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increasing number of vernacular schools which are being oponcd. The increase in Assistant Masters is really 22 as one Chincse Telegraphist who is an instructor on this subject is now graded as an Assistant Mastor. Workshop Instructors have been increased by one but this is offset by a decrease of two probationary Assistant Instructors. A considerable amount of temporary staff is still required largely in connection with the expansion of Vernacular Education. It is considered desirable to retain this staff on a temporary basis pending the fixing of a definite establishment but the cost has been reduced from $229,424 to $98,181 as during the early part of the present year it was necessary to engage large numbers of temporary teachers to replace members of the permanent staff who were on recuperative leave.
There is an increase on all sub-hoads in connection with the Evening Instituto as it has been found necessary to increase considerably the fees paid to the staff. Provision is also made for the opening of the Technical Collego Evening Department. The net decrease on Personal Emoluments is $89,610.
Other Charges
Provision is made departmentally for Advertising, Nowspapers and Periodicals and Upkeep of Motor Vehicles. There are a number of increases to provide for the necessary equipment for Domestic Science, Handwork and Art, Science Classes, etc. An increase of $50,000 is being provided under the sub-head Scholarships at Hong Kong University. These are awarded on a fixed basis and there will be more holders of scholarships during the year. Provision has been made for $1,320,000 undor a new sub-head School Meals Service. The proposal is to provide all children up to the age of 15 who are in need of a supplementary diet with milk and biscuits. The parents of children who can afford to contribute to the cost will be required to do so. A new sub-head has been inserted "Building Depreciation Fund (Grant Schools) to provide for Government contributions to this fund in accordance with the Grant Code. Provision has been made in the Education vote instead of under Miscellaneous Services for High Cost of Living Allowances for teachers in grant aided schools. Subsidies to vernacular schools have been increased as more schools are being opened. The net increase under Other Charges is $3,025,400.
The net incroase in recurrent expenditure on the whole Head is $2,935,910.
Hoad 10. Fire Brigado
Personal Emoluments
The establishment is increased temporarily by one Class III J.C.S. Clerk seconded from the Police Force. His salary in addition to normal increments accounts for the increase of $2,943 as compared with the 1946/47 Personal Emoluments figure.