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from the boys who have passed the Matriculation Examination of the previous July. They will normally remain at the University for 4 years when they should take their degree in Arts. Special lectures in Pedagogy and Normal Work will be provided; and in order to keep the students in touch with the schools, it is intended that they should teach therein for certain hours weekly, receiving in exchange salaries of $180 per annum. They would be bound to serve the Government as teachers for at least 2 years after taking their degree on an initial salary of £720 per annum: (passed pupil teachers begin on $480). But here there can be no finality about the scheme; for it may be found when the time comes that the proposed salary is no sufficient inducement. At any rate the scheme is certain to increase the costliness and, it is hoped, the value of the Chinese Masters who teach English.
8.
Thus at the end of four years the maximum number of student teachers at the University will be maintained at twelve. It is hoped that thus it may be possible so to strengthen the staff of Chinese teaching Masters that the number of English Masters, in the Lower Classes at any rate, may be reduced; in which case an actual saving may be effected. At the worst there should be such an improvement in the teaching and capacity of the Chinese Masters as will fully counterbalance their increased costliness. I feel, moreover, that it is due to the University that it should be given an opportunity to show what it can do as an instrument for training the teachers not only of Hongkong but also of China. Without the support of the Hongkong Government it will not for a long time be in such a position.
9.
In order to start the scheme the University has agreed to accept at first half tuition fees, and thus shows its readiness to meet the Government.
10.
follows:-
The actual cost of the scheme is calculated as
1918.
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