XN000022-1975-12-12 — Page 7

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and on shipping, tourism, commerce and banking. But I see it also developing fast as a platform from which to participate in the growth of the Western Pacific area, whether by partial or complete manufacture within the area, by direct sales, by financial operations or by entrepot arrangements.

"Gentlemen, it is unwise for bankers to ask the Governor to speak after dinner because he will go on speaking about Hong Kong for ever, and in conclusion I would like to revert to banking. Hong Kong Owes a very great deal to banks in general and to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in particular. But if I might widen my remarks, I should like to say in all humility that the traumatic economic experiences endured in these last two years have revealed the immense adaptability and

strength of the world's financial institutions, No doubt some

governments have helped just as others have hindered, but it has been the established financial institutions, working individually or in combination, which have kept the economy of the world afloat in this hazardous, unforeseen and erratic situation, and I would like to pay

my small tribute to what they have done.

"To end on a more personal and frivolous note, I personally consider bankers to be in a very special position - as Ogden Nash wrote they are like anyone else but richer. Like the majority of mankind I take the view that they are primarily there to help and that what lies behind their awe-inspiring portals is what we all want money. The thought is well put in a slight misquotation of a verse by Emily Dickinson written over a century ago -'I never lost as much but twice and that was in the sod. Twice have I stood a beggar before the door of god.

reimbursed my store - banker, banker

Angels twice descending

-

father I am poor once more!.

"Gentlemen, I give you the toast to 'Banking' with which I

couple the name of our hosts the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation."

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