17.
8.
137
8.
"Some of these experiments have been tried before.
£1
We are not aware to what experiments his Lordship alludes unless it can be to the proposal that admission to Anglo-Chinese Schools shall depend upon passing an entrance examination. But this principle was approved by him in Part II Section 21 0.
His Lordship's Letter of the 20th March,
"The best course to adopt etc. #
His Lordship's second and third suggestions present in three lines an alternative to a report which, with all its shortcomings, is the result of several months' hard work. We had thought that to discover how the training of masters and teachers was to be accomplished, and how the alteration in the educational machinery was to proceed, were the objects of our enquiry. His Lordship appears to consider that to re-enunciate these problems is a satisfactory conclusion of our endeavours.
While differing with his Lordship on these points we cannot but thank him warmly for the very kind and courteous manner in which he performed his duties as Chairman.
(Sa.). A. W. BREWIN,
HO KAI.
EDWARD A. IRVING.
Hong Kong, 9th April, 1902.
P.S.
As a personal matter, I beg leave to point out that his Lordship, in implying that I am without "personal experience in the work of teaching," has drawn his bow entirely at a venture, and has also missed his mark. I have had a year's experience as house-master in a boarding school, as well as experience as private tutor.
(Sd.). Edward A. Irving,
Inspector of Schools.