C.
0.
valuable Government scholarship. And here
I may remark that the whole school is proud of Bosman, and masters and scholars alike wish him every success in his future career in England. The total number of scholars on the list last year was 558, much the same as usual, but the high daily average attendanco deserves some notice. It was 412, the highest average that has been reached within the last six or seven years, and I think it may be account- ed for by the increased interest excited in the boys by seeing the new college really begun, for they are anxious to retain their seats here with a view to securing their entry into the new col- lego. The prize examination has just been com. pleted. 379 boys were examined and 95 per cent, passed. The four classes at the head of the school have shown decided improvement, the second class being conspicuously above the average; but owing to the changes of the masters. caused by various circumstances, the work in the lower classes is not of a high order of merit, though a large number of boys have suc ceeded in passing. The Franco-Chinese war bas had but very trifling effect on the school. In Au- gust three or four boys returned to Beatow and other coast ports, and half-a-dozen others wont to Canton purposing to return after the Chinese new year.
Our nine Aunamese scholars returned to their native place earlier in the year. As the annual school report will shortly be published. I will not now go into the details of the changes in the staff of masters during the past year, but I cannot refrain from once again bearing testimony to the conscion- ; tions and successful labour of Mr. McKin- ney, of whose service the school was deprived by death last September. One little point I shall have to mention. Noither of the Belilios scholarships will be awarded this year. Al- though the examination was duly held and the boys have done their ordinary work, the Trustees are unable to come to a unanimous decision as to the awarding of the prizes, and therefore they prefer not awarding the scholar- ships at all this year. I just mention this lost it should be thought there was no boy deserving of the scholarships. I shall add nothing more, sir, but ask you to proceed. (Applause.)
on
His EXCELLENCY-Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with much satisfaction that I now for the second time preside at the annual distribution of prizes at this the chief educational establishment in this colony, in which nearly all the pupils are Chinese, and on which, as I announced last year, Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to coufer the name of Victoria College. Among the three events of last year to which the Hend Master referred just now, ons most conspicuous event was the inauguration of the new and mach į more commodious building which is to replace the present edifica. I had much pleasure in laying the !first stone of that building last April, and that ought to be considered a memorable day in the educational annals of Hongkong. I trust many generations of pupils will there he educated to reflect credit on themselves and also their native land. Another event of last year to which the Head Master referred was the pre- sentation of an addross, so gratifying to 'all concerned, to Mr. Stewart-applause) the late Head Master hero, I have presided on many similar occasions, and I never knew one which was more satisfactory in every possible way. I think Mr. Stewart is to } be highly congratulated on that well deserved proof of the respect and affection of his former papils. (Applause.) I am sure you have listened with great interest to the address just delivered by the Head Master. The general good conduct | and proficiency of the papils of this institution reflect much credit not only on themselves bat also on the whole staff of Professors and Masters. You all know the reverence, amounting to almost religious worship. for fathers whicb is one of the most marked traits in the national character of the Chinese. So it was amongst the ancient Romans. Many of you know the
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