1875 — Page 202

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18. This, in most instances, accounts for the comparatively small number of marks gained by boys towards the end of each list. It not infrequently happens that a boy, who would have been the first in his old class, is among the last in his new one; but in such cases, promotion has to be taken as a prize, and this practically overcomes the difficulty, for the boys think a great deal of pro- motion to a higher class.

19. The masters, too, would be glad of more permanence in the classes, in order to give a fair test of what they had done during the year. In the higher branches especially, Chemistry and Algebra for instance, it often happens, at the end of the year, that two thirds of the scholars in the class were not in it when the course of lessons was commenced. This is very discouraging, but it will work its bwn cure by and by. In the meantime, we must be content to make the best of things as they are. This, indeed, has been the guiding principle in everything connected with this and the other schools. Preconceived notions formed elsewhere cannot be bodily transplanted here; and there will be unfailing disappointinent, if the circumstances in which the schoolmaster finds himself are not allowed to make those modifications of action and of opinion which they unceasingly call for. This does not imply surrender to circumstances, nor is it inconsistent with a high aim and a steady endeavour towards it. 20. The Chinese class for Europeans and other nationalities except Chinese is now beginning to pre very satisfactory results. Several of the papers were remarkably well done, and in the case of the first prizeman, the translation into Chinese was given in the Chinese character throughout. This the first time since the establishment of the class that any such progress has been reached. The class consisted, at the time of examination, of 50 scholars, and the average for the year was 59. These re divided into three sections. The master received his training at the Central School. The class examined weekly by three of the English masters, an arrangement which could not fail to secure ttention on the part of both master and scholars.

21. It were much to be wished that the school hours could be shortened. They would be long in any climate, and they are especially so here. This point has had much anxious consideration for any years, but it is not possible to make the day shorter than eight hours, without seriously inter- fering with the progress of the school. Were there but one language to be taught, half the time would be ample, but with two, the case is different. The aim is to put both languages, English and Chinese, on a footing of perfect equality, as far as that is possible, and not sacrifice the one to the other. At first, the Chinese would have been glad to throw their own language overboard, but this could not be listened to. The result would have tended to denationalization and the production of a tribe of sinatterers utterly useless for interpretation, or, for that matter, for anything else. It took much persistence for many years to overcome this reluctance to learning Chinese, but such a thing is never heard of now. Every scholar in the school, one or two of the youngest excepted, has his four hours a day at English and four at Chinese.

22. One very important matter calls for special attention, and that is the separation of the offices of Head Master and Inspector of Schools. It lias become impossible for one man to discharge efficiently the duties of both. The Head Master of a school of upwards of 400 boys has quite enough to occupy his time and attention within his own domain. The present plan of conjoining the offices tells especi- illy against the school towards the close of the year, when every master should be occupied with the work of revision, in preparation for the forthcoming examinations. Last year, the Head Master did. hot teach an hour during the month of December, from having then to attend to his other duties as Inspector of Schools. In this other sphere, also, there is now aimple scope for one man's energies. We ave reached a period when the dogged conservatism of the past is melting away. The masters show disposition to follow where they are led; but this implies the devotion of much time and attention

the part of their leader.

23. There is, it is to be hoped, no necessity for re-stating the case against the suitability of the present building. All that can be said on this point has been said already, and the increased attend- uce now reported on gives no excuse for modifying a single expression made use of last year: but, ince then, the first instalment of the cost has been placed on the Estimates, which implies that it will not be necessary to refer to the matter much longer.

24. The Grant-in-Aid Schools are still nine in number. The Manager of the Baxter Schools ppened a new one in T'ái-p'ing Shán, but the average attendance not reaching the required point, it

nd the Sai Ying-p'ún school were grouped together and examined accordingly.

25. The Basel Mission Girl's School did more than sustain its previous reputation. Forty-five cholars were examined, and although eight of these failed, it has to be remembered that all the six tandards were taken, and consequently a greater rauge of subjects was included. In reading, writing from dictation), geography and history remarkable proficiency was displayed. Arithmetic was weak, compared with these; but when one thinks of Chinese girls working suins as far ou as vulgar and decimal fractions, the result reached is highly creditable. It would be fortunate for the Colony, if it had more schools of this description. Memory is not cultivated in this school at the expense of the ther faculties. The girls are taught intelligently on approved methods, and they show the effects of tim the intelligent way in which they do all their work.