(i)
(ii)
(iii)
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95-
to investigate the present, and probable future,
financial position of the Hong Kong University and
to advise whether any changes are desirable in its
staffing, personnel, salary scales or organization;
to enquire and advise whether any such, or other,
changes are desirable in the interest of its
utility or prestige;
to tender any other advice or suggestions for the
future of the University.
I have heard the suggestion made that we ought to get an
expert out from home for this investigation, but I feel
certain myself that our local conditions and circumstances
are so peculiar to ourselves that the first thing at any
rate, to do is to bring good, clear local brains to bear on
the problem and to have their summing up of the position and
their advice regarding it before we consider the expensive
proposition of obtaining outside opinion which, however expert
on the subject of University organization, would not be
expert in regard to the special circumstances and requirements
of the Far East. The gentlemen who will be invited to serve
on the Committee will be the Honourable Mr. N. L. Smith,
Colonial Secretary, the Honourable Sir Shouson Chow, Mr. J. R.
Masson and Mr. A. Morse, Honorary Treasurer of the University.
The membership is small, because I do not believe in unwieldy
Committees, but the Committee will take the evidence of all
who respond to its invitation or volunteer to appear before it.
And this brings me to a very sad part of my address, for
although the new year has only just begun, the long depressing
shadow of an event that will mark its close already falls
across this University. That event will be the departure
on leave prior to his retirement of our Vice-Chancellor, Sir
William Hornell. Of all who come forward to assist the
Committee of which I have just spoken nobody will bring with