No.3.
Eliquit,
311
in their opinion, the least of two evils.
8.
I enclose a copy of the observations of the Inspector of Schools upon the Petition. Mr. Irving roughly calculates the cost of a School such as that prayed for at $4,000 a year over and above the fees. The amount is not large. It might be reduced by increasing the fees, but having regard to the exceptional cost of living for Europeans of the class for whom the School is desired, I question if higher fees could be paid without serious inconvenience.
9.
A Petition on the subject of separate education has also been received from a number of Chinese gentlemen who pray for the establishment of a School where higher fees than those paid at the Queen's College may be charged. They are anxious to avoid the association of their children with the poorer classes at Queen's College and are willing to pay fees sufficient to support the School without cost to the Colony, but they require the assistance of Government so as to secure a proper succession of Masters. I shall address you on this subject in a separate Despatch.
The present Petition I venture to strongly recommend for your favourable consideration.
10.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Henry May
Governor,
&c.