Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 478

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There was a serious falling off in attendance towards the end of the Session. The matter was investigated thoroughly and in nearly every case the reason given for irregular attendance was the great press of work at the end of the year in December, and again in January at the approach of the Chinese New Year. In connection with the subject of attend- ance, the question of Diplomas may be mentioned. It is important that Regulations for Diplomas be published as early as possible: it is certain that when Students have in view some definite object--such as the acquisition of a Diploma in Civil or Mechanical Engineer- ing, in Commerce or in Chemistry-a much greater effort will be made to attend the Lectures regularly. The subject is under the consideration of the Governinent.

3. Table VIII shews where the Students received their previous education. 80 per cent. were educated in Hongkong, and of these over 55 per cent. or 44 per cent. of the whole, were educated at Queen's College. Curiously, Canton does not figure in the list, but it may safely be assumed that many students received their early education in that City before entering a Hongkong School.

4. Electricity. A Class in this subject was sanctioned, but as only 1 student presented bimself, the Class could not be formed. The members of the Physics Class will probably next Session take up Electricity, for which their work in Physics will prove a very useful preparation. Some lessons in Magnetism and Electricity were included in the Second Year's Course in Physics.

5. Laboratory. The Laboratory is now in a very satisfactory condition as a result of the attention devoted to it by Messrs. BROWNE and CROOK. If the work in science is to be developed it will be necessary to purchase more apparatus from time to time, especially in connexion with the Physics Department, which is at present inadequately equipped. Arrangements have been made whereby the College of Medicine for Chinese is entitled to the use of the Laboratory, in return for an annual payment. The sum received is utilised in the payment of a trained laboratory coolie, and in defraying the general laboratory expenses. The arrangement will unquestionably prove beneficial both to the College of

Medecine and the Technical Institute.

6. Building Construction and Field Surveying.

The Members of these Classes, accompanied by the Director and Mr. T. L. PERKINS, visited works in progress, notably the Naval Yard Extension and the Tunnels in course of construction on the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Explanations were given to the Students by Mr. PERKINS and also by Engineers connected with the various works. These visits are undoubtedly of great educational value to the Students and it is hoped that in future they will take place at regular intervals and become a recognised part of the Class work.

The Field Surveying Class was very successful, and the members were very anxious that the course should be continued. It is to be regretted that in consequence of lack of

funds, this is not possible at present,

7. Shorthand.

This is a very popular Class, proficiency in Shorthand having an im nediate money value.

During the Session Mr. BAINS delivered several lectures without receiving payment therefor, in order that backward students might have an opportunity of reaching the standard of the rest of the Class.

8. Type-writing.

The Institute has received from various Government Departinents five Type-writing Machines which can be utilised for key-board practice. These Machines reached the Institute too late to be of service during the Session. It has, however, been arranged that two Lectures on Type-writing shall be given next Session, in connexion with the Shorthand Class, and that facilities for practising upon the machines shall be afforded.