CO129-549-19 Education Department- system and organisation 11-7-1934 - 6-12-1934 — Page 45

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education; but in the administration of any approved policy

the Director, if an officer of wide professional experience,

might reasonably be expected to obtain the desired results

without running the grave risks to which you allude in your

despatch under reference.

7.

It seems to me particularly important at this

time of change and development in China that the sincerity

of the British Government in its desire for educational pro-

gress should be demonstrated, as far as may be practicable,

by the provision of an educational system in Hong Kong

which will bear comparison with any within the reach of

Chinese elsewhere. This must necessarily mean that the

Director of Education in the Colony shall be well equipped

with professional experience and technique to advise how

best to apply in Hong Kong the continual improvements which

have been and are being made in School organisation, methods

of teaching, etc. It cannot be expected that a Cadet

officer can equal a professional educationist in up-to-date

knowledge of this specialist character.

8.

My conclusion is that it is desirable to explore

fully the question of the educational system in Hong Kong

with a view to determining the organisation best calculated

to secure on the one hand the advantage of maintaining a

forward policy in the schools, and of avoiding on the other

hand the risks that might arise from an incomplete under-

standing on the part of the Director of Education of the

political or social reactions likely to be produced amongst

the Chinese community.

9. I am advised that for this purpose it would be

desirable, with the co-operation of the Board of Education,

to invite some well-qualified person who is experienced in

educational organisation in this country and overseas to

visit