- M 20

is able to form from them a general if somewhat vague impression. In a subject like Hygiene, on the contrary, great attention to detail is essential. Representations of bacilli, or a system of drainage, require to be closely studied. This can better be done by the use of wall diagrams.

TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.

Extracts from the report of the Director of the Technical Institute are given in Annexe C. The number of students in attendance since its opening is shown in Table II. After the first novelty wore off and many students who had joined out of curiosity disappeared, the attendance fell. It is now rapidly increasing, and there can be little doubt as to the value of the work done.

The numbers presenting themselves for examination were 120 as compared with 91 in 1908; of whom 102 obtained certificates. The total enrolment is 256.

The subjects taught and the numbers passing are given in Table VII A.

Statements of accounts are given in Tables VII B and C.

Perhaps the most hopeful augury for education in Hongkong is the success of the Masters' Class, attendance at which is now obligatory upon all Masters in Government and Grant Schools. The costliness of English Masters makes any great extension of their employment improbable. But it is lamentable to observe how mistakes of pronunciation, grammar, idiom, and mistaken methods of instruction picked up by pupils, are perpetuated by them as Masters. If this vicious circle can be broken by the Technical Institute, it will have done indeed a good work.

PHYSICAL EXERCISES.

Football.-Anyone who has visited a Chinese School will be struck by the narrow chests, round shoulders and weedy physique of most of the pupils. A bad habit prevalent in some schools of making the pupils sit arms folded over their chests accentuates these weak points.

The development of a love of games is therefore much to be encouraged. Unfortunately the available recreation grounds are few and distant, so that only a fraction of the pupils can derive benefit from them.

The following is the report of Mr. Barlow, Honorary Secretary of the Hongkong Schools' Football League. It is encouraging to see a purely Chinese School, and not even a school for big boys, like Wantsai, taking a leading place in the Senior Shield Competition. It shews what can be done.

"As was anticipated the season 1909-10 has been more successful than the previous one. The Cup presented by His Excellency the Governor added considerable interest to Schools' football. Two competitions were run :-

Senior competing for the Schools' Shield. Junior competing for the Governor's Cup.

Share This Page