CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6] — Page 144

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their own ground", and as regards history he believes that a

course dealing only with the British Empire is likely to in-

press Chinese boys more with the greatness of England than if

this history were only taught as an incident in that of the

World while the more restricted subject can be dealt with in

greater detail and therefore in a more interesting manner.

In these views he is generally supported by the Masters of

Queen's College.

3.

Mr. Irving is of a different opinion. His

views as to the proper line of study in history and geography

for boys in Hongkong Schools are those of the independent exa-

miners as embodied in the report on their Midsummer Examination

of the College which was transmitted to you in my Despatch

No. 394 dated the 7th. of November, 1904. He looks upon the

proposed special papers at the Oxford Local Examinations as

likely to encourage and assist study on these lines.

4.

On the whole I am disinclined to accept

Dr. Wright's views. I do not think that any practical dis-

advantage would accrue to the holders of the Oxford Certifi-

cates because they had been granted for an examination differ-

ing in some subjects from that held at other centres, nor

that competition on their own ground with English boys should

be a governing consideration in the education of boys in Hong-

kong. I am doubtful whether as regards history the advantage

gained by placing England's part in any but its true light is

likely to increase permanently the respect of the Chinese boy

for England. The objection to the lack of interest in an out-

line history is more valid but sufficient study of detailed

history could be provided at the end of a properly arranged

general