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52. We turn now to the vexed question of consultant practice. Representa- tions have been made to us that the actual practice of the clinical Professors has not always been in accord with Statute No. 3, Section 11, of the University Ordinance. On the evidence before us, we are of the opinion that the continuance of consultant practice by the clinical Professors is in the best interest both of the public of the Colony and of the University But we re-affirm the importance of strict adherence to the spirit as well as the letter of the rule govern- ing consultant practice embodied in the University Ordinance. which reads as follows:-
Professors and lecturers whose services are exclusively at the disposal of the University shall not, during the tenure of their appointments, engage in professional practice except in a consultative capacity and with the approval of the University Council."
Arts.
53. The Arts Faculty seems to us to have attached itself like some half-un- wanted stepbrother to those two scientific Faculties which, to the founders at least, gave such promise of a sturdy manhood. It was felt no doubt that the materialism of Medicine and Engineering should be offset by a course which should include Ethics and Philosophy and the humanities generally. Later on the Chamber of Commerce was induced to contribute towards the support of a department where Economics and something like Accountancy could be taught (this contribution has ceased, but the department goes on). And finally a Chinese School was founded to carry on the tradition of China's antique culture. Meanwhile the Government Education Department seized the opportunity of the existence of a University and was provided with a course of training for the most promising material from its secondary schools to become teachers in Government and Aided schools.
54. There had probably been a vague idea that some of the Arts graduates would in time emerge as political leaders in China. That dream, we understand, has almost entirely failed to come true up to the present, and we doubt if Nanking's recent decision to admit Hong Kong graduates to her examinations for official posts will materially improve matters; and it appears that the Arts degree is now con- sidered to be little more than the crowning of Hong Kong's secondary education for those whose parents can afford it, together with a certain number from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies.
55. So long as this is frankly recognized, we consider that there is much to be said for such an ideal. We would go further and say that an engineer will be a better engineer and a doctor will be a better doctor by social intercourse during his training with students in a non-technical Faculty. A virile School of English and a virile School of Chinese are obvious necessities in a University such as this. And it is worth recording here that the Arts Faculty shares with one or both of the other Faculties the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology.
56. Bearing in mind this aspect of the Arts Faculty being a continuation of the general education provided in the Colony's secondary schools, we feel strongly that a closer liaison with the Education Department of the Government is desirable.
57. The Director of Education is ex officio a member of the Senate, but, apart from Matriculation standards, it is difficult to see how the Medical and Engineering Faculties can be his concern. On the other hand if there is to be a unified general education in the Colony it would seem desirable that he should have a place in the Arts Faculty. The Government Medical Department has, we under- stand, a representative in the University's Medical Faculty, so that the principle is not a new one; in the Arts Faculty the justification seems to us even stronger.
58. To strengthen that liaison we consider that steps should be taken to implement the University's authority, under section 4 (7) of the Ordinance, to have
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