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this
shows a deep
A difficult task even when fresh and in daylight but at dawn when you
are tired from a "hard day's night," this
dedication to duty: and I know that that is the sort of spirit which
flows throughout the entire Civil Aid Services.
I know how hard pressed you are at the present time with
over 160 volunteers on duty daily: I cannot promise any let up on this
pressure, it must, if anything get harder. Your leaders are seeking to
increase your manpower to lessen the burden on you and your employers:
I know too that they are constantly looking for ways to streamline
procedures and so save your time and energy.
It is unfortunate, that because of the present difficult
they
economic situation, funds could not be provided for the planned expansion
into the New Territories or for the development of your Cadet Water
Activity Centre this year. These projects are highly desirable:
have the support and blessing of your Branch Head: let us hope that
when the economic situation improves you will be granted the necessary
funds to implement them.
As your guest, it would have been appropriate to promise you
easier times in the future: but honesty prevents my saying this. It
is clear that in the weeks, months, ahead the community will have to
call on your services perhaps as never before: that, far from being easy,
the road ahead could be long and arduous. But I know for certain that
come what may, the Service will respond as always, with dedication and
devotion to duty: a determination to serve to the best of your ability
the people of Hong Kong.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you now to rise and drink a toast
with me to the Civil Aid Services.
I