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(2) If the number of Union electoral divisions is altered as provided in sub-section (4) of section nine, the four Union electoral divisions existing before such alteration shall be deemed to persist as for the purpose of any election of members of the Board, unless and until any contrary provision is made by law.

16. (1) Non-European members of the Board shall hold their seat for a period of five years from the date of election or appointment as the case may be: Provided that, in the case of a candidate who is declared elected in terms of sub-section (8) of section thirty-six of the principal Act, his tenure of office shall continue for a period of five years from the date on which polling would have taken place, if a poll had been necessary.

(2) If the seat of any member of the Board becomes vacant before the date of expiry of his tenure of office, another person shall, if the seat becoming vacant—

is that of a nominated member, be appointed in his stead by the Governor-General;

is that of an elected member, be elected in his stead,

and the person so appointed or elected shall be entitled to hold the seat until the aforesaid date of expiry.

(3) The persons mentioned in sub-section (4) of section fourteen shall have the right to attend the meetings of the Board ex officio and the representatives mentioned under paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of the said sub-section shall respectively be nominated from time to time by the head of the department concerned.

17. If a member of the Board—

ceases to be qualified to be nominated or elected, as the case may be; or

fails for a whole ordinary session to attend the Board without the special leave of the Board; or

dies or resigns,

his office shall thereupon become vacant.

18. It shall be the function of the Board—

to advise the Government of the Union at its request on all matters affecting the economic, social, educational and political interests of the non-European population of the Union;

to make recommendations to the Government of the Union in regard to any projects calculated to serve the best interests of the said population;

to act in general as an intermediary and a means of contact and consultation between the Government of the Union and the said population;

to carry out such statutory or other administrative functions as may be assigned to the Board by the Governor-General.

19. The Minister may make regulations in regard to—

the sessions of the Board, including the venue of such sessions;