LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN HONGKONG
FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
HONGKONG, JULY 23
As generally expected, the arrival of the new Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, on Friday is preceded by the release of details of the dele- gation of certain local government powers, in- cluding those at present exercised by the urban council, to a new, mainly elected, municipal council. The project is more conservative than the plan outlined in the former Governor's broadcast of August, 1946. The new council will consist of 30 instead of 48 members. Representation is divided equally between Chinese and non-Chinese.
It cannot be pretended that there is any widespread local enthusiasm over the extension of self-government, even among the Chinese, who are not accustomed to secret balloting, and would be inclined to regard a candidate's failure to secure election as loss of face.
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Times 1,
24 JUL 04
MR Galosuthy. MR Mayle.