35
STUDY GROUPS
77.
When the C.D.O. scheme was being
discussed, and before it was launched, it was often suggested that C.D.C.s should be assisted by some form of consultative council or committee. In presenting the proposals the point was made that there are a great many possibilities and that the system lends itself to a number of methods of increasing participation by local people in the formation of government policies.
78.
C.D.O.s have set about exploring possibilities by arranging meetings which we call Study Groups. When sufficient contacts have been built up a group of people is invited to meet to discuss some topic likely to be of interest to them. At this stage little is known of the ability of the people invited or the extent to which their views represent any substantial body of opinion. Nevertheless the discussions are taken seriously and when points energe which need following up with another department this is done. So far Study Groups have been held with bankers, industrialists, school principals, hawkers, leaders of clansmens associations, shop owners, taxi operators, factory and utility workers, university and post-secondary college students and others less easily categorised. Subjects have included not only those of obvious interest to the groups mentioned but also such matters of common concern as traffic problems, corruption, cinema ticket scalpers, control of bicycles, the Urban Council Pop-Ins, funeral parlours, petty crine, smoke from restaurants, social security, clearance of refuse, Chinese as an official language, and numerous other subjects.
179. It
...
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.