THE FUTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY
213
In 1939 a Committee appointed by the Chancellor
recommended a modest scheme for the development of the University
in order that it might more adequately fulfil the purposes for
purposes
which it was established, namely: to be a centre of British
University life not only for the Colony but for the contiguous
areas of China.
The Committee's recommendations were approved by the
Government of Hong Kong and gained the sympathetic interesi of
His Majesty's Government. War came before most of the changes
recommended could be initiated. After the liberauion of Hong Kong
the whole question of the future of the University was considered
by a Committee in London appointed by the Secretary of State for
the Colonies. This Committee recommended the re-establishment
of the University with staff and facilities on a much more
extensive scale than hitherto, involving the capital expenditure
which the Committee tentatively estimated, at approximately
£1, Ouu, 000 and the recurrent expenditure of £85,600 per annum.
The Committee took the view that if the University could not be
re-established with the standard which they recommended so that
it could bear comparison with Universities in U.K. and with.
Chinese Universities it would be better not to re-establish it at
all. The Committee's recommendation involved substantial
16 financial assistance from U.K. funds and its further consideration
has unfortunately had to be deferred owing to the present
conditions in U.K. The Hong Kong Government and Secretary of
State for the Colonies do not however consider that it would be
right to delay any further a decision on the re-establishment of
the University, and it has been decided that steps should be taken
now to restore the University as rapidly as possible, to its
status and scope of 1940.
While these matters have been under discussion, care
for higher educacional needs in the Colony have been met by the provision of teaching for men and women who aim at courses
to
to degrees in Art Science, Civil Engineering and Medic
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Private notes are available after approval.