-2-
45
most inadequately paid. A statement, showing the salaries
paid, accompanies this Appeal (Appendix "A"). (In this
connection it is necessary to point out that the School
cannot be managed on the same financial basis as the Roman
Catholic Schools which are staffed by teachers who are
generally members of a religious order. On the other hand
it is felt that the more distinctive English ideals in
education in this School are worth the extra cost involved).
The next most important item of expenditure is "Maintenance"
which represents the cost of Board and Lodging of the Boarders
and such of the Staff as live on the premises.
(8) The School's present financial difficulties result
from the political disturbances which have also affected the
Colony and date more particularly from 1925 when the Strike-
Boycott occurred in the Colony. This, most unfortunately for
the School, coincided with a period during which the School
was being transferred from Hong Kong to its new site on the
mainland. Its old premises on the Island of Hong Kong had
become congested and unsuitable, and the new site was in every
way advantageous to its well being.
(9) The site in question, consisting of 23 acres, was
granted free by the Hong Kong Government for the purposes of
a School. It was a very uneven piece of land however, and a
sum of $135,000.- had to be spent on levelling it. On the
site thus prepared buildings ultimately costing $553,000.-
were erected.
(10) This new scheme was not undertaken by the Committee
without careful thought. It was based on sound business
considerations.
(11) The old site had been sold, the documents signed
and the deposit paid. With this money in view the contracts