IS
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN-SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
Tuesday, February 12, 1980
Princess Alexandra Attends MTRC Lunch
The following is the full text of speech by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra at the lunch of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation held in the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, February 12, 1980.
Hong Kong is always a stimulating place to visit and this is
a very special occasion. Of all the massive engineering projects that have gone into the building of this great city, the new railway is the biggest and boldest and most complex, and the one that has attracted most international interest. This morning's ceremony at which it was officially opened marked a milestone in your history, and I was delighted to share with you all that moment of pride.
The incredible speed with which this mammoth enterprise has been completed is indeed a tribute to you, Mr Thompson, to the Board, staff and consultants of the Corporation, and to all the Contractors and their hard-working and intrepid work force. But inspite of your efforts I warn you that what people will say is simply "It could only have happened in Hong Kong".
In a project of this size it was inevitable that many suffered from dust, noise and disruption and that some even had to move their homes and shops. They suffered with great forbearance. I pray that they will now reap their reward. Hong Kong can most certainly be proud of its railway, and I am sure it will bring great advantages to you all.
/It will.........