XN000022-1973-09-28 — Page 9

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Friday, September 28, 1973

Following is the full text of the Governor's speech:

"It gives me very great pleasure indeed to be here today to

open the splendid new temple building which we see before us.

"The vast majority of the people of Hong Kong are Chinese by

race and language. But there are few buildings in our city which are

distinctively Chinese.

"This is largely because the shortage of land has dictated

that most recent development should be in the form of high-rise buildings,

similar to those being constructed in many large cities throughout the world.

The new Wong Tai Sin Temple is therefore a reassuring sign

that the great tradition of Chinese architecture is still alive and

flourishing.

"The completion of this magnificent new temple must be the

cause of the greatest satisfaction to you, Mr. Chairman, and your Committee,

to the architect and contractors, and to all who have played a part

in its construction.

achiovement.

I congratulate all those concerned on their

"The Wong Tai Sin temple has ministered to the spiritual needs

of the people of this part of Kowloon for over half a century.

The population of the surrounding area has increased many

times over during that period, and the temple and its grounds now provide

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a welcome oasis amongst the vast public housing estates which have sprung

up in recent years.

"It is