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English History, Grammar, Geography, Mathematics, &c. were entirely conducted, questions and answers, oral and written, in the Latin language, only a slight idea could be formed of the difficulty experienced by Japanese and Chinese in examinations conducted in English; for after all, there is a certain amount of kinship between English and Latin in thought, roots, construction and expression, absolutely wanting between English and Japanese or Chinese. I also found from conversation with Professor MASON, at a health resort in Japan last summer, that the attainments of our boys after four or five years, compare very favourably with those of Japanese after a nine years' course; great proficiency in English Conversation, Grammar, Composition, &c. is the exception not the rule, being dependent on the natural abilities of the boys, not on the system of education.
6. The Second Master, Mr. MAY, returned from leave in April, and Mr. BARLOW in August; Mr. JONES went on leave in July. The office of Seventh Assistant Master was abolished, the Governing Body recommending a graduated scale of higher salaries for the Chinese Staff. Of the four Chinese Assistants, who, as mentioned in my last Report, taught classes in the Upper School in 1894 with such excellent results, two have left for higher salary; Mr. WAN going to a new university recently opened at Tientsin, and Mr. LEUNG obtaining transfer to the Public Works Department. The great bulk of our Chinese Staff now consists of junior men, and it is to be recorded to their great credit, that they have uniformly strenuously striven to sustain the standards of the classes entrusted to their charge.
7. The results of the Oxford Local Examinations are this year very disappointing, being far behind the most satisfactory ones of the two preceding years. It is not, however, possible to maintain an even standard of excellence for any length of time, especially in view of the difficulties resulting from irregular attendance, detailed above. There are, however, two redeeming features, which deserve to be noted. Out of the eight boys from this college, who received certificates, two obtained distinction. U HANG-KAM, already A.A. in 1894, aspired to distinction in Mathematics, and was successful, ranking 12 out of 23 Seniors, so honoured in all England. C. ELLIS was similarly 3 out of 12 in the list, distinguished in History in the Preliminary Examination.
8. It is much to be wished, that some plan could be devised for reducing the distracting noises, by which our work is continually interrupted. I refer especially to the nuisance arising from processions, which, I believe, are required to hush their music in the neighbourhood of the Supreme Court and other Public Buildings, but which seem to reserve their energies for our benefit. Just recently a new cause of annoyance has arisen, the dressing of rough hewn stones in Staunton Street. I have often suggested the blocking-up of the loop-holes in the boundary wall of the same street, as these apertures reveal an irresistible vista for cock-shy to the gamins of that district; during the examination, a small urchin threw quite a big stone into the Hall. A more serious subject for complaint is the immoral reputation of the immediate neighbourhood of this college; it being a matter of common knowledge that brothels and secret gambling dens abound, which prove a source of ruin to several of our scholars.
9. The usual Tables of Statistics are attached.
I have the honour to be,
Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
GEO. H. BATESON WRIGHT, D.D. Oxon,
Head Master.
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