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Next I should like to say that in my opinion, the main emphases of Hong Kong University ought to be upon those branche s of learning in which the Chinese are backward, and not upon those in which they are relatively advanced, I regard this principle as very important, for if it were well and imaginatively implemented, the University could become a centre of research famous throughout China in certain specific and concrete fields. Only in this way can true prestige be gained. Our experience in this Mission during the war has proved once again that the Chinese
If are extremely acute and quick in detecting the second-rate. we desire to have the kudos and respect which is accorded to genuine high achievement in science and learning, the only way is to provide it. The alternative is a fourth-rate University in a provincial colonial backwater, and it is clear that fear of this was in the minds of the signatories of the Report. But the real stuff needs a bold, generous and dependable long-term financial policy.
This principle may be found implicit in the pages of the Report itself, when, for instance, in Ch.VIII 47, P. 25 it is proposed to endow (too cheaply) a laboratory for chemical micro-analysis. It is also seen in the confidential note (undated) by Mr. D. J. Sloss where he says that there must be as quickly as possible a large production of trained cagineers and medical men. In a way, it nas long bean accepted, in so far as the University has nad a better reputation for 16s Medical school than for its other departments.
The section of the Report dealing with science seems to me to be conceived in too narrow a way. We are toid (Ch.VIII, # 54,p.31) that there is no teaching or research of any kind in Geology, We are also informed (Ch. VIII 48, p. 26,27) that there is even no Biology except that taught to medical students, and that, the Committee were "unable to accept the estimate of necessary expenditure made by the Department" which, quite rightly, wished to establish a full University course in the biological sciences. Presumably this was not because the Department was asking for too little funds. I do not know what "nigher teaching" was expected to be possible with the additione! lecturer and demonstrator, But if the intention is to present a University of British type to the Chinese, we must surely present one of high· standing, and this implies honours courses such as the Cambridge' Natural Sciences tripes, in which proper science degrees can be taken. The most laughable aing of all is the equation of physica with radio-therapy (Ch. VIII # 46, P.25), And this at a time when Jhina a izgelf is producing such brilliant Sve orebical and : experirntal physicists as Chang Tsung-Sui, H. H. Peng, Wu Ta-Yo, Hu Chien-han, Cheng Kai-Chin, etc., etc.
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To put the matter in a nutshell, if Hong Kong University is to achieve a status at which it can discual on equal terms with the best Universities in China. such as tuose of Peiching, Chinghua, Nankai, and Chekiang; then it must itself 'take on the qualities of a great university. This needs at least some really strong re se arók schools.
Tro only way in which I can help here is that after the past Suree years I do know more or lese in what subjects the Chinese are relatively advanced, and in what subjects they are relatively
backwbi de Hence I should not advise making a great effort to atablish research centres in Chinese History and Philology (the Chinese Universities and Academia Sinicas take good care of this); n Geology (for the Geological Survey is excellent and there are any good faculties)- though this is without prejudice to my
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