-
· 5-
Against these recurring charges the revenues of the University are un likely to exceed £57,000. The University's requirement under 1(b) would therefore be £82,680, and under 2(b) £93,180 annually together with an initial grant totalling between £716,000 (without endowment and at the lowest sum estimated for new buildings) and £1,466,000 (with endowment and the maximum sum estimated for buildings).
See end of Part V "Alternative form for a final
summary of grants asked of H.M.G."
70
PART V.
Action towards an early revival of higher education in Hong Kong.
The Secretary of State for the Colonies appointed members to The Hong Kong University Provisional Powers Committee, which was authorised by order in Council to deal with immediately important University matters until the proper authorities of the University can fulfil their functions. Towards an early resumption of higher studies in Hong Kong it has taken the action outlined below:-
(a) Buildings: The Civil Affairs Administration in HongKong has under- taken to push forward as rapidly as possible with the work of restoring buildings. The Committee asked that high priority should be given to the repair and refitting of the elementary Science laboratories, of the Medical laboratories, of part of the class rooms in the Arts building, of an office and of residences for students and staff.
(b) Libraries. Nothing was necessary here except the separation away from the University stocks of the large numbers of books from other places which were gathered at the library for safe-keeping.
The Provisional Powers Committee has not attempted to make good the war- time deficiency of periodicals and new books, but suggests that towards this end the University should seek the help of the British Council and of the United Nations Organizations.
(c) Laboratory equipment: English manufacturers of laboratory equipment have been accommodating to a degree beyond earlier anticipation. It is expected that equipment for the elementary sciences and for medicine, will be installed and ready for use by October of this year, and thatequipment for engineering laboratories will follow two or three months later.
(d) Admission Examination: To ensure a satisfactory standard of entrance. it has been arranged that the London University Matriculation Board should hold its General Schools Examinations in Hong Kong In June and July of this year. The Matriculation Board has been most generous of help in allowing adjustments in its syllabuses to fit the special con- ditions in Hong Kong and in giving the Hong Kong University the benefit of its vast experience and of its admirable machinery of examinations.
(e) Staff: Already in Hong Kong are the Professor of Gynaecology with whom, for the carrying through of certain refresher courses for studente who took their final medical examinations in China, are associated officiating professors of medicine and surgery, members of the Civil Medical Department of the Colony; a senior lecturer in Physics who is to be released from Civil Administration duties as soon as the University can use his services, and some Chinese assistants. The Professors of English and Economics have sailed for Hong Kong to reopen the Universi office and to make provision for certain parts of the teaching. The professorships of Chinese, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Pathology, Surgery, Medicine, Civil Engineering and Education are vacant. filling of these posts is left to the action of the University Council when it is reconstituted. Inquiries for suitable candidates are continuing in the United Kingdom.
The
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