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February 4, 1907.3
Wan Yik Sbin and Wei Wing Hon. From the detailed account received from Oxford it appeared that seven candidates passed out of nine recommended. The percentage of passes (inolading the nine candidates) worked out as follows:-Geometry 67; Scripture Knowledge, Arithmetic and Algebra, each, 77; English History 39; Political Economy 100. Such results would be considered cred table in an English school (applause). Their new build. ing so long talked of and desired had not yet arisen, except on paper. Still to have plans prepared, and approved by the Building Authority, to hold some money in hand for this purpose and to be backed by an interested and sympathic body of Chinese gentlemen provided an earnest of more sub- stantial results to follow in the near future. It required no expert evidence to prove that their need for extended accommodation was both real and urgent. Until the projected extension was consummated their work must lack both satis. fotion and completeness. Then, when their baildings were finished and they were more firmly settled in commodions premises, they would look to see His Excellency's suggestion of last year carried into effect, s that through affiliation with a bone University it should be possible for students to gain literary degrees in Hongkong, which should have a recognized value throughout the Empire. It would seem that they were bound to work toward some such development of the education question for the Chinese. Many of their students looked forward to other than a commercial career. Awakening China needed men with Western knowledge, and although decree followed decree with confus- ing contrariety it seemed that the test of scholarship leant in a Western direction and it was to satisfy that test that we must aim, Although the changes they in China were not all set in the same course and the practice of to-day might be reversed to-morrow still in educational matters the conduct of the year's examination in Peking, despite its defects, was not without its lessons. Papers were set in Philosophy, Politics, Mathematics and Science. Some of the examiners were those who had studied abroad and had obtained University recognition. Candidates were allowed lo choose the language in which they should record their answers Some who Were more conversant with English than with Chinese used the former means of com. munication and succeeded in securing their diplomas, without any test
of knowledge Chinese. A further significant feature of this year's examination was marked by the fact that Christians and Confucians sat side by side in the examipation hall without fear or favour. Both alike were received in audience by their Imperial Majesties after the results were published. Still again, Western influence might be traced in the decision that it was not necessary, as in former years, to regard the successful examinees as expectant officials, but rather that having obtained their knowledge they should use it as seemed best for the good of themselves and their country. From a change so complete, from the elaborafely composed thesis in Chinese to a studied disregard of the ancient classics, and to an indifference concern. ing knowledge of the mother tongue they might expect, and perhaps wish for some reaction. Yet the most conservative cannot hope that such bubjects as those mentioned abore would ever fail to find a place in the country'- government examinations. The men who were to help in the development of China were the men whom China preded, and as they had opportunity it seemed their duty to prepare those under their care along the line which should be best Foth for themselves and the cause they hoped to
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The teaching staff was strengthened at the beginning of the year by the addition of Mr. A. L. Nairn, B.A., and in May by the arrival of Mr. G. A. Hancock, B.A., who was followed by Mrs. Hancook in September. Miss Williams also joined after the mid-summer holidays. On the other hand, Mr. Lewis Byrne, MA..who kindly delayed his holiday for six months to suit their convenience +ailed for home in July. Miss Fletcher, who bad given her service for three years, found it necessary to resign that she might transfer her help to another department Mr. W. E. L. Harkness was called away last month somewhat suddenly on private affairs,
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CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
and they would be pleased if he were able to resume his position in the College. Meanwhile they heard by telegram that another matter was leaving Melbourne about this time to take charge of form IV. Mr. Mackenzie and Mr. Ng Tin Po continued at their posts. The staff included six Fnglish and three Chinese masters The Council's thanks for donations were tendered to the Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, C.M.A The Hon. Mr. Wei Yak, Dr. Wan Tuen Mo, Messrs. 9. W. Tso, Wei On, Lo Cho Sun, Lo Pan | Kei, Chan Chin Fang, Yan Shui, Chau Bin Ki, Wong Sai Lung, Chan King Ting, Fang Shui Sam, Chan Kam Wing, Lau Chin Ting, Wong Wing Chiu, Cheng Wo Hir, Ng Pak To, Lo | Shurt Po, Cheng Man Po, Cheung On Lan. The never-failing thoughtfulness of the Chinese parents and guardians had always been a source of encouragement to them.
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were as keen in their intellectual development as in the physical. Their record in the field during the past year had been a worthy one and chowed hold their own with the boys of other schools that the boys of St. Stephen's College could
in the Colony (applause). need for an enlarged building, he said they Referring to the
must look to the co-operation of the parents and their Chinese friends who were so liberal for the completer equipment of that institu- tion. The examinations showed what he as a lover of China and the Chinese never doubted that the sons of China were able to take their places side by side with the boys of other nations (Applause). Concluding, he said be thought it was essential for the wellbeing of the Chinese race that a note of warning should be uttered with reference to the displacement of Chinese language and Chinese : literature from the examinations of their country. He for one felt that the best interests of the Chinese would not be serred by entirely abandoning that part of the intellectual machinery, the Chinese language and literature, which had sufficed in the past to equip men aye, and women too in China to the great duties of life. Therefore he would urge upon those yourg mea not to neglect the ancient language of their people or the ancient literature of their people. In equipping themselves for the work and business of life they mist not limit themselves to western kuowledge but equip themselves in the knowledge and in the tory of their conatry. In this way he had no doubt that when they were called upon to take their places in the development of their great country they would acquit themselves well and do their duty to the land of their birth and to thể race of their forefathers (applause).
Archdeacon Bannister said that he thought it was only right to tell them before the prizes were awarded that they were disappointed in one or two directions. They were disappointed at the weather and they were disappointed at and deeply regretted, the absence of His Excellency the Governor who had written expressing his regret. His letter read: Dear Mr. Parnett, Mr. Fletcher has handed me your letter of the 27th December and I am desired by His Excellency the Governor to inform you that in view of the multiplicity of the engagements for the near future he does not consider it advisable to make any more and therefore regrets be will not be able to have the pleasure of attending St. Stephen's prize-giving They deeply regretted that They had hoped that instead of His Excellency taking the chair that they would have been able to have welcomed a great friend of that institution is the person of the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Mr. F. H. May, but his letter explained that when lie hud promised to take the chair at St. Stephion's he had overlooked the fact that โมล meeting of the English Benevolent Society at which he had also promised to prasida took place at the same hour. He expressed his regret for the incon- venience which this would cause. They all regretted Mr. May's absence. There was Quother cause for regret that the prizes bad not arrived. They were somewhere on the way between Singapore and Hongkong and
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His Excellency Wu Ting Fung addressed the students in Chinese and afterwards, at the request of the Chairman, said a few words in
He said When Mr. Baruett asked me to come here about ten days ago, it was to speak a few words to the students in Chinese. I waI told not to erosel twelve or fifteen minutes and I have now spoken for fifteen minutes but, if I &m to act as my own interpreter you must excuse me if I take a little more time. I havO been telling these young men what great advan tagas, indeed privileges, they have in studying a at college like this, I have also told them that when I was a boy I also went to college; I did not mention the name of the college because there is a good reason for not doing so. I told The Ven. Ar. hdeacon' then presented the them that when I went to college I had not the prizes; and afterwards made a few remarks opportunity of learning from so many books as They bad had, he said, a demonstration j they have. In my days of boyhood (I won't tell of the work that St. St. phea's College
would be here iu thay Cours of a few days. The successful competitors would receive certificates for their work and also for the distinctious in the Oxford Eramiua. tions.
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doing in the education and the intellectual progress of the Chinese young men of Hongkong, and although he was a member of the governing body of the College he felt it right to congratulate the masters and the students on the excellant show they made after only four years' existence as a collegiate institution (Applause). The work, he knew from personal observation, indicated the determination of the masters and the students to excel in the lines of education that had been adopted for that college (applause). The whole world was interested in obrerving the progress of Western learning in the Chinese Empire and it was hoped that as the years want past and as that institution became more stable in its positions that it would take an ever increasing and a greater part in the work of advancing Western education amongst the Chinese young men of Hongkong. He did not wish to say anything in praise of that education. It had come to be recognised in the East that the advance of the Asistio natious must be
along that path. If the nations of the East were Lo stand side by side in the service and work of The world then they must, to a certvin extent be equipped by means of Western education. The whole world had observed the progress of Japan. China and her people have been noting the position that Japan has reached along this pathway and N far an he could read the signs of the times the Chinese nation and the Chinese youth were determined to acquire the best in Western learning in order that they might better maintain the great history of their people. (Applause) Proceeding, he said the boys of that college
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you how long ago that was) --laughter-the books we were given to learn from were very elementary. The teaching-stall was small, and i don't want to throw discredit on my own college but the books were few and many of the subjects that the head master bas mentioned in his report were not known to me when I was a student. I was also telling them that they should take full advantage of the learning that is now offered and do their very best in their studies. One has still a lot to learn after one leaves college to go out in the world. The knowledge that a student receives is not sufficient, he has to learn many things when he starts in life, but he can lay a goog foundation bere (applaus) that will stand him in good stead in after life. I told them that a good moral character was a very important thing for them. A boy may be very clever, very learned and well informed, but with out good morale he will not succeed in life. This is the gist of my remarks to the students in my own language and I hope that you will all agree with me." (Applause).
Three hearty cheers were given for the Chairman, H. E. Ting Fang, and the Hend- master and teachers and the procedings were brought to a close with the singing of the national Anthem.
It is notified in the Gazette that Antonio Paulo Guterres, first clerk, Merosatile Marine Office, Harbour Department, has been suspended from the exercise of his office for corrupt practions with effect from the 24th instant, pending the decision of the Secretary of State for the Colonies regarding his dismissal from the Government Service,
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