11
B
town. It is for this reason that the Tsuen Wan Recreation and Amenities Committee, the Area Committees, the District Fight Violent Crime Committee and a variety of other bodies have been established. The membership of these bodies includes representatives of the Rural Committee, who usually can there- fore make an important contribution to the development of the new towns, because of their long association with, and their local knowledge of, the area. Although the views of indigenous villagers will always be respected, as the numbers of other residents increase, it would not be appropriate for the New Territories Administration to deal exclusively with the Rural Committees.
5.
The establishment of Mutual Aid Committees is being encouraged in Tsuen Wan and the other towns in the New Territories, as it is in Hong Kong and Kowloon. These Committees are intended to concern themselves with the management of the buildings in which they operate, with special emphasis on security and cleanliness. They are in no way comparable to the Rural Committees or other consultative bodies in the New Territories. But as their members come to accept responsibility and contribute to the healthy development of the communities they serve, it will be appropriate that leaders be chosen from them also to serve on the various regional committees referred to above.
5.
As the Secretary for the New Territories has explained, the change of title from District Officer to Town Manager recognises the fact that, in addition to the traditional duties of a District Officer, he is responsible for dealing with the problems of a growing urban community of over half a million people.
7.
With regard to the two proposals in your letter, the representation of the Rural Committee on the main advisory committees is already larger than the proportion of indigenous villagers would justify. However, it would not be appropriate for the Rural Committee Chairman to be ex-officio vice-chairman of the Tsuen Wan Recreation and Amenities Committee, nor (since this Committee's primary function is to advise the Town Manager) for the Committee's resolutions to be submitted to the Secretary for the New Territories and the Kuk for approval.
Development outside the New Towns
8.
There appears to be some misunderstanding of the proposals for development in the areas outside the new towns. In his speech to Legislative Council, the Governor stated that development would start in eight locations during this year and next; these areas are Tai Po, Shek Wu Hui, Fanling, Yuen Long, Mui o, Tai 0, Cheung Chau and Sai Kung (Tui Min Hoi). Development in four other areas (Sham Tseng, Lau Fau Shan, Tan Kwai Tsuen and Peng Chau) will not begin until a later stage.
19.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.