- 2
7
5.
Our first action was to advertise in the local press our terms of reference and to invite expressions of views from the public.
6.
On 25th January we instructed our Secretary to address the Government in the following terms:-
"Sir,
University (1937) Committee.
At a meeting of the above Committee held on 25th January, 1937, it was decided that, without waiting for its final report, the attention of the Government should be drawn to the serious situation arising from the early departure of His Excellency the Chancellor and the announced intention of the Vice-Chancellor to
take leave towards the end of 1937 prior to retirement.
2. In the opinion of the Committee it is urgently necessary to consider the selection of a suitable
successor to Sir William Hornell.
3.
The Committee also feels strongly that the new Vice-Chancellor should be in the Colony before Sir William Hornell's departure, even if some additional expense is thereby entailed.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(SD) J.H.B.Lee.
Secretary,
University (1937) Committee.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
HONG KONG."
7.
All the witnesses who were good enough to give us their views, whether members of the University staff