CO129-593-6 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45- Advisory Committee papers 1-1-1939 - 31-12-1946 — Page 10

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UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

THE FUTURT OF THE BAGHI TY OF ENGINEERING.

PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH THE FACULTY.

In view of the proposal that the

Engineering Faculty should be abolished and that students desiring to

study engineering should, after obtaining a Pure Science degree in

Hong Kong, complete their training as engineers in the U. K., it is advisable to examine carefully the arguments against taking such a

drastic step. They are briefly as follows:-

1. When it was originally proposed to establish the University of

Hong Kong special importance was attached to the inclusion of two

faculties, viz. Medicine and Engineering. The principal arguments

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in favour of a strong Engineering Faculty were twofold. Firstly,

China badly needed Engineers a point emphasised by high officials in

China itself and that by sending to China a steady stream of young

engineers, trained on thorough British lines, the University would

render valuable service to China and thereby promote friendly relations

between the two countries. The second was definitely materialistic:

British trained engineers might be expected to purchase and to

recommend the purchase of British machinery and equipment.

These two arguments are, if anything, even stronger now than then. The

in which an important factor is the goodwill of China

struggle for trade in China promises to be more severe than ever and

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Britain cannot afford to weaken her position at a time when America is

rapidly strengthening hers.

2. Influenced by the above arguments British firme and individuals have

given substantial support to the Engineering Faculty:-

(a) Messrs. Butterfield & Swire donated the sum of £40,000 to endow a

Chair of Engineering, later made a further gift of £10,000 for the

purchase of equipment, and by arrangement with Messrs. Alfred Holt

have, for 30 years, carried free of charge all equipment from the

U. K. to Hong Kong.

(b) British manufacturers have supplied gratis or at very reduced prices,

machinery and equipment to the value of many thousand pounds.

(c) Sir Robert Ho Tung. donated $100,000 towards the erection and

equipment of a workshop.

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