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names on our roll from 143 to 138. But notwithstanding this, the average attendance on the 248 school-days has risen from 88-64 to 9472. 79 children had been present the 200 days required by Government; one boy, of weak intellect, was not examined, one day- scholar was absent on account of sickness, 6 boys had already passed the highest standard, and are doing Oxford local work: the remaining 71 were examined; 62 passed, or 873; 9 failed; 7 failed in only one subject each, but not being in the II., 11., or IV. standard, where copy-writing condones failure in one subject, they were marked failed.
In History and Needlework 100 % passed, Reading 986, Geography 97. Dictation 94-36, Arithmetic 90-14 and Composition 90 per cent. In each of the Special Subjects 25 boys were examined: in Animal Physiology 88 per cent passed, Algebra 80, in Euclid 70 and Physical Geography 60 per cent. These percentages are not equal to those of 1889, but may be considered as satisfactory, in view of the fact that with a higher average attendance, we had during some months only two masters instead of three. The Inspector adds to his report, "Military drill appears to have given to this School a pleasing appearance of orderliness, smartness, and alacrity, withont, producing, so far, any symptoms of harshness as to discipline or want of cheerfulness on the part of the boys."
The Second Master, Mr. Machell, las again rendered most valuable help in all ways, but more particularly in the drill, and in the formation at his own expense of a school drum-and-fife band (carefully instracted by Mr. Lowrie, formerly handmaster of the 58th Regiment). There were several changes in the appointment of Third Master. For sonie months Mr. Barlow, of the Victoria College, ably assisted us, but for some time we were without a Third Master, notil the arrival in November of Mr. T. W. Hall, an experienced teacher from the Worcester Royal Albert Orphan Asylum, who was selected and sent out by our Hon. Secretary, the Rev. W. Jennings.
During the last six months some boys were placed in situations, but continned to live in the Institution, and considering the temptations that surround youths in the Colony, it is well to encourage Old Pupils to regard the School as a Home, where they will be welcome and hare every reasonable liberty. In the plans for extension, suitable provision
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should be made for such boarders. We continue to pay $50 a month rent for Priory Lodge for bedrooms, but a growing Institution with nearly 70 boarders and 60 day-scholars, and an annual income of nearly $10,000 from foes and Government grants should have more extensive premises. Our class-rooms are also inadequate. A. Building Fund was suggested two years ago by H. E. Lieut.-General Cameron. The Hon. A. P. McEwen gave us a handsome start last prize-giving, and we have now received $3,338.12 towards the $4,000 M: McEwen asked for, in order to meet a like sum of $4,000 from the Government under the provision of the Grant-in-Aid scheme.
The Acting Colonial Chaplain (Rev. H. E. Taverner) examined the school in Scripture, and reported: "Some of the papers are very good, and all, with one or two exceptions, are up to a very fair standard."
Our best thanks are due to Hon. J. J. Keswick, Messrs. Jackson, Purcell, G. Sharp, flo Tong and Ho Pook for contributing the prizes.
HONOURS WON BY PUPILS DURING 1890.
Hongkong Government Scholarship, 1800-1891.
200 for 4 yrs., with passage to and from England, F. Southey.
Oxford University Local Examinations.
Sedor (with title A.A.) J. Toppin.
Juniors: H. W. Lapsley, with honours in English (28), and Religions knowledge (26), R. Lapsley, with honours in English, (54); P. H. Benning, T. Cock, C. Wanderlcach.
Belilias Metal and Prize Erminations. First Prize $90, with Silver Medal, F. Southey; Fifth Prize, $15
T. Cock.
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