TNAG-0615-FCO40-763-Visit-by-delegation-from-Heung-Yee-Kuk-(Rural-Consultive-Cou-1997 — Page 13

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Ref:

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局鄉界新

NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK

7.

14

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With regard to the people's legal rights to use their land, we cannot accept your statement that villagers were granted

land on concessionary terns", In our documents to Lord Gortuty- Roberts, and especially in the Joint Opinion of our Counsels, we have, at length, dealt with facts concerning the people's logal rits to use their lawi. On the other hand, your reply in this

connexion is perfunctory and brief. This fact proves that the Government does not want to bring the legal, social or political problems to light and seek to solve then reasonably in conjunction with the responsible representatives of the Heung Yee Kuk. On the contrary, the Government goes by the remnants of laws of the colonial age and administers the New Territories at will, iguor- ing the advice or others. This is against our duty as an advisory body to the Goverment on the public opinion of the New Territories.

if this outduted lode of administration is not changed,

the Fuk would be unable to function as the bridge between the Goverment and the people, bringing them together in peace and

harmony.

Moreover

8.

We agree with the instructions of the hinister of State that our proposals for improvement in the policies which govern land village housing and public services and for better consultation with the people of the New Territories should continue to be discussed in lleng Kong. However, should our suggestions mset with negative

results

We would have GO TO90rt to some other ways to solve

these problems

9.

you mule

afraid that ure Lot outisfied with the reply

Evolul reform in the on behalf or Lord Gorowy-Koburtu.

New Territoriss today is best indivduced through peaceful' discussion and we have always recommended that New Territories Affairs Committee bo set up by the Secretary for New Territories and the Kuk to solve the various problems in the district. If professional

47. CUMBERLAND ROAD.

KOWLOON TONG,

KOWLOON.

TEL:

3-3 6 1151-2

3-3 6 8 £59

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