Sessional_Paper_1910 — Page 33

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XVII.

The Committee have carefully considered, and are unable to recommend the following proposals:-

(i) The fixing of a ratio between the numbers in the Upper and Lower Classes of Schools, which the proposed lower rate of Grants to the Lower Classes and the proposed limitations of the numbers in the Lower Classes render unnecessary;

() The charging of higher fees in the Upper Classes of schools;

(ii) Any compulsion by the Government upon Grant Schools in respect of the rate,

of fees which they shall charge to pupils;

Note.-In Government Schools the fees have recently been raised. In Grant Schools we recognize the general principle that the Government should so far as is possible abstain from interfering with their internal economy. Owing to the quasi-charitable nature of many of these organisations exceptions to such a rule would of necessity be very numerous.

(ir) Regulations regarding superannuation ;

Note. In practice it is found that pupils invariably leave if they fail to get on at school; and therefore such a rule is not needed. At Queen's College where it has theoretically been in force for some years, occasion to apply it has not yet arisen.

(r) Special rates of fees in favour of (a) British Subjects or the children of Re- sidents of the Colony, (b) Boarders, () where more than one of a family is in attendance at school.

Note. The Committec have carefully considered these suggestions which at first sight seem reasonable and attractive. We were however led to discard them for the following reasons:-Pro- posals (a) and (e) would be difficult to administer, would almost inevitably lead to abuses, and would be unpopular with the Chinese. Such distinctions between British Subjects and aliens are morcover not made at home nor in China. Proposal (b) would be of special benefit to aliens who have come to Hongkong for education, as for instance waifs and strays col- lected by Missions up country in China and brought to Hong- kong, eg., the children at the Berlin Foundling Home. In view of the limited resources at the disposal of education we hestitate to support this proposal.

XVIII.

Queen's College and Girls Schools.

The Committee are of opinion that Queen's College may well be developed on the lines of a school primarily intended to feed the University. This end will at present be best served by paying special attention to the Classes preparing candidates for the Oxford Local Examin-

ations.

The Normal Class is a very valuable feature of the College, and one to which due importance should be attached.