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a foreign tongue to their Chinese classmates; and their morals suffer from their association with Chinese boys of the lowest class.
They point out that the want was felt in 1870, and that an attempt to supply it by private agency has failed.
As to the details they think the school should combine elementary and secondary education, as Queen's College does; they ask for Christian religious teaching for the "voluntary" system; and for arrangements for boarding some of the children.
Mr. Irving's comments are a little discounted by the fact that his service in Hong Kong has been very short; but he entirely supports the proposal, and declares that at present European parents do refuse to send their children to schools where they will mix with the Chinese.
He thinks an attendance of 80 boys and 50 girls might be reckoned on in the near future; and suggests fees of $3 a month for boys, and $2 for girls. The cost to Government would, he reckons, be $3,000 or $4,000 a year. The site would be a difficulty; and if religious instruction is given, he thinks it should be before or after school hours.
The Governor regards the establishment of the school as "highly expedient"; and it is evident that the scheme has been carefully considered by him.
He adds that he would not raise the fees, as the class for whom the school is intended could not afford