90
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 9TH MARCH, 1878.
(Mr. DEANE) arrives, I mast consult him as to a possible increase of the staff. I have only to add that I shall take a personal interest in the welfare of every man in the force, and you may rely at all times on receiving the sympathy and support of the Government. All the Government expects from you is a faithful discharge of your duty in the suppression of crime and the preservation of order. I will now call upon you to give three cheers for the Queen.
Three hearty cheers were given in response to Ilis Excellency's call. His. Excellency then went through the barracks, attended by Mr. CREAGH and Mr. McEUEN, and displayed much interest in the On his returning to the square a photograph arrangements and appointments of the various rooms.
of the force was taken. His Excellency then left, receiving another salute as he went away.
GOVERNMENT EDUCATION, HONGKONG.
At a conference held at the Council Chamber on the 25th February, 1878, to consider the question of the teaching of English in the Government Schools, the following gentlemen were present by invitation of His Excellency the Governor, who presided:-
The Honourable the Colonel Commanding the Troops, (Colonel BASSANO, C.B.)
The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, (J. GARDINER AUSTIN, C.M.G.)
The Honourable PHINEAS RYRIE.
The Honourable HENRY LOWCOCK.
The Honourable J. MCNEILE PRICE.
The Honourable FRANCIS BULKELEY JOHNSON.
FREDERICK STEWART, Esquire, Head Master of the Central School.
The Reverend E. J. EITEL, Ph. D.
The following resolutions were arrived at:----
1. That the primary object to be borne in view by the Government should be the teaching of English. 2. That to enable the Central School to give more time to English and less time to Chinese studies, without materially diminishing the amount of Chinese knowledge on the part of the scholars on leaving the School, the preliminary requirements in Chinese knowledge be raised in the case of all such candidates for admission as do not already speak English fairly well to the requirements of Standard IV. of Class I. of the Grant-in-Aid Schedule, (with the exception of Geography).
3. That five hours be given every day (except Saturday) to English, and 24 hours to Chinese studies, but with the understanding that all English lessons will be obligatory, and all Chinese lesson optional, according to declaration on the part of the parents.
The above resolv ions were arrived at without a division, with the exception of that portion of the latter which makes the study of Chinese optional on the declaration of the parents. On that point, the voting was as follows:--
For making Chinese optional.
The Honourable the Colonel Commanding
the Troops.
The Honourable the Colonial Secretary.
The Honourable J. M. PRICE.
The Honourable F. B. JOHNSON.
The Reverend E. J. EITEL.
For making Chinese compulsory.
The Honourable P. RYRIE.
The Honourable H. LowCOCK. Mr. STEWART.
4. That increased accommodation, more English speaking Masters, and smaller classes are essential to the proper teaching of English at the Central School.
5. That as a preliminary step, the staff of English Masters be doubled forthwith.
6. That with regard to the other Government Schools entirely supported by Government, arrangements be made, as soon as possible, to teach the boys English in all of them.
Read and confirmed this 5th day of March, 1878.
H. E. WODEHouse, Clerk of Councils.
J. POPE HENNESSY, Governor.
No. 44.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
His Excellency the Governor in Council having been pleased, subject in all respects to the approval of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to grant Two months vacation leave and Ten months leave on half salary, to the Chief Justice the Honourable Sir JOHN SMALE, Knight, the following provisional appointments have been made by His Excellency :--
His Honour FRANCIS SNOWDEN, Puisne Judge, to be Acting Chief Justice. JAMES RUSSELL, Esquire, Police Magistrate, to be Acting Puisne Judge.
C. V. CREAGH, Esquire, Acting Captain Superintendent of Police, to be Acting Police Magistrate and Coroner.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 7th March, 1878.
J. GARDINER AUSTIN,
Colonial Secretary.