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 32

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HONG ONG UNIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMIT PEE

HAUAC No. 34

by Professor Hinton

SUGGESTIONS FOR ALTERATIONS IN THE CONSTITUTION OF

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The office of VISITOR

It is so essential to associate the University with the educational system of China that some official connection at the very highest le vel ought to be considered.

As His Majesty the King is the Visitor and has power to delegate, his functions, would it not be possible to make the President of the Republic of China a Visitor also with like power to delegate ? If these powers were then used annually it would be possible for the British and Chinese Governments to exercise a helpful influence and to observe the direction of development of the University. If His Majesty's and the President's delegates were in Hong Kong at the same time they could consult with one another and with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, to the very great advantage of the University, In this way we could avoid drifting apart or developing activities which might hinder the object of improving mutual understanding.

It might be useful, and a symbolic gesture of some value, to have a Visitor's House in the grounds always ready to receive them, and in their absence for use by any distinguished scholars passing through Hong Kong.

The office of CHANCELLOR

For

The Governor of Hong Kong is Chancellor ex officio, and the University has benefited from the interest of several of its Chancellors in a marked way. But it is not desirable to identify the University too closely with the Government of the Colony of Hong Kong in view of the University's function and the possibility of political changes in the future. The Governments interested in the University, we hope, will be the British Government, the Government of Cina, and the Government of the Colony. (It may be that the Governments of Australia and New Zealand also of Canada may come to share that interest). Some procedure designed to secure the approval of the three Governments to the appointment of a Chancellor might be designed. instance, the nomination might come from the British Government after consultation with the Governor, and be submitted to the Chinese Government for approval. The Chancellor should be required to travel widely, not only in China but elsewhere in the Pacific and should also go to England. He could appeal for funds in suitable circumstances, deal with problems of relations with the Chinese Educational System, and look after the interests of the University in its relations with other British Universities. The Vice-Chancellor cannot do this except very occasionally, as he is always the Principal of the University, and if the University is refounded and rebuilt, he will be very closely occupied in Hong Kong for at least the next five years, and little less closely for the following five.

P.T.O.