899
SCHOOLS
"Scholasticus": "With regard to the schools of the Colony, one of the earliest references to hand is a notice to the effect that the Annual General meeting of subscribers to the "School" would take place in the Asiatic Society's Room. This was in March, 1856.
"We also find that an examination of the pupils of the public School established in Hongkong about a year previously, was held in the large room at the corner of Wellington and D'Aguilar Streets (formerly the billiard-room of the "City Hotel").
"A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present on that occasion and His Excellency the Governor, Sir John Bowring, presided.
"Great credit was given to the Rev. Mr. Taylor, their teacher, for the progress made by the scholars, a considerable number of whom had only been a few months under his care. It was noted that the writing of some of the older Portuguese boys was particularly good, as was that of a Chinese boy and one or two of the girls. At the conclusion of the examination, a number of prizes, contributed by friends to the School, were distributed.
"Further research reveals that this school was named in its constitution, the St. Andrew's School, Hongkong, and that it was originally established for the education of children of any and every nation, religion, class or condition.
"At the first anniversary meeting of the subscribers to the School, it was stated that there was accommodation for 150 pupils. The Secretary in his first report indicated that the rent of the school house was $25 per month and that Mr. G. Duddell had kindly supplied the requisite benches and desks.
"The charge for instruction in reading and writing was $1 per quarter, payable in advance, and 50 cents per quarter was charged extra for instruction in Arithmetic and other branches of education.
"The hours of attendance at the school were from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but on Saturdays, the school was opened for two hours only from 10 a.m. to 12 o'clock.
"Later on, it was decided that the scholars should have a half holiday on Wednesdays as well as on Saturdays, and a vacation of a fortnight at Christmas.
"It also appears from the report that the salary of the Master (the Rev. Mr. Taylor) was increased to $1,200 a year.
"Now just where was St. Andrew's School situated? Perhaps some of our older readers could inform us.
"It is also worthy of note in connexion with St. Andrew's School that a Library was formed which was most probably the first Public Library to be established in the Colony."
899
SCHOOLS
"Scholasticus": "With regard to the schools of the
Colony, one of the earliest references to hand is a notice to the effect that the Annual General meeting of subscribers to the "School" would take place in the Asiatic Society's Room. This was in March, 1856.
"We also find that an exemination of the pupils of the public School established in Hongkong about a year previously, wès held in the large room at the corner of Wellington and D'Aguiler Streets (formerly the billiard- room of the "City Hotel").
"A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present on that occasion and His Excellency the Governor, Sir John Bowring, presided.
"Greet oredit was given to the Rev.Mr. Taylor, their teacher, for the progress made by the scholers, & considerable number of whom had only been a few months under his care. It was noted that the writing of some of the older fortuguese boys was particulerly good, as was that of a Chinese boy and one or two of the girls. At the conclusion of the examination, a number of prizes, contributed by friends to the School, were distributed.
"Further research reveals that this school was named in its constitution, the St. Andrew's School, Hongkong, and that it was originally established for the education of children of any and every nation, religion, class or condition
"At the first anniversary meeting of the subscribers to the School, it was stated that there was accommodation for 150 pupils. The Secretary in his first report indicated that the rent of the school house was $25 per month end that Mr. G. Duddell had kindly supplied the requisite benches and desks.
"The charge for instruction in reading and writing was $1 per quarter, payable in advance, and 50 cents per quarter was charged extre for instruction in Arithmetic and other branches of education.
"The hours of attendance at the school were from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but on Saturdays, the school was opened for two hours only from 10 a.m. to 12 o'clock.
"Later on, it was decided that the scholars should have a half holiday on Wednesdays as well as on Saturdays, and a vacation of a fortnight at Christmas.
"It also appears from the report that the salary of the Master (the Rev.Mr. Taylor) was increased to $1,200 a year.
"Now just where was St. Andrew's School situated? Perhaps some of our older readers could inform us.
"It is also worthy of note in connexion with St. Andrew's School that a Library was formed which was most probably the first Public Library to be established in the Colony."
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