Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 415

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mistress. It is to be hoped that the re-arrangement of the classes will lead to a fairer distribution of work among the teachers and to a consequent increase in efficiency, especially in the Chinese section. In addition all Chinese pupils are to devote a certain amount of time to Chinese as at the Boys Schools.

THE DISTRICT SCHOOLS, UPPer Grade.

23. The attendance at Saiyingpun and Wantsai Schools rose during the year to

The average attendance at Yaumati School also shows a slight increase.

over 200.

24. There was a marked increase in the number of boys admitted to the District Schools on failing to pass the entrance examination to Queen's College. The number of boys who obtained admittance to Queen's College from the upper forms of the three District Schools was 29, a substantial increase on former years and one which tends to show that the linking up of the schools in Hongkong is gradually becoming an accomplished fact. The actual uumber admitted is still very small as compared with the total number of scholars at Queen's College, it is however likely to become an important factor when these schools reach their maximum of 400 pubils each, with a proportinate number in Class IV. the highest Class at the District Schools. In addition to the 29 boys already mentioned 4 free scholars selected by competitive examination among the 3 schools were also admitted to Queen's College,

Saiyingpun Anglo-Chinese School.

25. An extraordinary increase in the number of pupils has taken place during the past year and the average attendance has risen from 94 in 1906 to the large total of 204. In spite of this abnormal increase in numbers and the inadequacy of the staff in the early part of the year the efficiency of the school work has been well maintained throughout the year.

26. The large increase in numbers has necessitated the addition of a new storey to the school building. This work is now well in hand and the school has been temporarily removed to another locality owing to lack of suitable accommodation in the immediate neighbourhood. The attendance shows no signs of falling off at present on this account. When the new storey is completed the building will accommodate 400 boys. The work should be finished by August.

27. The staff will shortly be strengthened by the appointment of an Assistant English Master as at Yaumați School. The average cost to the Government per pupil, which is very low this year, (i.e., $10.52) will necessarily rise in consequence of this appointment.

Yaumati Anglo-Chinese School.

28. The School has been practically full the whole year and though the average attendance shews but a slight increase the maximum enrolment has gone up considerably. The average attendance was 171 in 1906. It is now 185. Satisfactory progress has been made by the pupils in their studies during the year and the selection from this school of three out of 4 free scholars from the District Schools for admission to Queen's College speaks well for the work of the staff.

29. Mr. PARKIN the assistant master, left the Government service in October and his place was taken by Mr. S. R. MOORE who is temporarily undertaking the duties of headmaster during the absence on home leave of Mr. CURWEN.

30. The gradually increasing interest taken by people on the mainland in this District School will probably ere long necessitate its enlargement. It is at present the only Govern- ment Anglo-Chinese institution on the mainland of Kowloon.

Wantsai Anglo-Chinese School.

31. The average attendance at this school which was 140 in 1906 is now 210 and the numbers may be expected to rise still further when the two new school-rooms which are now being added are completed. A portion of the increase will be due to the absorption of Tanglungchau School but the majority of the new-comers will in all probability be boys who have been refused admission owing to lack of accommodation.