, Chapter 1097
of the Laws of Hong Kong and enacted in 1959, it became a statutory advisory body
to the Hong Kong Government.
The membership of the Heung Yee Kuk represents all the districts in
the New Territories. It consists of :-
(1)
New Territories Unofficial Justices of the Peace, of whom there are
18 who are ex officio Councillors;
(2)
The Chairman of the 27 Rural Committees and their Vice-Chairmen who
are also ex officio Councillors;
(3)
21 Special Councillors, 7 being elected from each of the 3 districts
of Tai Po (administering 7 Heungs (regions)) Yuen Long (administering
7 Heungs) and Southern Districts (administering 13 Heungs). Under the
charge of the 27 Heungs there are over 600 villages, the public affairs
of which are managed by some 900 Village Representatives.
Both the Heung Yee Kuk and the Hong Kong people wish to have a
harmonious, stable and prosperous society for the New Territories as well as for
Hong Kong. It is only in this way that friendly relationship between Hong Kong,
China and Great Britain can be genuinely maintained. The basis for reaching this
goal must be made on reciprocal aid and reciprocal benefits so that the interests
of all the parties are taken care of.
Hong Kong has entered a challenging era. It is even more challenging
for the New Territories due to its extraordinary position. The word 'Colony' is
now regarded as a dirty word and is discarded by champions of liberalism all over
the world. Although Hong Kong has broken through the colonial barrier on the
cultural area, it is still dominated by the remnants of colonial rule in the
political and economic fields. The major factor for social changes is the impact
of new concepts against old systems. At this moment when changes are underway,
planning for social reforms in the New Territories to follow the current tide and
to reduce conflicts between the Government and the people becomes a principal and
urgent task.
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