ENG-1965 — Page 326

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CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

on behalf of the government. They receive a small monthly sub- vention to cover routine expenses. Within its own area each Rural Committee acts as the spokesman for local public opinion, arbitrates in clan and family disputes, and generally provides a bridge between the New Territories Administration and the people.

The chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 27 Rural Committees, together with the unofficial New Territories Justices of the Peace and 21 Special Councillors elected every two years, form the Full Council of the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk, whose title may be translated into English as 'Rural Consultative Council'. The Kuk serves as a forum where leaders of New Territories opinion have gathered since it was constituted in 1926 and from which (except during the period from August 1958 to December 1959 when official recognition of the representative status of the Kuk was withdrawn because of internal dissension) the government has sought advice on New Territories affairs. Under the constitution established by the Heung Yee Kuk Ordinance 1959, the Kuk also has an Executive Committee which meets monthly and consists of the chairmen of Rural Committees, the unofficial New Territories Justices of the Peace and 15 ordinary members elected every two years by the Full Council. The Full Council also elects the chairman and two vice-chairmen of the Kuk through whom close and constant contact is maintained with the District Commissioner. A bye- election of the Heung Yee Kuk for an ordinary member was held in August 1965 under the supervision of the Deputy District Com- missioner as Returning Officer.

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THE PUBLIC SERVICE

On 1st April 1965, the establishment of the Public Service totalled 68,474, an increase of 4,681 over the previous year. The estimated expenditure on personal emoluments (including pensions) for the financial year 1965–6 is about $547.7 million, which accounts for approximately 54 per cent of the estimated recurrent expenditure or 32 per cent of the total estimated expenditure for the year. The Service has expanded very rapidly since 1949, when the total es- tablishment was about 17,500. The Establishment Sub-Committee of Finance Committee continued to examine all departmental re- quests for extra staff, to ensure that expansion of the Public Service is limited to posts which are essential, as opposed to simply desirable.