Sessional_Paper_1905 — Page 601

523

The proportion of girls to boys is shewn below:-

Boys,

Girls,

In Government Schools, including

In Grant

Total.

Schools.

Queen's College.

1,378

1,858

3,236

287

1,665

1,447

1,734

3,305

4,970

Thus the ratio of girls to boys is rather more than 1 to 2.

Appendix F. further shews the number of scholars in English and Vernacular Schools under Government to be:-

English Schools,....

Vernacular Schools,

..2,906

.2,064

4,970

Reckoning the average attendance to be 80% of the total enrolment it may be estimated that about 6,200 scholars have attended Government and Grant Schools during the year..

Appendix F. also gives an estimate of the scholars in private Schools :-

English Schools, Vernacular Schools,

980

..2,540

3,520

Thus the total number of scholars in receipt of education in the Colony may be reckoned as between 9,500 and 10,000, of whom about two-thirds are in schools supported in one way or another by the Government.

If the figures for 1895 in Appendix F. are accurate, it appears that 10 years ago there were 5,000 scholars in average attendance at Government and Grant Schools, and that the numbers now are about the same with this difference, how- ever, then this but now ths of the scholars are learning English. The value of the education given has very greatly increased, both in English and Vernacular Schools. Reports on the work of the schools are given in Appendix D. I add a few comments of a more general character, with extracts from the reports on the principal Government Schools.

GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.

KOWLOON BRITISH SCHOOL.

The school has been unfortunate in losing the services of Mrs. JAMES, who resigned towards the close of the year on account of ill-health. Mrs. JAMES has taught in the school since its opening, and its success is due in no small degree to her energy and skilful teaching,

In other respects the year has been a prosperous one. The average attend- ance was 54.8, as against 46.4 in 1903, and 39.3 in 1902, though this increase is only in part due to the increase of scholars. It is partly due to the improved regularity in attendance (88% of the total enrolment as against 84% in 1903).

Fees amounting to $1,952.50 were collected, as against $1,849.50 in 1903.