CO129-538-1 Hong Kong University 31-12-1931 - 6-8-1932 — Page 175

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return. It is further essential that English engineering firms should show more readiness to admit Chinese youths as

apprentices for training. It has been suggested to me that their reluctance to do this has been due partly to trade depression and the consequent paucity of work, and partly to the possible opposition that might be shown by British workmen. It is hoped that trade will improve, and it should be possible to overcome the opposition referred to, for there is no doubt

that it will be very short sighted not to make some concessions in this direction, as I feel sure that such training of Chinese

students will lead to. increased trade with China.

10. I concur in the suggestions made by Professor

Forster in regard to scholarships, as set out in his memorandum, but the difficulty is to find the money. The Hong Kong Govern- ment has increased its subsidy to the University to the considerable sum of $350,000, and is giving at present in

addition a grant of $25,000 for the School of Chinese Studies

at the University. I do not consider that it can afford to

give any more, nor do I think it should be called upon to do so. The object of these scholarships is in a large measure to

encourage Imperial trade with China, and help outside the

Colony should be forthcoming. I may add that the grant of

£250,000 to Hong Kong University from the Boxer Indemnity Funds has been invested but will do no more than enable the University to carry out its present policy and provide for certain

necessary extensions to the existing faculties.

11.

The Universities' China Committee are desirous

of devoting part of its income to the interchange of University

teachers between Universities in Great Britain and China. I

venture to think that this proposal would not produce such good

results