CO129-588-9 Hong Kong University- relief work 11-8-1942 - 19-11-1943 — Page 67

REPORT ON HONG KONG

UNIVERSITY RELIEF

WORK

65

24th APRIL to 15th OCTOBER

1942

This report deals with Hong Kong University Relief Work carried out during the period 24th April to 15th October 1942. In an earlier report, dated nd July 1942, a preliminary account of the work was given and certain estimates were made as to the scope which it was thought the work would ultimately assume. In the

sent report it is posible to make a more comprehensive survey of extent of the work and of the responsibilities which it entails.

At the outreak of war in December 1941 there were approximately 600 gadents of Medicine, Engineering, Arts and Science attending ne University of Hong Kong, most of whom performed some foy of useful service during the war in connection with organisation such as the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, Emergency Medica Service, St. John's Ambulance, A.R.P., Food Contiol, etc.

After the termination of the war the entire University was early taken over by the Japanese Military Authorities. Already, during the fighting, the newly-erected Northcote Science Block had suffered severely from shell fire, and immediately after the surrender its valuable apparatus and equipment had been completely looted by undisciplined mobs. On 27th December the Departments of Fathology, Physiology and Anatomy, amongst others, were sealed by the Japanese, and on the following day all scientific apparatus (including about 50 microscopes), photographic apparatus, projectors, chemicals, reagents," stains and much other valuable material were removed. Considerable technical knowledge was shown by the Japanese who carried out this work and in the case of apparatus which was too big to handle conveniently the essential parts, such as lenses, switches and electrical connections, were removed. Hany invaluable records were destroyed, as for example those in the Registrar's Office and the Offices of the various Faculties. I had the mortifi- cation of seeing my own records from the Office of the Faculty of Medicine being swept out and burned under the orders of the Japanese. A great many of the more valuable Library Books, including the greater part of the dankow Collection and many of the Chinese books, were confiscated and sent to Japan. Several of the University residences were occupied by the Japanese Military Authorities, the occupants being turned out at short notice. Later, when the European Staff Members had all been interned, various individuals after most of the furniture, books and other the houses were allotted to contents had been removed. The University Hostels had been used as part of the University Relief Hospital during the war, and two of the Hostels were still filled with patients, the third being used `for members of the Hospital Staff many of whom were students. The number of patients gradually dwindled until the Hospital finally closed some time in April. By the middle of June, 1942, only about 50 students remained in the University all of whom were from overseas (mostly from the straits).

Soon after the termination of the war many of the students expressed concern about the continuance of their studies and certi- ficates were prepared for them stating what work they had completed. These were signed by the Vice-Chancellor (Mr. D. J. Sloss) and the Deans of the Faculties concerned. The hope was expressed that they might be able to continue their studies in some of the Universities in Free China and that due credit might be given to them for the parts of their course which had already been taken in Hong Kong. These certificates were all prepared before the internment of the Vice-Chancellor and the majority of the European Staff of University towards the end of January.