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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 19TH MARCH, 1892.
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7. PUPIL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION.-The Inspector of Schools set a very stiff paper on the Theory and History of Education. Two boys obtained three-quarters marks and none of the remain- ing four failed in this subject. Mr. JONES, the Assistant Master who was in charge of the Preparatory School with its Pupil Teachers and Monitors, wrote a very careful Report in which he shows the disadvantages under which these Juniors suffer, by the necessary promotion to acting appointments when their Seniors are absent on leave. As a novel feature this year, I may note that, at Mr. JONES' suggestion, the six Pupil Teachers and Monitors gave instruction in various subjects to a class in the presence of the Inspector of Schools. This year, one of the Monitors obtained the Stewart scholar- ship, the highest distinction in the College next to the Morrison Scholarship.
8. PUPIL TEACHERS' SYSTEM.-Pupil Teachers and Monitors continue to be employed in this, as in all other large schools and colleges. To secure the continued services of the same junior teachers, the Pupil Teachers have since 1887 been articled for a period of three years. It would be a mistake to suppose that they receive their appointments in order of the Prize Lists. As careful a system of selection is observed, as the circumstances of the case permit. Monitors are appointed by the Head Master, who immediately substitutes, if necessary, another boy better suited physically, or by natural disposition, to the science and art of teaching. After the experience of a year or more, the best of these monitors who is willing to be articled, is recommended for that purpose to the Government, Since the opening of Victoria College, considerable improvements have been made in the advantages enjoyed by the three Pupil Teachers and five Monitors. An English Master is appointed to supervise the four lowest classes of the College, which are under their charge, observing their method correcting their errors in teaching and advising them in their many difficulties. In addition to this, they receive, once a week, in the afternoon from this master, instruction on the theory, history and principles of Education. This system appears to me quite adequate for the requirements of the College, and though at present capable of considerable improvement and extension, it will, I am confident, in a few years, bring great credit to the Institution. Apart from any other consideration, the efficacy of the system is demonstrated by the efficiency of the Chinese Assistants who were thus trained, several of whom hold Oxford or Cambridge Local Certificates.. That Chinese Assistants should vary in natural aptitude for teaching, and in their ability to pronounce English purely, is not surprising, as the same variety is observable in the masters of schools in England. The Central School on more than one occasion provided teachers for Government and other schools in the Colony, and I have received from the Inspector of Schools and others letters bearing quite flattering testimony to the excellence of the manner in which those young men discharged their duties. If Victoria College does not continue to provide teachers for Government Schools, the low salary offered, and the isolation of village and suburban schools are, as far as I am aware, the only causes. It cannot be expected that a boy, who can earn $40 a month in the city of Victoria, will allow himself to be exiled to Shau-ki-wan or Stanley for $25 a month.
9. NORMAL SCHOOL.-In 1879, the Government made the experiment of forming a Normal School in connexion with Wantsai Government School. It was closed in 1883 on my recommendation, as Acting Inspector of Schools, for the following reasons; (1) there was no probability of the Gov- ernment being able to redeem its promise of finding the pupils employment as teachers; (2) the number of pupils, reduced by sickness and desertion made the expense of the Institution dispropor- tionate; (3) an opportunity of joining the Medical College at Tientsin made the young men willing to terminate their agreements. Mr. MAY was very successful as Principal of the Normal School, and I have no doubt that, as Second Master of Victoria College, he will have equal success in training our Monitors and Pupil Teachers.
10. NON-CHINESE PUPIL TEACHERS.-As to the employment of English, Portuguese or Indian boys as Pupil Teachers, I have never observed in English or Portuguese boys the least sign of adaptability to the profession of teaching, and have only once found an Indian capable of holding the post, which he did to my entire satisfaction. Mr. ALARAKIA subsequently ranked as a Chinese Assistant, and had therefore to be competent to speak and write Chinese with ease.
11. DRILL.-Drill was introduced last September; but as only one Instructor was engaged for all the Schools in the Colony, only two and a half hours a week fell to the share of this College. The result was that the squads, often numbering 130 boys, were hopelessly unwieldy and it was impossible for the instructor to correct the individual error of so many boys. There is a general belief in the benefits accruing from this form of exercise, and a scheme has been approved to provide a separate instructor to give 12 hours a week to our 900 boys, which will afford half an hour's drill weekly for squads averaging 36 in number.
12. STAFF.-Mr. MAY was in charge of the College as Acting Head Master for ten months, until my return at the end of October. Mr. JAMESON returned from leave on May 8th, and Mr. DEALY left for Europe on twelve-months' leave from September 9th. Thus the staff was short of two English Masters at the same time for six months of the year. In addition to which the work of the College suffered through the illness of two English masters, one of whom was absent for over two months, the other for one month.