CO129-588-8 Hong Kong University- British Council scholarships and Rhodes Studentship 11-1-1941 - 17-12-1942 — Page 63

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HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.

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In October, 1887, Dr. (later Sir Patrick) Manson, then a private practitioner in Hong Kong, started the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese. In time other nationalities joined it and in 1907 it was incorporated under the title of

The Hong Kong College of Medicine'.

At that time Sir Frederick (later Lord) Lugard was Governor of the Colony and to his credit must be placed the creation of its University. Lord Lugard was a man of long vision and saw the value of closer cultural relations

between the

British and Chinese. He believed that a University in Hong Kong would help in the attainment of this object and strongly urged the establishment of such an institution. Later Governors of the Colony, and not least Sir Geoffry Northcote, the present Governor, who has just returned to his post, have associated themselves with this ideal.

The Court of the College of Medicine was approached and expressed its willingness to amalgamate.

Strong financial support was promised and grants were made, not only by individuals and firms in the Colony but also by the Chinese Government and Chinese communities in cities in China and parts of the British Empire. One notable contribution was a sum of $200,000 from the Chinese Viceroy of Canton,,who received an assurance that the degrees to be conferred by the University would be equal to those conferred by British Universities.

A site was granted by Government, the foundation stone of the new University was laid on March 16th, 1911, and the institution was opened on March 15th, 1912.

All races and creeds,

induquedats that

were to be admitted and while its medium was to be English, Chinese language and literature were also to be taught. There was to be no obligation of any kind

to receive instruction in any form of religion, but the University would work in harmony with all religious bodies.

It started with the Faculties of Medicine and Engineering, the Faculty of Arts being opened in 1913, and the Faculty of Science in 1939

The degrees conferred are those of Bachelor o öcience in Engineeringy-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Durgery, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science and liaster of-Surgery while the degree of Doctor of Laws is conferred 'honoris causâ'.

There are a number of recognised hostels residence in which is normally obligatory, but the Senate has power to remit this obligation. A member of the teaching staff lives in each of the University halls and acts as Warden, while there is a students' committee which serves as an intermediary between the body of students resident in the hostel and the warden.

The social life of the students centres round the Union, membership of which is compulsory. Every effort is made to give the students advantages similar to those enjoyed at the leading English Universities and all facilities are provided for literary, social and athletic activities.

Bachelor

Bachelor

of Suince

Medicine and Bachelor of Surry,

Surence in Evening Backed! Bachelor of Survice, and The

Ergiernic

Arts, Master of Arts, Master ted of Surgery and Doctor of Medicine,