C. S. O. M. 397.
Received 15th February,
1867.
List of Apparatus required
for Lectures on
Chemistry.
Inclosure No 1 in Governor
Sir Richard G. MacDonnell's Despatch No. 217 of 15th Feby
1867.
Distribution of Prizes at the Central School.
On Friday 25th ult., the Governor presided at the annual distribution of prizes at the Central School in Gough Street, which took place in presence of several visitors and proved to be a very interesting ceremony. The examinations have been going on in the school during the last two months and the prize lists had of course been already made out, but to show the progress which had been made by the boys, a brief examination was held by the Governor. He was asked to choose any passage from a lesson book on Geography for the pupils to read. This was read, sentence by sentence down the class, and the boys not alone in many cases read with ease and accurate pronunciation, but proved on being questioned that they fully understood the passage and were able to convey the sense of what they read in other words. They wrote to dictation on their slates, and in a great many cases the exercises written in a clear intelligible hand without a fault in spelling. They worked out a sum in vulgar fractions with promptitude, and certainly astonished the visitors by their proficiency. The examination papers were shown, and some of the original exercises in composition proved that the writers really possessed a thorough knowledge of English.
The GOVERNOR said that before going on with the distribution of the prizes, he would like to say a few words about what the Government intended to do in connexion with the school, and first he thought that without giving undue praise it would be only fair to say how much reason there was to be satisfied with the progress which had been made. There were visitors present, many of whom were fully competent to judge, and they would see from what had taken place that this was not merely a school in name. He noticed with great pleasure the generally creditable appearance of the scholars, and this was not only observable to-day for he had often come to visit the school unexpectedly, and had found the same neatness and cleanliness, and attention to discipline, which he had found that day, when he was expected. Indeed he understood that there was less trouble in maintaining discipline here amongst the two hundred and odd boys who belonged to the school, than there would be with half that number at home. He was not prepared to say whether this was in itself a good thing; he was not one of those who objected to occasional boisterous outbursts but at any rate it would be very improper for the Governor to say that he was not well satisfied with seeing such good discipline preserved. With reference to the subjects studied in the school, he thought they must all be satisfied that sufficient attention was paid to the ordinary branches of an English education, but at the same time he would like to see some other subjects introduced. He would like to see a little more opportunity given for learning something of those important sciences which had hitherto, to a great extent been ignored in China. He did not see why it would be impossible to have a small laboratory established, in which chemical experiments might be carried on. A new world of ideas might thus be opened to the students. Electrical experiments might also be given and without any great addition to the cost of the school, it would be possible to exhibit something of those natural phenomena which appeal to the eye and awaken the curiosity of youth. He hoped that if the government provided the necessary apparatus, members of the community would come forward and assist the school by giving lectures. He had already mentioned this matter to Mr. Stewart who thought that the idea ought to be carried out. He thought therefore he might safely promise the boys that before many months were over, these lectures on chemistry and electricity would be introduced, partly as a recreation and partly as an addition to their studies. The first cost of this would not be great. Certainly the financial position of the colony was not one which encouraged the government to undertake new expenses, but still he thought it was better not to wait if a good thing on a small scale had to be done, but to do it at once. The cost of the government schools during the past year had been $9,650, of which $1,231 had been contributed by the scholars so that only $8,469 had actually been spent by the government. Perhaps that amount might not seem great if it were compared with the magnitude of the Chinese population here, but he would request the Chinese community to remember that what had been done was a disinterested effort on the part of the government for the benefit of what was a foreign race although under a British flag. He was perfectly satisfied that the expenditure was useful, and one from which in the future mutual benefits would be reaped. At present he did not see any boy in the school who was not of Chinese descent but he would like it to be understood that all the Government schools are perfectly open to the children of other than Chinese parents and he would be glad to see them made sufficiently attractive to draw in the children of Portuguese and Hindoos. He would like to see a little more amalgamation of races. It had been almost a decision of the former Board of Education that the schools should be reserved for Chinese children only, and he was anxious therefore that it should be known, the school was no longer shut to others. The principles on which it was conducted were not exclusive; it was open alike to all who would conform to the rules. He confessed that he should like to see a few more maps about the school. He was surprised there were so few, as it was highly desirable to take advantage of the faculty of youth to remember facts, taught by the eye, the most useful medium for acquiring a knowledge of Geography. He would like also to see the school provided with a pair of globes, at all events with one large Terrestrial globe. There might be some there who still retained an idea that China was the centre of the world. They may at least have heard their fathers or grandfathers express that idea and at all events it was held by some of their countrymen, though he hoped the boys of the central school had advanced far enough to have abandoned that superstition. In conclusion he said that he would engage before many months were over that they should have the opportunity of enjoying those elementary lectures of which he had already spoken.
He then proceeded to distribute the prizes amongst which were a silver watch, a case of mathematical instruments, and a considerable number of pencil cases and books from the school fund. Also a silver watch presented by Mr. O. C. Smith, and a case of mathematical instruments presented by Mr. Stewart the head master. In the course of distributing their prizes,
The GOVERNOR said that he should like to give a prize for the next annual distribution himself, I would say $25, to be laid out in any prize which the head master chose, for the greatest general attention and diligence displayed throughout the year. This prize might thus be won by any boy in the school, who within the sphere of his duties showed himself the most deserving. When he came again,—indeed he would be there many times before the next examination, but when he came again to distribute the prizes next year, it would give him great pleasure to present the new prize he proposed to offer.
The CHIEF JUSTICE then begged to say a few words. He had been there on former occasions but he had never seen so satisfactory a display as had been made that day. He expressed particular satisfaction at the announcement which had been made by the Governor that the school was to be open to all and not only to Chinese. There might be some difficulties in carrying out the new arrangement, but Mr. Stewart who had brought the school to its present state would certainly be able to overcome these. He expressed the obligations of the community to His Excellency the Governor for his presence there that day and for the determination he expressed to support public education in the colony.
Dr. Legge then made a speech to the boys in Chinese explaining the nature of the prize which had been promised by the Governor, and the proceedings came to an end.