100
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for Mr. Wells and Mr. Sung. The other two are being used as class
rooms. Last year, when the numbers were too large for these small
class rooms, the class used to be taught in the Hall or in any
vacant space. There is not a spare inch of space available in the
University building. In fact the provision of some additional
accommodation is an essential condition of the starting of any sort
of Chinese School. The cheapest way of providing this accommoda-
tion would be to adapt the building at the West Gate which is now
used as quarters for coolies and mechanics. This would involve
not only the reconstruction of this building but also the con-
struction of a new building for the mechanics and coolies. I have
hazarded a sum of $50,000 as covering this whole scheme, but I have
not had time to consult Professor Redmond either as to the proposal
in so far as it effects the Engineering Department mechanics etc.,
or as to the estimate. But Professor Redmond is now a member of
the Council.
17.
On the above basis the maximum annual expenditure of the
Chinese School including a language Class is roughly $58,000.
This
means that we require a capital of $966,000 to produce that revenus
at 6%. Our past experience has been that we cannot assume that wo
can get a consistent rate of interest higher than 6%. To the sum
of $966,000 must be added a capital amount for building and equip-
ment etc., which cannot be safely put at less than $60,000 including
maintenance. This would bring the capital sum required to about
1,026,000, or adding a sum of $5,000 which is I am told required
for the purchase of books, to $1,031,000.
18.
I am afraid that this figure sounds prohibitive but I do
not see how it can be materially reduced. It might of course be
possible to reduce the cost of the staff of the Chinese School,
though I am assured by Mr. Wood, the prosent members of the Chinesc
staff and Mr. Li King Hong that the teaching of such a course as is.
contemplatod for the Chinose School will require this number of
teachers. It has to be remembered that these teachers will also
teach those students who are taking Chinese as a subject in the Arts
Faculty.