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HONG KONG UNIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Professor Hinton's Suggestions - LK.U.A.C. No. 34"
Comments from G.H.Porster (Met. In Fornater)
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I concur in the proposal to make the President of the Republic of China a Visitor xt to the Uni vozsity, That one of tho Provincial Governors should be a Visitor was suggested by the Gouncil of the original School of Midicine in Hong Kong. The crcution of sauch an offle, should be pleasing to the authorities in China and would scoure a measure of interest and cooperation from lianking watch is desirable; delugater such as the Governor of Kung- tung or Dr. Ilu Shib, for example, could give valuable assistance. A dele- gato of His Fjesty also could only be a most welcome visitor and of great assistance in improving understanding.
I regret, however, disagreement with Professor Hinton with whose ideas I have wally found my own in harmony - on his second suggestion.
If there should be any cleavage, or if there should appear to be any cleavage leven in the salts, Tophe and carirotons of the University of liong Kong and the Government of unc. Colony, and if in all their efforts they are not to ba more closely identified with cach other, then we might as well not re-upen the University or indeed the Colony of Hong Kong- Chu function of the University will surely now be fully recognised by the Gov- ernment, era thick moengnition will bust be demonstrated by full ounitdence ami cuoparabran topavan Da twa, The office of fomusnar could be a contre of Hong Kong'stiana with Dilna il did on quote, put cat pting ouditurel relations. 34 de to be hoped that the part summing clourage between Colen- ial Office and Forenga Office oṛinion will ao lunga hinder the gunkcibu- tion which Hong Kong, ite Goverzer, devirment, Unversity aimi people con mako to understanding and friendsiän between British and Chinero,
Though in principle I held the Micy that the University should be free to selcet á48 own Chascoltar it could be willing to consider nordinations from the British Government, the Gore-nor or China I think a Governor'o Chancellorship, especially at tiùs juncture, has a valuable social and political significance.
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It is pre-caincatly undesirable tint the Goverment of Hong Kong should in any way Sictate or hinder läborts of policy sad opinion in the University
for which we now hope from the boroririant of the Colony and the community generally I think it should be fortified by estive official interest at the highest level, partiundaniy at the outset under the new Government,
14 thu Guverner of the Colony merc act nor in a kay position in the University of Hong Kong, Chinese opinion right bo adversely affected. His absence from clase participation in University affairs might also adversely influence th: attitude of government serranda and the British community whose sympathieu too muat now be engaged., While secking to extend the influence of the University in. Chine, iu rmak bu remembered that a considerable mumber of students wi`` still come from flute Kong and that the goodmil of the Govern- ment of Hong Kong and the community will be an important factor in the dovel- oprient of the University, sad no reorganisation should sacrifice this valuable asset.
An Professor Hänron says, past Governors have usually been aware of the importance of the work of the University notably Lord Lugard, Sir Cecil Clomonti and Dir Geoffry Northoute, and Sir Olauč Severn when he was Acting- Governor and Colonial Becrutony.
Sir Hrk Youngle meeting with the Advisory Committee aur rated extremely well for the new future.
It night however be advisable to limit the number of Government represen- tatives on Uniracsity Bodies.
I taluk also that this as no tle for the creation of a super post of Chancellor on the lanes which Professor Hinton suggests. The appointment of a Chancellor who was an xotive member of the University's administration would gire a new menning tomthis office from an English standpoint and a new interpretation also to the office of Vice-Chancellor. It would necessarily lower the status of the Vice-Chancellor and exclude candidates who normally could be approached to occupy the post. It would certainly limit the area of choice,
The liaison with China can easily be maintained by a Vice-Chancellor and by the staff of the University seeing that any part of China can now be
by car in one day.
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