5
of the Colonial functionaries
to the views of Sir
of Her Majesty's Government, on this interesting
matter..
I beg to mention that knowledge of the local oral dialect current in this Colony
would be of no
assistance -
but rather an impediment to the acquisition
of the mandarin,
official language of China,
and that for
the
study of
the latter this Colony at present affords no facilities. – But the prosperous state of our finances
will, I trust, enable
us to take
the whole question of public
Education
on a
large
and liberal
spirit, without calling upon the Imperial Treasury for pecuniary
aid. - And if there should be some delay in my
recommending
a general scheme of popular
instruction, I hope Your Lordship will attribute that delay to my desire of obviating, as well as I can, the objections
of whose nature Your Lordship has
had abundant experience.
I have the honor to be, With the highest respect.
Your Lordships,
Most Obedient.
Humble servant,
W. H. Bourn