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Another section of the work carried on at Queen's College which has recently received an increasing and very necessary amount of attention is the Normal Department, which undertakes the training of Pupil Teachers not only for Queen's College but also for the District Government Schools. Ever since its inception the work has been seriously handicapped by perpetual change of Mastership as a result of men proceeding on leave.
The present Normal Master, (Mr. Tanner), has held the post for two periods - one of two years - the other of one year, and has naturally looked forward to being promoted to the position on Dr. Wright's retirement.
But for the suggested introduction of Mr. Woodcock, such promotion will be postponed for at least six years, and, possibly for eleven (depending upon whether the present Head Master elects to retire at the age of 55 or 60).
Seven of the nine Masters whose positions would be affected by such a change, are men holding University Degrees and although they do not claim this as an indisputable mark of superior ability, they still wish to emphasise the fact that, especially among such a logical people as the Chinese, the possibility of Mr. Woodcock's being appointed to a superior post would be likely to militate very seriously against the successful floating of the new Hong Kong University scheme.
SOK 7378
JRI AM fond van uw
CHHO 7933