training of teachers in general subjects and in physical educa- tion. In addition, classes have been formed at nine centres in the rural areas for the education of adults who are engaged in fishing and farming. The syllabus includes reading, writing and simple arithmetic, and the treatment of subjects is designed. to meet the special requirements of the students.
The Northcote Training College for teachers was re-opened in March 1946, when many former students resumed their interrupted studies. Owing to lack of training during the war years and the consequent acute shortage of trained teachers, it has been found necessary to introduce evening classes for the training of older teachers and to provide an intensive summer course for those who have several years of experience. A fur- ther step in the training of teachers was the establishment in September, 1946, of a Rural Training College at Fanling, in the New Territories. This is a residential training centre for those who intend to take up teaching in the rural schools. In addition to educational subjects the students receive instruction in rural occupations and spend a considerable part of their time in prac- tical agriculture. In 1946 there were 25 students at the College, including men and women, but during 1947 the number rose to about 46.
The year 1947 saw even greater expenditure on education by the Government than the previous year. Of a total of H.K.$9 million over 4 million were allotted in grants and subsidies. In spite of this heavy expenditure, it was estimated at the end of the year that there were still some 60,000 children of school age who were receiving no education at all, but it must be remembered that many of these are temporary residents for whom it would be difficult to make provision. One of the major items of expenditure was the sum of $1,320,000 for a school meals service which was inaugurated early in the year 1947. Pupils up to the age of eight years in all urban schools now receive a bottle of milk daily free of charge and in schools where education is provided free all children receive milk without restrictions as to age. In addition, vitaminized biscuits similar in content to those used with excellent results in Canada are available at a small cost.
Education in Hong Kong is generally not free, but 10 per cent. of the pupils in Government schools are awarded free places, and scholarships are awarded to the top pupil in each class. The fees in Government schools are $5 per month for primary and $10 per month for secondary classes. This is approximately on the same level as the charge for instruction in the Grant-aided schools where fees are generally on the scale of $6-12 per month. The subsidized schools charge $8 per month: rural schools are less expensive, fees ranging from $1 to $5. The highest fees in the Colony are charged in the private schools where the average is $15 per month, but this does not in all cases
66