348 : manner. his most satisfactory final examination in Pokinese as it is commonly called the Mandarin language. The same question will arise as soon as W. Sercombe Smith has completed his studies. Mr. May finds that it is difficult for him to keep up the knowledge of the Official language of Chinese which he has acquired after two years and four months study, and which, without practice, he is likely soon to forget. The other passed Cadets who learned Cantonese do not require such assistance, as they have daily communication. He is nearly the only person in the Colony acquainted with Pekinese, and he himself knows very little, if any, Cantonese. He has asked to be allowed a teacher at Government expense to enable him to continue with Chinese, speaking the Cantonese dialect.
The Finance Committee (with the sole exception of Mr. Stewart, Acting Colonial Secretary), declined to vote the money on the ground :