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2.

believer in the abilities of women in every walk of life in which
they are given anything like a chance. Of that I need not remind
you that the Great War gave a final proof.

Since I came to Canada I have had the opportunity of going
over one great hospital, and I was deeply impressed by the perfection
of its arrangements. From what I have learned of this new
hsopital it seems to be the last word in architectural and mechanical
skill. You have perfected your weapons in the eternal fight against
disease. It is not for an ignoramus like myself to praise it, and
there are many here who can give you the only kind of praise worth
having, that which comes from expert knowledge. But there is a
thing which the Bible calls "The Amen of the unlearned". I can at
least join most whole-heartedly in that.

I have been reading something of the history of the movement
of which this is the culmination, the work of the noble women
who, from small beginnings, have built up the great organisation of
which this hospital is the fruit. It is a fine story of a fight
against odds, of hard work and courage and patience and good sense,
and it has won the reward which attends these qualities even in
this imperfect world. My hope for you is that you will go from
strength to strength, and that fifty years hence, when you come to
celebrate this hospital's jubilee, you will look back, even on your
present proud position, as only the day of small things.