TNAG-0199-FCO40-235-City-district-officer-scheme-1969 — Page 151

- 3 -

Accessibility

4.

In an attempt to make the District Office be seen

to be accessible the permanent offices are accommodated in

ordinary shop premises. Three such offices, complete with shop windows, counters for public enquiries and the more

conventional offices and conference rooms in the background

have been opened. There is a traditional shrinking from

the yamen which is still strong among many people. Only a

prolonged effort to put on attractive displays in the shop

windows and the continuous encouragement of callers can do

anything to counteract this.

5. As well as trying to attract people into their

offices C.D.Os and their staff go out to meet people at work

and in their homes. This is particularly important where a

government activity impinges on some small local group as, for instance, in a hawker operation, in the construction of a flyover affecting near-by buildings, or the reclamation of a strip of busy water front. By showing concern for those directly affected C.D.Os are slowly beginning to be accepted as men interested to ensure that the general public interest is not used as an excuse to ride roughshod over real local

problems.

Community Interests

6. In an informal way C.D.Os have already been able to stimulate many schemes which involve one section of the community

working for the interests of others. These schemes have included the organization of local youth councils, emergency relief committees to deal with the effects of typhoons etc., surveys by

/students......