TNAG-0201-FCO40-237-Local-government-reforms-1969 — Page 20

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W(B)L 51-7406

The New Territories

hawkers, the operation of slaughter houses and

pest control. It also has responsibilities for

the removal and resettlement of squatters within

urban areas. It has no rating powers and its

responsibilities are carried out through the

Urban Services Department (a Government Depart-

ment), the Director of which is Chairman of the

Council.

Z In addition to the Chairman, the Council

consists of five ex officio and twenty unofficial

members, of whom ten are elected and ten are

appointed by the Governor.

36. Although the franchise for Urban Council

elections was extended in 1966 to an estimated

240,000 persons, in the event only some 26,000

have registered as electors. The number of

voters in the June 1967 elections was 10,189

or 38.8% of registered electors.

The New Territories are administered by

District Officers under the District Commissio-

ner, with the assistance of rural committees

elected by and from village representatives.

There is also a consultative council for the

whole of the New Territories; its functions are

entirely advisory.

Proposals for Reorganisation

$8.

There have been three reports on the issue

of local government since the present Governor

First, launched a review of the subject in 1966. An

official Working Party was set up to gather

information on the possible forms of local

government suitable to Hong Kong and to suggest

lines of possible development. The Working

Party's Report was published early in 1967.

It recommended the creation of a number of urban

authorities (all with a majority of elected

/ members)