and taught when they are not being taught at all. It leads the children themselves into habits of idleness; because it induces them to suppose that merely sitting for a number of hours a day, without applying their minds to what they have to do, is very profitable and creditable. Unfortunately, the wretched delusion as to shama is not dissipated until after life; but then they And it out, and regret the time that has been wasted. I think anyone who has been so deluded has a right to blame those who have allowed such a faulty system to be maintained for a single day. I myself was very unwill. ing to make any change in the sokool-I am not fond of pulling up things, like children in a garden, to see i how they grow; but I wished to see what all the schools here were doing. According to the best information that I could get, I was led to suppose that the system of paying by results, which had answered very well elsewhere, would answer equally well here. hope and believe such has been the result so far; and I trust the system will be faithfully carried out. All the reports I have received are very satisfactory; and schools, of whatever denomination, have all fair play and an equal chance. Now, the system of paying for results is not only advantageous to the boys, but it is also a great encouragement to the masters. Under the old system, masters were simply left to receive their stipend. As they did not get extra credit for the proficiency of their boys, but little encouragement was afforded them to do their best and to employ their time and exert their energy to the fullest degree. The present system removes that evil; and I hope and believe that for many years to colac the schools in the Colony will greatly · profit by the change that has been made. Whilst I do not know of its being distasteful or disagreeable to any class in the community, I am sure it will be beneficial to all. It will be satisfactory to the boys themselves to know what ones they are in and what progress they have made. We all know that alone is a great induce. ment to get on. Every boy knows pretty well the capacity of the one that sits next to him; you are all, in fact, good judges of each other. The system of paying by results is in itself a great examination; because by if you are put in certain classes and you know exactly who la who. You can all discriminate between those who have been industrious and who have been idle; and that is a great matter. Were it not that, practically, there exists all through the world a system of prizes and rewards, very few of us would do much. The boys know, when they get into a higher class, that their merits aro thus clearly and discriminately pointed out to their fellows. There is something amongst all boys and all men which induces them, when that is the case, to endeavour to arrive at distinction and to deserve it. I do not think I have much to say on the score of good conduct; I have not heard any complaint, and I believe the conduct of the boys generally has been very good. It cannot be otherwise than most satisfactory to rayseli and to the Council of the Colony, who have voted the funds for maintaining the school, to know that we have apparently gained the good-will and confidence of the Chinese portion of the population. They are here treated with great impartiality. What we endeavour to do is not only to teach them, but to get an example of tolerance and forbearance. We have no desire to interfere with thefe own consciences in any way. We simply offer them a useful practical education, which they will all find-and I am happy to believe many have found to their use and advantage. I believe that if we had room, and if the funds of the Colouy would afford it -we could get a great maay more than we do. It is quito impossible to please all partien---especially is it impossible to plouse every denomination of religionista. That is a hopeless matter. It has been tried everywhere that I know of. I have seen it tried; I have tried it myself; and it always resulted in signal failure. What the boys learn here will induce then to persevere and go ea. They will not stop with the education received here; but will persevere further. They will be induced to proceed, to enquire and judge for themselves, and discriminate what is best for them to do. Of course it would be possible, with sufficient time, to enter upon many difficult and abstruse subjects; but I am not prepared to say that any great change should be made, It should be remomborod that u great good CAK ba done by offering children-- children in mind-mental food which they are incapable of
or at all events to those who are
في انا
digesting. I believe you here get all, or pretty nearly all, that is good for you. Possibly I might wish that you should get more; but I do not see my way to it, and I am content to leave things as they are. I am content to leave well alone. I hope you will all remember to whom you are beholden-that you are indebted to the British Government for the liberty and blessing you enjoy, and for the freedom of conscience you possess, and which your parents, I believe, desire you to exercise. We have no desire whatever to interfere with that. We wish to teach you as much as you please to learn; and for the rest you must educate yourselves. You are instructed here; your education must be finished elsewhere, or by yourselves. I have now only to wish you a very happy holiday, and to express the hope that you will return to your work determined to be as industrious, punctual, and studions, as I understand yon have been during the past year. Again, i wish you all a happy holiday. (Applause.)
Mr. F. Stewart begged, in the name of the school, to thank His Excellency the Governor and other friends, who had honoured and encouraged them with their presence that day; and especially those who had assisted thom by so liberally giving prizes. It was very pleasant, in the midst of a great deal of discouragement, to find the public interested in the school; indeed, when support was needed, it was always given. This was not the time and place to viadicate the character of the school; he was afraid they had tried to please everybody, the result of which was generally failure. That would not, however, prevent thoir con- tinning to do what they conscientiously believed was their duty; and let others do the surae. The number at school that day was 210, which was forty more than last year, and 100 more than the year previous. For several years he had hoped to get inore accommo- dation, not only for scholars hut for visitors. But they were still in the position they were before; he confessed he was getting tired of the pleasures of hope, and should like to have they actual enjoyment. The day could not be far distant when they would have a more commodious school; for it was impossible the work could be done with comfort in the
present building. They greatly needed a play groun. He did not ranke so much of physical exercise us did some; but he be lieved that "all work and no play makes Jack a duji boy." A few years ago, when boys were asked for the Foo- chow Arsenal, 18 were examined and passed in reading, writing, and ordinary subjects; but on going before the doctor, several were rejected for weakness in the chest. He believed such a thing would be in a great measure prevented if the means of proper exercise were furnished. A fourth master Was also needed, Such need could nok be doubted when it Was recollected that the average attendance last year was 829, and that there were only three English mastera. He trusted something would be done in the matter during the next year. It now only remained for him to Ask His Excellency the Governor to announce to the boys that the holiday would be given at the close of the proceedings. That holiday he was happy to
say would Also extend to the masters, whe probably looked forward to it i with as much pleasure as the boys. (Applause.)
His Excellency the Governor: I have now great pleasure, boys, in informing you that the holidays have commenced.
At the request of the Governor, Mr. Chun Ayin interpreted to the Chinese scholars the parport of His Excellency's address.
This concluded the proceedings.
GOVERNMENT COLONIAL EDUCATION.
Tus Speech of His Excellency Sir Arthur Edward Kennedy, at the distribution of prizes at the Government Central School yesterday, will well repay pernsal. This school has been established nearly twelve years and occupies a most important position. The difficulties it has had to contend with have been serious and numerous; but notwithstanding occasional discouragements, it has accomplished a vast
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