CO129-618-2 University of Hong Kong- grants and financial assistance 26-9-1947 - 29-9-1947 — Page 3

1.

Notes on Position of University of Hong Kong.

Inter-Universities Council

25th, 1947.

September

University in suspense:- provision 1947-8 of 1st and 2nd year classes leading to Arts, Science, Medicine, Engineering: numbers a year

about 150, a year - about 200.

-

University activities controlled by Provisional Powers Committee set up by Order in Council.

Financial position will be shown by audited accounts due to be completed in October.

2. Position as to staff shown in note subjoined. ments should be made immediately.

Certain new appoint-

3. The "Emergency Medical Degrees Committee" established by Order in Council to control the award of Hong Kong medical degrees after examination to men who had completed courses in specified Chinese Universities still operative. No date is fixed for the dissolving of the Committee which obviously cannot continue to function when the University is reconstituted say in January, 1948. Inquiry as to means of winding up the Committee

should be made.

40

Finance

(a) General position

(a) Wages increased permanently about fourfold;

(b) Dollar salaries doubled;

(c) Sterling salaries to be increased by at least 50%

Building costs increased by five times and this increase is expected to be maintained for ten years.

Equipment in England about 22 times pre-war cost; freight four or five times pre-war rate.

(b) Rehabilitation

Repair of buildings so far $730,000 (£45,300) - still to be repaired estimated $800,000 (£50,000).

Additional accommodation required shown on p. 3 of accompanying

note.

Broad position as to deficits on year to year working shown in accompanying note.

D. J. S.