No. 380.
SIR,
39
GOVERNOR TO SECRETARY OF STATE.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 24th September, 1991. -
I have the honour to forward a letter received from eight of the leading Chi- nese gentlemen of the Colony, praying that facilities might be afforded them for securing for the children of the better class Chinese a good English education, their reasons for desiring a special school being given. I deferred dealing with this until the general question was being considered, but remembering that the better classes of Chinese are quite as anxious as any European to preserve their children from contact with children of a lower class, intimate communication with whom would be prejudicial to their moral character, I sympathise with the desire of the writers, and hope to receive authority to meet their views as well as those of the European Petitioners for a separate school.
2. The question might present itself that the wealthy Chinese could them- selves engage the teachers; but I do not think that they could secure the same class of teachers and the same continuity that would result from the employment of teachers by the Government.
3. I entirely agree with the remarks of the Inspector of Schools, and, if we can secure the attendance of the children of the Chinese upper classes, many of whom will if the schools succeed come down from China, and some of whom will probably form part of the official class of the future, the consequences may be far- reaching and the benefit to this country may amply repay the small outlay that the scheme demands. If the school turns out a success the fees can be raised so as to cover all the expense, for the class for which the schools are intended is wealthy and can well afford to pay, I shall be glad to be authorized to enter upon this interesting experiment.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
HENRY A. BLAKE, Governor.
The Right Honourable,
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
$c..
&c.,
de.
SECRETARY OF STATE TO Governor,
HONGKONG.
No. 408.
SIR
DOWNING STREET,
6th December, 1901.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 343 of the 3rd September, enclosing a memorial from certain British inhabitants of Hongkong, asking that a Government School may be established for. European children; and of your despatch No. 380 of the 24th September, enclosing a letter from certain Chinese residents asking that a suitable English School may be established, with the assistance of Government, for the education of the boys and girls of the Chinese upper classes.
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