XN000022-1978-02-27 — Page 10

I expect economic activity in the North East New Territories

to grow.

The new coastal motorway from Shatin to Tai Po will be completed

by 1982, and there will be much faster and more fiequent train services

when the line is double-tracked to Lo Wu by 1980. In Hong Kong prosperity

follows improved communications, and with a population of 600,000 between

here and the Lion Rock by December 1983 I should expect the whole North

East to develop fast. It must be the duty of your Goverment, in co-operation

with local leaders, to match that development with the services necessary

to ensure a full and happy life for all who live here.

I therefore believe you have a bright prospect. So I am particularly

pleased that Fanling and Sheung Shui should be so well endowed with

public-spirited persons willing to think and work and give for the good

of their fast-developing community.

I wish them and the community all success and happiness.

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