1960-1961 — Page 18

ADMINISTRATION

38. The routine administration and execution of the decisions of the Authority are carried out by the Housing Division of the Urban Services Department, operating under the control of the Commissioner for Housing, who functions as its principal executive officer. The salaries of all the staff, who are civil servants, are reimbursed to the Government, plus a 30% surcharge to cover the cost of pensions, quarters, passages, office accommodation, printing, and other overheads. 39. The organization of the Division now includes sections to deal with administration, accounts, estate management, statistics, and archi- tectural work.

Establishment and Recruitment

STAFF

40. The Secretary of the Authority, Mr. W. E. COLLARD, was appointed to the grade of Senior Executive Officer, Class I, and the Accountant, Mr. NG Shun-keung, to that of the Senior Executive Officer, Class II, with effect from 1st April, 1960.

41. Two Housing Assistants were promoted to Assistant Housing Managers, and one to Senior Housing Assistant; four more were recruited. In addition two Clerks of Works, two Maintenance Officers, and a number of clerical and junior staff have been appointed. The staff of the Housing Division as at 31st March, 1961, numbered 128, out of an establishment of 182 (details are given in Appendix II).

42. Selection Boards sat to interview candidates for appointment as Clerks of Works and Maintenance Officers. The Commissioner is assisted by one member of the Authority on each selection board.

43. Proposals for staff increases put forward in connexion with the Colony's draft estimates for 1961-62 were approved by Government. These proposals envisaged a nett increase of 11 new posts, to a total of 193, in the establishment.

44. Government has agreed to pay the cost of correspondence courses for a limited number of Housing Assistants, to enable them to attain suitable qualifications in housing management to fit them for higher posts.

Staff Movements

45. The following movements of senior members of the staff took place during the year under review (in date order):

8