691303-1877-Central-School-Report--c--as-to-Site-for--Tree-Planting-Report-as-to-Time-Ball-Regarding-the-Establishment-of-a-Breakwater-Report-on-the-Erection-of- — Page 5

504 THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 17TH NOVEMBER, 1877.

Looking to the foregoing, and having given the matter the most serious consideration, it appears to the Board, that it resolves itself into a question of which of the two sites, the present, or that of Rangel's Buildings is preferable. Both are equally desirable as to situation, salubrity and convenience; both would give ample space for all that is required in the way of building and recreation ground; the expenses, as shown in the Surveyor General's estimate, of purchasing and building on Rangel's Buildings' site would be considerably less than if the school were re-erected on its present site, while the inconvenience of more than one removal would be obviated, and a more convenient building and play-ground could be arranged. Under these circumstances, the Board respectfully recommend the Rangel's Buildings' site to the Government, considering that it embraces all the requisitions of salubrity and neighbourhood, while it can be built on with more economy than the present site, and considering the importance of the school, its present, and probably much greater future, influence for good in the Colony, the Board does not feel it would be justified in recommending any of the other sites on the score of economy, fearing that placing the school on any of them would be calculated seriously to interfere with the attendance thereat.

As His Excellency has been pleased to intimate that he "will be glad to receive from the Board any suggestions which it may deem desirable to submit bearing generally on the matter," the Board, being of opinion that the new school should, to the fullest extent, meet not only the existing requirements of the Colony, but also its increasing wants, respectfully recommends that the accommodation should be so increased as to be sufficient for 700 scholars, in which case an additional class room would be required for every 100 scholars. There are at present 420 in the school, applications for over 100 have had to be refused, and from 8 to 10 are still being made weekly, while from the evidence before the Board it is gathered that the numbers are likely still further to increase as the good effects of such an education as is received at the school become developed. It is therefore clear that a building capable of only accommodating 500 scholars will very soon be inadequate to the requirements of the Colony. It has been suggested, and the Board thinks with much reason, that should the number increase over and above 700, it might be necessary to restrict the admission to those scholars who either belong to the Colony, or who have parents or near relations residing in it, and a table is attached to this Report, showing the number of scholars at present in the school who have relatives, and of what nature, in the Island; it also shows the residences of the present attendants.

The Board also considers it its duty to report to His Excellency that should the Government consider it desirable to accept any assistance from the Chinese Community in rebuilding the school, a considerable sum, say Ten to Fifteen thousand Dollars ($10,000 to $15,000) might probably be raised without the donors having any desire to interfere with or influence the management of the school.

The Board ventures further to suggest that the question of the quarters for the Assistant Masters is one worthy of the reconsideration of the Government. While they regret that a reference to this subject is in apparent opposition to the instructions conveyed to them, they are so convinced that the question is intimately bound up with the well-being of the school, that they should not think themselves justified in passing it over unnoticed. Regarding it more as a matter of primary importance to the efficient discipline and supervision of the school, than one connected with the wishes or the convenience of the Masters themselves, they are of opinion that it is in the interest of the public that at least one Assistant Master should reside on the premises. The Board considers it its duty further to draw His Excellency's attention to the following:--

It was elicited in evidence that the desire on the part of the natives of the Colony to learn English is greatly increasing, as they find there are many offices and employments open both here and under their own Government to those speaking English, and the number of native schools for teaching that language is also on the increase; there is apparently a large class of Chinese who require sufficient English education to enable them to obtain positions in which only reading and writing are required, and for this class, it was suggested that schools of a more elementary character than the Central School were required. Attention was also drawn to the fact that the number of European children, likely to be sent to the Central School, would probably soon be greater, in consequence of the number of permanent residents now in the Colony having children who cannot afford to send them to Europe to be educated. It was suggested that the scholars should, if possible, be compelled to speak English more than they at present do in the school, and that to assist in this, the Monitor system might be extended with advantage. A Portuguese suggested that a European Portuguese Master should be introduced. One of the Chinese witnesses suggested, that should the accommodation be increased, the fees should be raised to meet the outlay, feeling sure that those who could afford it, would gladly pay more if necessary.

In conclusion, the Board would remark that it has not taken into consideration, or suggested any other sites than those named, for the reason that the members were of opinion that there are none available more suitable, or that could be more readily made available than those to which attention has been drawn in the Surveyor General's Report.

H. Lowcock.

C. MAY.

J. M. PRICE. FREDERICK STEWART.