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5.
these experiments have been tried before in Hong Kong and have failed.
(5) I notice that the draft Report on the "British Schools" contains no mention of the desire of those who signed the Petition for such Schools last year, that it should be possible for the children to obtain Christian teaching in the Schools. I very much hope that that point may not be lost sight of; and that arrangements may be made for instruction in Christian Scriptures, not of course compulsory, but in school hours, not out of school hours (as was suggested in the Report of the Inspector of Schools on the subject) either by the master of the School or by Ministers of various Denominations. That such an arrangement would be welcomed may, I think, be clearly gathered that there were the names of sixty-five British children on the books of the Kowloon Sunday School last year.
(6). In conclusion, whilst I ask Your Excellency to allow me to withdraw from the Education Committee, I would express my thanks for the honour which was put upon me in inviting me to take part in the work of the Committee. I would also ask you to allow me to express my thanks for the unfailing courtesy with which I have always been met during the meetings of the Committee, and in all correspondence on the subject.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) J. C. Victoria.
I shall be much obliged if Your Excellency will allow this letter to have equal publicity with the Report of the Committee,
1
B. S.