XN000022-1975-11-30 — Page 6

I realise that the cost of providing uniforms for patrol members

sometimes holds back the establishment of new patrols, but I understand that

the Road Safety Association has initiated a new scheme whereby private companies

will be asked to sponsor individual school patrols and contribute towards the

cost of their uniform,

I believe that, although School Road Safety Patrols exist in other

countries, Hong Kong is unique in requiring the members of patrols to wear

a full uniform, No doubt this contributes greatly to the sense of discipline,

the pride and the effectiveness of our patrols and I am sure that we should

seek to retain this requirement if at all possible.

The Government is also most grateful to the Road Safety Association

for its admirable work in the promotion of road safety activities. Today

marks the close of a month long Road Safety Campaign which will, I trust, have

had some effect in reducing the sad toll of death and serious injuries caused

by motor vehicles.

To anyone who might question the value of Road Safety Patrols the

reply should be that it is almost unknown for a child to have been injured

in a traffic accident while under the supervision of a patrol. And it is a

tribute to the alertness and good sense of patrol members that their instructions

are implicity obeyed, not only by their fellow-students but by motorists.

Finally, may I thank all those who give of their time and energy

to the organisation of the Road Safety Patrol Movement or who take part in its

activities. I hope that they will derive satisfaction from the knowledge

that their efforts are greatly appreciated by the community generally, as

!

well as by parents of schoolchildren, I wish you continued success in your

valuable work.

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