TNAG-0614-FCO40-762-Visit-by-delegation-from-Heung-Yee-Kuk-(Rural-Consultive-Cou-1977 — Page 6

in 1926 and it is the only organisation which represents the opinion of all the

inhabitants of the New Territories. By the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance, Chapter 1097

of the Laws of Hong Kong and enacted in 1959, it became a statutory advisory body

to the Hong Kong Government.

The membership of the Heung Yee Kuk represents all the districts in

the New Territories. It consists of :-

(1)

New Territories Unofficial Justices of the Peace, of whom there are

18 who are ex officio Councillors;

(2)

The Chairman of the 27 Rural Committees and their Vice-Chairmen who

are also ex officio Councillors;

(3)

21 Special Councillors, 7 being elected from each of the 3 districts

of Tai Po (administering 7 Heungs (regions)) Yuen Long (administering

7 Heungs) and Southern Districts (administering 13 Heungs). Under the

charge of the 27 Heungs there are over 600 villages, the public affairs

of which are managed by some 900 Village Representatives.

Both the Heung Yee Kuk and the Hong Kong people wish to have a

harmonious, stable and prosperous society for the New Territories as well as for

Hong Kong. It is only in this way that friendly relationship between Hong Kong,

China and Great Britain can be genuinely maintained. The basis for reaching this

goal must be made on reciprocal aid and reciprocal benefits so that the interests

of all the parties are taken care of.

Hong Kong has entered a challenging era. It is even more challenging

for the New Territories due to its extraordinary position. The word 'Colony' is

now regarded as a dirty word and is discarded by champions of liberalism all over

the world. Although Hong Kong has broken through the colonial barrier on the

cultural area, it is still dominated by the remnants of colonial rule in the

political and economic fields. The major factor for social changes is the impact

of new concepts against old systems. At this moment when changes are underway,

planning for social reforms in the New Territories to follow the current tide and

to reduce conflicts between the Government and the people becomes a principal and

urgent task.

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