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CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
of the representative status of the Kuk was withdrawn because of internal dissension) the Government has sought advice on New Territories affairs. Under its new constitution which was established by the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance, 1959, the Kuk, apart from its Full Council, also includes an Executive Committee which meets monthly and consists of the Chairmen of Rural Committees, the unofficial New Territories Justices of the Peace, and 15 Ordinary Members elected by the Full Council. The Full Council also elects the Chairman and two Vice-Chairmen of the Kuk, through whom close and constant contact is maintained with the District Commissioner. During 1960 the first elections under the new constitution were held to fill all the elective vacancies in the Kuk.
The Rural Development Committee also deserves attention; this was first appointed by the Governor in June 1954. The Committee has both official and unofficial Members, with the District Commissioner as Chairman, and advises Government on matters relating to New Territories' development in general, and the extension of agricultural credit in particular.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Appointments and promotions to the majority of pensionable. posts in the Public Service are made on the advice of the Public Services Commission, a statutory non-Government body established in 1950 with the object of improving the standard of efficiency of Government servants generally and of putting into effect the Government's policy of giving preference in appointment to well-qualified local candidates.
Monthly paid offices in the Public Service are divided into five classes. Classes I and II include those offices normally held by administrative or professional officers, or officers of a similar status; Class III offices are held by more junior officers with an initial salary of more than $360 p.m. for men and $275 p.m. for women. Class IV is for disciplined staff below the rank of Police Sub-Inspector (or equivalent ranks in other departments), and Class V includes non-pensionable offices with initial salaries of $360 p.m. or less for men and $275 p.m. for women.