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Our speakers today have had considerable personal experience in the real world of Hong Kong, sometimes including in obscure fields. They are not speaking from secondary sources. They are certainly not lacking in enthusiasm. Whether it is the lifestyle of expatriates 40 years ago or the day-to-day lives of Chinese New Territories village residents; various aspects need to be recorded before they vanish without trace.
One of the jobs of the RAS is to add to the bank of knowledge that already exists. There is, of course, always the danger that oral history can be distorted, often unintentionally. Allowances may have to be made.
The early days in Hong Kong when our Branch was reconstituted are fascinating to recall. I could go on much longer. But all I am supposed to do is to open this Conference. In fact, I have already carried on for far too long but I just could not resist the opportunity. I am delighted now to declare that this Conference has been well and truly opened!
I now have great pleasure in handing you over to my good friends and fellow council members to give you the benefit of their profound knowledge.
And so, on with the conference!