- 5 -
23
1. The Junior Technical School, unlike any secondary
school, will not be concerned with any external
examination. The boys most likely to take top places
in a written examination are those most likely to be
attracted to the clerical occupations.
2. The sons of many dockyard employees would be refused,
and much good material go to waste.
3. The medical statistics show that the most successful
boys at examinations have a low average of physique
and eyesight. Such boys would be most unlikely to be
able to take their place as junior leaders of
industry.
An outstanding feature of the conditions raling at the time was that
no one, even the Director of Education, had any idea of the support
with which the Junior Technical School would be received. The heads
of the engineering industries were whole heartedly in favour, but
even they had some doubts as to whether the foe, 33 monthly, would
not be too much for their employees to pay. It was therefore with
considerable feelings of uncertainty that preliminary arrangements
for opening were made.
(2) PREPARATIONS FOR OPENING THE J.T.S.
In order to ensure a widespread knowledge of the purpose of
the school, a preliminary pamphlet entitled "Education for Industry" (Appendix I) was prepared in English and Chinese, and was circulated
throughout the Colony. Copies were sent direct to the Hon. D. P. W.,
the Dock Companies, H.M. Dockyard, and the Inspectors of Vernacular
Schools. By this means accurate knowledge of the functions of the
Junior Technical School reached at least 500 homes. As the proposed
day of opening approached advertisements were inserted in the English
and Chinese Press, and many enquiries for places were received prior
to the official day fixed for interviews.