Sessional_Paper_1934 — Page 78

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place earlier in the students school life than at Penang, where an endeavour has been made to attract to the Trade School the very best all round type of boy available. Some idea of the type required can be gained from the Application form, and from the fact that many stulents possess the Junior, and one possesses the Senior, Cambridge Certificate.

Both these Schools encourage activities outside School hours and run strong athletic sides. Singapore, being now well established in its third year, is divided into Houses which compete against each other for a Shield, points being awarded for work, attendance and games. Competition is very keen.

The tone of these Schools is as good as one would expect to find in the best type of English School; indeed the type of boy at Penang is much above what one would expect to find in a Trade School whether expressed in terms of appearance, physique, mentality or educational achievement.

One result of this is that in comparing the times taken for standard jobs in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Schools, Penang has a better record than Singapore, which in turn is better than Federated Malay States Schools; this again shows that the better educated boy will, other things being equal, make the better mechanic.

With regard to detail equipment, this is fully set out an page 9 for the Singa- pore Trade School, and in Appendix I (Prospectus, etc., Penang Trade School).

The lay out of Penang Trade School is shown on the Sketch Plan.

The Stores and Accounting system in use at Penang was fully investigated. Con- siderations of space and difficulty of reproduction preclude the inclusion of the results in the present report, but these are filed at the Junior Technical School and are avail- able for reference as desired.

The Singapore School has the advantage of possessing an excellent collection of engines for stripping and assembling practice, and also a cupola for foundrywork. The motor car repair section is growing and an extension for this purpose is contem- plated.

Both schools are equipped for very detailed instruction in electrical fitting, with special reference to the motor car. This trade is very little understood in the East and such knowledge should be of special value to its owner.

Singapore School, being now in its third year, is endeavouring to set up machin- ery which will enable its passed students to pass freely into industry. Work being somewhat scarce at present, boys in their final year are placed as soon as an opport- unity arises. So far seven have been placed, and although the majority are engaged in jobs outside the automobile industry, their work has been favourably commented on by their employers.

The development of Singapore as an Air Base, both for the Royal Air Force and Commercial Lines should provide an increasing number of openings for Trade School students; while the Commodore of the new Naval Base, which should eventually possess a large staff of mechanics, has shown a keen interest in the work done.

Fees.

etc.

At Singapore-No fees are charged,* but contribution is made to Sports fund,

At Penang Fees S$3 per month and Sports contribution.

*As from 1st January, 1935, a fee of $3 per month will be charged at Singapore.

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