CO129-529-1 Diocesan Boys' School and Orphanage- appeal for money 2-1-1931 - 10-5-1932 — Page 47

-4-

47

disturbing factor, to overcome which, continuity of possession

of its new buildings was essential. The School had actually

been in occupation for ten months only when it was compelled

to vacate the premises, which were required by the Military

Authorities for use as a Hospital, in consequence of the

presence in the Colony of a large number of troops forming

part of the Shanghai Defence Force, who were stationed on the

mainland.

(17) The period of this dislocation was approximately

twelve months, during which time the School was forced to

occupy premises of an entirely unsuitable nature and it will

be readily realized that its financial troubles were further

aggravated as a result.

(18) The necessity for putting the School on its feet

fi nanci ally has received the Committee's anxious consideration

for some time past. Suggestions have been made by the Hong

Kong Government which the School Committee have found themselves

unable to accept as they would have involved the extinction of

the School as an individual unit of the character which it now

has, and which it is felt to be most important to retain.

(19) The possibilities of retrenchment and economy have

been explored, but a thorough investigation has shown that the

School is administered as economically as possible.

(20) The possibility of augmenting its income by an

increase in fees has also received careful consideration. No

increase is possible at the present time, as the School is to

a large extent on a competitive basis.

(21) It might be suggested that a saving could be effected

if it did not take free boarders or grant free education or

education on reduced terms in connection with the Eurasian

Orphans and others which it receives. The saving on this score