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 86

86

44

HONG KONG UNIVERSITY

SORY COMMITTEK

No. IKUSG 28

Confidential

Extract from a Report dated December, 1945 made by Dr. A.G. H. Smart late Chief Adviser to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on his visit to Far Eastern Colonies.

12. HIGHÄR MEDICAL EDUCATION

Early in 1988 a Committee was appointed by the Chancellor, Sir Geoffrey Northcote, to consider the future development of the University of Hong Kong. Their report was submitted to the Chancellor in May 1939. Reference to that report should be made in reading this section of my report. Since the Committee's report was written the Northcots Dcience Block has bean completed and was in use for a short while before the Japanese invaulon.

The recommendations of the Committee are printed on page 40 and Bucceeding pages of their Report. The most important recommendation concerned the site of the University. It was recommended that, to provide for development, "the question of the transfer of the University to a larger site outside the town should immediately be taken into consideration." The reasons for and against this transfer and rebuilding of the University are given in the preceding paragraphs of the report. Apparently the Committee nad a site in view on the Island of Hong Kong. The argument for transfer is mainly based on the limited capacity of the existing site for future expansion, and the fact that suitable playing fields were not available for the undergraduates. The Comittee went on to say, however, that no consideration of this problem should be allowed to interfere with the building projects then in aand.

Since these recommendations were put forward the University buildings have suffered grievous damage, almost entire ly through sabotage by looting; very little damage has resultou from enemy action. Unfortunately this looting is still going on, and will continue, until it is possible to occupy buildings. When I visited the Vice Chancellor's lodge it was apparent that active sabotage was continuing; flooring was being ripped up, doors were being torn off their hinges, the uprights of the staircase were being sawn through to facilitate the removal of the timber and, actually, there were bundles of material stacked awaiting removal during the ensuing ni gut.

The damaged buildings have had a preliminary inspection carried out by Lieutenant Colonel L. 7. Ampa, 3. Q. I. (C. A.), Works, He reports that structurally the majority of the buildings are

in good condition but most of them have been completely stripped of timber including floors, and of fittings. Put briefly, he thinks that the majority of the damaged buildings can be repaired fairly quickly; in most of them roofs are intact. The buildings represent assets of considerable` value to the University and, after repair, their value will be enhanced. Colonel Amps hazards the opinion that, provided the necessary teakwood for joinery is availabl there should be little difficulty in restarting the University by September, 1946. This, of course, applies only so far am reconditioning is concerned; there is the much wider question of scientific equipment and machinery which will be difficult to replace rapidly.

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