Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 109

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What the cost to the Colony would be can hardly be estimated at present.

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There would be considerable difficulty in finding a site. Unless it develops into a success, perhaps the Belilios Reformatory might be adapted to this use.

EDWARD A. IRVING,

Inspector of Schools.

P.S.-I should add that I am in agreement with those points raised in the Petition to which I have not alluded except the matter of religious instruction. I hold that if this is given at all it should be before or after school hours.

No. 380.

SIR,

Governor to Secretary of State.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 24th September, 1991.

I have the honour to forward a letter received from eight of the leading Chi- nese gentlemen of the Colony, praying that facilities might be afforded them for securing for the children of the better class Chinese a good English education, their reasons for desiring a special school being given. I deferred dealing with this until the general question was being considered, but remembering that the better classes of Chinese are quite as anxious as any European to preserve their children from contact with children of a lower class, intimate communication with whom would be prejudicial to their moral character, I sympathise with the desire of the writers, and hope to receive authority to meet their views as well as those of the European Petitioners for a separate school.

2. The question might present itself that the wealthy Chinese could them- selves engage the teachers; but I do not think that they could secure the same class of teachers and the same continuity that would result from the employment of teachers by the Government.

3. I entirely agree with the remarks of the Inspector of Schools, and, if we can secure the attendance of the children of the Chinese upper classes, many of whom will if the schools succeed come down from China, and some of whom will probably form part of the official class of the future, the consequences may be far- reaching and the benefit to this country may amply repay the small outlay that the scheme demands. If the school turns out a success the fees can be raised so as to cover all the expense, for the class for which the schools are intended is wealthy and can well afford to pay, I shall be glad to be authorized to enter upon this interesting experiment.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

The Right Honourable,

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,

fc.,

fc.

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor.