Me. STEWART said that in the name of the school he had to thank His Excellency and the others there that day for the encouragement given by their presence, and thanks were espec. ially due to those who had liberally assisted in giving the prizes. It was very pleasant to find that the public interest remained unabated, and it was very satisfactory that whatever publia sympathy and support were wanted were always at hand. That was not a time to enter into any vindication of the course pursued there. He was not prepared to throw down been the ganatlet that day. That had done several times. He believed they were pretty much in the position of those who tried to please everybody, and the result was always a failure. Nevertheless, that would not prevent them from doing what was rig. t, and according what was due to every one. They would do their duty, and others could do theirs. ¡ The numbers before them showed that the schools were a great success. There were 310 actually present, 40 more than last year, and 110 more than were there the year before. 110
id not attach great importance to numbers, but success wanting in numbers did not conat very much. For several years he had been hop- ing that they would get more accommodation, not only for the abolars, but for the visitors. But still they were in the same position as be- fore. He must confess he was tired of living on hope, and would much like some of the zest which arises from actual enjoyment Surely the day was not far distant when they should have a building fit for a school, and worthy of the Colony. (Hear, hear.) It was perfectly impos- sible for the school to increase, or for the work to be done thoroughly and with comfort, in the present building. They did not only want a new building, but gently required a play ground. He was sure many would not believe tbat at present there were not many square inches to apare standing room in the play- ground for the boys. He did not advocate the same amount of physical education in vogue in some places, but still be believed in the old adage that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Some time ago a number of the boys were required as interpreters for the Foochow Arsenal. Eighteen were selected, and passed in reading and writing, but when i they came to pass the doutra dozen of them were rejected owing to insufficient develop. ment of chest. He was eare if the scholars bad proper facilities for exercise when young this bould be in a great degree prevented. But the wants of the school were not supplied even then. They much wanted to have a fourth master. During the past year the average attendance had been 829, and with oely thrée English masters they could see bow necessary a fourth was. He trusted that before next year they should have one. It was possible they could expect to have a new school by that time, but be trusted something would be done to- wards it. In conclusion, he asked His Ex. cellency to announce to the scholars the close of the proceedings and that the bolidays had begun; and expressed the satisfaction which he and all connected with the school always felt at the presence of His Excellency and the other visitors.
The GOVERNOR then requested Mr. Chun-a- yin to translate the substance of his remarks for the benefit of that portion of the boys who did not understand English, and this having been done, he announced the holidays, and the proceedings terminated.
OUR readers will be glad to find from the report of the annual examinations at the Go- vernment Central Schools, which we publish further, that public education in the Colony is progressing steadily and satisfac- torily. This is the more gratifying because the system in force at the Government schools bas, during the past year, been called ito question, and in order to support the theory that it was not what is required by the Chinese, a statement was erroneously made which would lead to the impression that the number of the scholars was swall as compared with what might be expected. Such, however, is not by any means the case. There were 110 more boys present at the ex- amination this year than the year before last,
and the number now at the schools has been rendered smaller than it otherwise would be, simply by the fact that there is not enough accommodation to admit all who apply for admission. These facts are sufficient in themselves to show that the secular system adopted is the one best suited to the place, as well as that which is now fully recognised at home as the only just principle on which public education can be conducted.
It is satisfactory, therefore, to find that II. E. the GOVERNOR gave a very emphatic expression of opinion in favour of the exist ing plan, which undoubtedly deserves the praise he bestowed upon it as being be- neficial to all and not likely to give offence to any. Mr. STEWART, the Head Master, whose efforts to improve the system of eda- cation in Hongkong have been indefatigable, very happily illustrated the difficulties which have to be contended against, by saying that the schools had to attempt the proverbially difficult task of endeavouring to please all. It is not to be wondered at that some ground of offence has been discovered in certain di- rections, but, combined with the principle of grants in aid, it is beyond question that the present system of public education is as well adapted to the requirements of Hongkong as of other places. We have had outeries about the absence of religious teaching, but the event bas proved that the plan in existence is really what is wanted, as, notwithstanding their cries as to the Government being atheis- tical, those who have raised opposition and objection, have nevertheless applied for grauts in aid. Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY took a view of the subject which we think will be very generally endorsed, when he told the boys that he did not think it was the duty of the schools to teach them difficult and abstract questions which they would have to master for themselves as they advanced in years. His Excellency the GOVERNOR in the course of his remarks made oue statement which is į calculated to mislead as to the facts, namely. in saying, by inference, that the Masters in the Central School would be paid according to results. This is not the case in those schools, as the principle only applies to outside schools to which grants in aid are allowed.
We trust that the additional accommoda- tion in the schools, the necessity for which has been so long pointed out, will at last be arranged for, and are coufident that the public will not grudge the necessary vote for! this desirable object. The Government schools here are undoubtedly institutions of which we may be proud, and we can only re- gret that there were not more present to witness the excellent results which have been produced by the unremitting efforts of Mr. Some STEWART, and the assistant masters.
of the examination papers in the first class would be puzzling to many men of good edu- cation.. Questions such as are little short of those in the matriculation examinations in universities at home, are set in algebra, pure mathematics, and chemistry, and are well answered by the more advanced students. As illustrating the manner in which Euglist and Chinese are taught, it is in- teresting to note that a Chinese youth translated a passage from Homer into Chi- nese verse, well preserving the sense. It
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