ENG-1965 — Page 324

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CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

Other administrative functions include 'district office' work in New Kowloon and the rural areas of Hong Kong Island, inves- tigation into claims to British nationality or for naturalization, fireworks control, registration of newspapers, support for Chinese social welfare activities, Chinese cemeteries, confidential mediation in a variety of domestic, tenants' and other disputes, and the pro- vision of traditional 'go-between' facilities should there be any misunderstanding between another department and some section of the Chinese public over matters which are not purely professional or technical.

The Urban Council consists of 26 members-six ex officio members and 20 ordinary members of whom 10 are elected and 10 are appointed by the Governor. Of the ex officio members the Director of Urban Services Department sits as Chairman of the Council, and the Deputy Director of Medical and Health Services as vice- chairman. The others include the Director of Public Works, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Director of Social Welfare and the Commissioner for Resettlement. The former temporary ex officio appointment of the Commissioner for Resettlement was made per- manent in January 1965. With effect from 1st April 1965 the number of unofficial members was increased from 16 to 20 by the addition of two elected and two appointed members. The term of office of the ordinary members is four years. The Council meets monthly to transact formal business, but most of its business is dealt with by 17 select committees which meet at frequent intervals. Since the meeting of the Council in April 1965, all these committees have been chaired by unofficial members, and without exception the unofficial members are in the majority.

The membership of the Urban Council is given at Appendix XLIV. The responsibilities of the Urban Council, which are carried out through the Urban Services Department, cover the fields of environmental hygiene, sanitation and public amenities in the urban areas. The Council is also the competent authority for the manage- ment of resettlement areas and estates.

NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION

The New Territories are divided into four administrative districts, each under a District Officer who has a staff of between 100 and 180, depending on the size and complexity of the district. The Tai