The objective of this forum is to determine when Yuen Ka Tseung enrolled at Central School / Victoria College. An elite student like Yuen, if enrolled at Central School / Victoria College for two to three years, would likely have earned scholarships or prizes easily, given the significant number awarded annually.
However, despite checking the relevant years, no records pertaining to him were found, apart from his excellent result in the Oxford Local Senior examination in 1891. Similarly, the two other individuals mentioned, Fung Ki-cheuk (V) and H. E. Hayward (V), also did not receive any scholarships or prizes.
In contrast, junior candidate for under 16, U Hang-shing (V), was successfully traced. He was reported in the China Mail on January 13, 1890, as achieving first place in "Class IV C (28 Boys)", with the entry: "1. U Hang-shing (Watch, presented by Mr. Ho Fuk)". This indicates that U Hang-shing was in Class IV in 1889, Class I in 1892, and subsequently sat for the Oxford Junior examination and passed. He must have entered the school at a very early age. This also suggests that prizes and scholarships at Central School / Victoria College were highly competitive.
Historical Identities
- U Hang-kam (余恆鑑): A brilliant student who excelled in academics. In 1895, he achieved monumental success by placing 12th in all of England in Mathematics during the Oxford Senior Local Examination. He later became the Native Mathematical Master at Queen's College in 1898. [1, 2]
- U Hang-shing (余恆盛): He went on to become a prominent, wealthy Chinese landlord and property developer in colonial Hong Kong. He is well-known in legal history for a 1916 petition where his architectural firm (Denison, Ram & Gibbs) fought a Public Works Department prosecution on his behalf
The results of the Oxford Local Examinations, held in July 1892
The results of the Oxford Local Examinations, held in July 1892, were reported in the Hong Kong Daily Press on December 8, 1892. The Rev. G. H. Bondfeld served as Superintending Examiner. The successful Senior Candidates, all under 19 years of age, were declared Associates in Arts of the University of Oxford. They included:
1. Fung Ki-cheuk (V)
2. Gomes, A. C. (H)
3. Hayward, H. E. (V)
5. Quinooy, T. W. (D)
6. Toller, W. (D)
7. Un Ka-tseung (V)
Candidates No. 2 (Gomes, A. C.) and No. 7 (Un Ka-tseung, referring to Yuen Ka Tseung) passed in Bookkeeping.
Junior Candidates under 16:-
1 Armstrong, J. H. W. (H); 5 Diercks, H. (D); 6 Gifford, T. (D);7 Hastings, H. (D),
8 Hunter, J. (D), 11 Obadaya, O. (V);. 12 U Hang-shing (V),
Girl-;
18 Joseph, M. V. (E), 21 Tennant, L. F. (E). 20 Smith, A. (Private Tuition);
and Hunter, J. (D) distinguished himself in Religious Knowledge and English;
18 Joseph, M. V. (E)distinguished herself in English
Junior Candidates over 16 -
, 14 Collage, T. A. (V) ; 16 Machado, J. M. S. (H)both of whom passed in Drawing.
Girls:-
Lammert, I. J. (E).
The abbreviations for the schools were:
D. - Diocesan School,
E. - Victoria English Girls' School,
H. - High School,
V. - Victoria College.
Hong Kong Daily Press 1887-01-20
The following is the prize list:
**SPECIAL PRIZES**
Morrison Scholarship: Ho Man Ying.
Stewart Scholarship: Lo Cheung Shiu.
Belilios Scholarship: J. Remedios.
Translation into English: Wong Hing Yau, gold chain, by Mr. J. Walter.
Translation into Chinese: Not awarded.
Mathematical Prize: Wong Hing Yan, watch, by the Hon. P. Kyrie.
Composition Class I: Ng Chak Tong, Green's History, by Mr. G. Murray Bain.
Composition Class II: C. Kew, Subterranean World, by Mr. G. Murray Bain.
Composition Class III: S. Ramjahn, Macaulay's Essays, by Mr. G. Murray Bain.
Composition Class IV: A. Allen, Boy's Own Annual, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
**GENERAL PRIZES**
Class I, 1: Ho Man Ying, Scholarship.
Class I, 2: Wong Hing Yan, Merit.
Class I, 3: Lo Cheung Shiu, Scholarship.
Class I, 4: Wong Fan, watch, by the Hon. F. Stewart, LL.D.
Class 6: Osman Madar, Man and His Handiwork, by Head Master.
Class II, 1: Li Tai, watch, by the Hon. C. P. Chater.
Class II, 2: Ng In, Binocular, by Second Master.
Class II, 3: Choung Yan Tsx, Dictionary, by Dr. W. Young.
Class III, 1: Lam Tun Taof, watch, by Mr. A. G. Romano.
Class III, 2: Yung Cheung Shing, Binocular, by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.
Class III, 4: Abbaas, "Shakespeare," by Mr. D. Nowrojen.
Class IV, 1: Lo Man Yuk, watch, by Mr. A. G. Romano.
Class IV, 2: Tai Tin Pai, pencil-case, by Mr. T. Mainami.
Class IV, 3: M. Fredericks, "Self Help," by the Hon. C. P. Chater.
Class V, 1: Ho Lai Shang, watch, by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.
Class V, 2: Lan Hon Chi, pencil-case, by Mr. Chan Kwan I.
Class VI, 1: Chan Yonk Ying, watch, by the Government.
Class VI, 2: Kong Yuk Ting, Wood's Natural History, by a Friend.
Class VII, 1: Au Wing Cheak, watch, by the Government.
Class VII, 2: Leung Kwok Wai, pencil-case, by Third Master.
Class VII, 3: B. Hoosen, pencil-case, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
Class VIII, 1: Cheung Kwai, watch, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
Class VIII, 2: Ho Yan Chung, pencil-case, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
Class VIII, 3: Taskee, Dictionary, by Dr. W. Young.
Class IX, 1: Li Wing Shi, watch, by the Government.
Class IX, 2: Teoi Kwok Shan, pencil-case, by the Government.
Class IX, 3: C. Henriques, pencil-case, by the Government.
Class X, 1: Teang Cheung, pencil-case, by the Government.
Class X, 2: Chan Man Yuk, compass, by the Government.
Class XI, 1: Lam Sa To, pencil-case, by the Government.
Class XI, 2: Pan Ut Thun, compass, by the Government.
**CHINESE CLASSES (Fortnightly)**
Class I, 1: Ho Lai Shang, Merit.
Class II, 1: Ling Shu Fan, gold chain, by Mr. Fung Shui.
**CHINESE CLASSES (Ordinary)**
Class I, 1: Lo Kwok Teun, watch, by Head Master.
Class I, 2: Chan Man Teuk, pencil-case, by the Government.
Class II, 1: Ling Shu Fan, Merit.
Class II, 2: Pang Yuk Bun, "Longfellow," by a Friend.
Class III, 1: Leung Nim Cho, Dictionary of Quotations, by a Friend.
Class III, 2: Chan Yeak Ying, pencil-case, by the Government.
Class IV, 1: Lam Sz To, watch, by the Government.
Class IV, 2: Chan Chenk Wa, pencil-case, by a Friend.
Class V, 1: Leung Teang Nuk, pencil-case, by a Friend.
Class V, 2: Li Tez Wing, pencil-case, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
Class VI, 1: Chan Chia On, inkstand, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
Class VI, 2: Leung Yun Shing, pencil-case, by Mr. D. Nowrojeo.
**ANGLO-CHINESE CLASS**
Division I, 1: Jambetjes, "Thrift," by a Friend.
Division II, 1: M. Fredericks, pencil-case, by a Friend.
Division II, 2: C. Henriques, Merit.
Division III: T. Taskee, Merit.
Division IV: A. Allen, pencil-case, by a Friend.
1888
The six candidates who entered for the Cambridge Local examination in 1886 acquitted themselves well. The Senior candidate passed in Arithmetic, English Grammar, Composition, History, Geography, Euclid, and Algebra, but failed in Scripture and Chinese, subjects with which he had natural difficulty. This experience, however, led him to devote more attention to these subjects for the later examination. Of the five Juniors, Howard and Madar obtained certificates and thus hold the distinction of being the first Hong Kong boys to obtain that honour. Two others, Wong Fan and Wong Ping, failed only in History and Geography, or possibly only one of these, as specific particulars were not given. The remaining boy was incapacitated by fever.
That the boys themselves considered this result encouraging is evident from the fact that they all entered for the later examination; Madar abandoned the project only upon leaving school, and five new boys swelled the number. In October last, the Colonial Secretary, Hon. F. Stewart, LL.D., presented the parchments to the two successful candidates. It seemed specially appropriate that the late Headmaster should perform, in his old school, a ceremony that occurred for the first and last time, and which would prove a prominent link between this School and the new College.
The prize list included several prestigious scholarships: Wong Fan was named Morrison Scholar, Ip Tsung-ki received the Stewart Scholarship, and W. H. Howard was awarded the Belilios Scholarship.
Special prizes were also awarded: Au Shin-mo received a gold chain, presented by T. Jackson, Esq., for Translation into English; Wan Tsung-iu was awarded an 'Anglo-Chinese Dictionary,' presented by Mrs. Murrow, for Translation into Chinese; for Mathematics, Au Shiu-mo received a watch, presented by Hon. P. Ryrie.
Composition prizes were given across four classes: F. Hyndman (Class 1) received 'Shakespeare and Macaulay,' S. Ramjahn (Class 2) received 'Shakespeare,' and B. Cunha (Class 3) received 'Creasy's Battles,' all presented by G. Murray Bain, Esq.; Tse Taan-tai (Class 4) received 'Ingoldsby Legends,' presented by Hon. C. P. Chater, with a Special D. Obadiah prize also noted.
Prizes were distributed across the Anglo-Chinese classes.
In Class I (28 Boys), Wong Fan and Ip Tsung-ki were awarded Scholarships; Au Shiu-mo received a Merit award; Wan Tsung-iu a watch from Hon. F. Stewart; and Hu Shing-cheung 'Stormonth's Dictionary' from Dr. Wm. Young.
Class II (23 Boys) saw Lening Shi-nam receive a watch from Hon. C. P. Chater; Lo Man-yuk 'Webster's Unabridged Dictionary' from Dr. Wm. Young; Chan Pui a pencil case from Hon. J. Rus Bell; and M. Fredericks 'Green's History' from Hon. C. P. Chater.
For Class III (18 Boys), Lau Hon-chi received a watch from A. G. Romano, Esq., Consul General for Portugal; Tam Shan 'Memorable Battles' from Teisko Minami, Esq., Consul for Japan; and A. Allen 'Golden Deeds' also from Teisko Minami, Esq.
Class IV (41 Boys) winners included Chan Yeuk-ying with a watch from A. G. Romano, Esq.; Lo Taun-ying 'Through the Dark Continent' from Chan Kwan, Esq.; and Chan Ting-po 'Scott's Poetical Works' also from Chan Kwan-i, Esq.
In Class V (34 Boys), Ng Tsau received a watch from Wong Taik-king, Esq.; and T. Takasu 'Tom Brown's School Days' from Teisko Minami, Esq., Consul for Japan.
Class VI (27 Boys) awarded Chan Cho-ying a watch from J. D. Hutchison, Esq.; Tsang Hing-sung 'Robinson Crusoe' from D. Nowrojee, Esq.; and S. Moosa 'Isjir Slayer' also from D. Nowrojee, Esq.
Continuing with the Anglo-Chinese class prizes:
Class VII (44 Boys) winners included Chan Chi-hon (watch from Messrs Gampp & Co.); Li Wing-shui ('Life of Nelson' from Fung Shin, Esq.); and Li Man-hing (pencil case from Hon. J. Russell).
In Class VIII (43 Boys), Tsang Tsung-li received a watch from Fung Shin, Esq.; and Sham Hob-kan 'Chinese Gordon' from Fung Shui, Esq.
Class IX (50 Boys) awarded Chan Wing Chun a watch and Cheung Tong a pencil case, both from the Government; with H. Gidley receiving 'Pirates of the Prairie' from D. Nowrojee, Esq.
Class X (48 Boys) saw Chan Kit-wing receive a pencil case from Messrs Gaupp & Co.; and Tung Tsung-mun a Merit award. Finally,
in Class XI (23 Boys), Li Wing-sam, Chau Shun, and Sadick all received pencil cases from the Government.
Prizes for Chinese Classes included Fortnightly Examination awards: Ling-Shu-fan received a watch (15) from the Headmaster
in Class I; and Yau Hung-fat (10) from Fung Shui, Esq.,
in Class II. For regular Chinese Classes, Lin Shin-fan received merit
in Class I (41 Boys), and Cheng U Li a pencil case from the Government. In
Class II (67 Boys), Ng Tsau received merit and Wat Ka-ying a pencil case from the Government.
Class III (71 Boys) awarded pencil cases from the Government to Lo Pan-piu and She Wa-ping.
Class IV (38 Boys) saw Lam Sz-tó receive a watch and Chan Wing-tain a pencil case, both from the Government.
Class V (40 Boys) awarded Tang Tsung-tün a watch and Chan Tak-chi a pencil case, both from the Government.
Class VI (19 Boys) winners were Tai Ming-tak (pencil case from the Government) and Chiu Chong-kwok (pencil case from D. Nowrojee, Esq.).
For the Anglo-Chinese Classes,
1st Division (12 Boys) awarded A. Abraham 'Dictionary of English Literature' from the Government; and C. Henriques 'Silver Lake' and 'Washed Ashore' from B. Byramjee, Esq.
The 2nd Division (12 Boys) saw S. R. Hooseen receive 'Wonders in Nature' from D. Nowrojee, Esq.; and M. Mootee a writing case, also from D. Nowrojee, Esq.
In the 3rd Division (11 Boys), Tso Tsan-tai received 'Boy's Natural History'; and A. R. Suffard a writing case from D. Nowrojee, Esq.
His Excellency, after the prizes had been distributed, said: "I am asked to inform you that the school will break up today, and that you will not meet again until 27th February. Let me again wish you full enjoyment of your holidays." (Applause).
1889
Mr. Wright then proceeded to distribute the prizes. The following is the list for 1889:
**Cambridge Local Junior Certificates, 1887:**
* Wong Fan
* A. Hoosen
* Ho Man-ying
* Wan Tsung-in
**Oxford Local Senior Certificates, 1888:**
* F. M. P. Hyndman, A.A. (Associate in Arts (A.A.))
* Wong Fan, A.A. (Associate in Arts (A.A.))
* Cheung Tsoi
**Scholarships:**
* Morrison I: A. Hoosen
* Stewart I: Wong Ping
* Bolilion II: Teo Tsan-tai
**SPECIAL PRIZES:**
* Translation into English, I: Wong Kwok-i, watch, presented by Mr. T. Jackson.
* Translation into Chinese, I: D. K. Arai, Anglo-Chinese Dictionary, presented by Mrs. Murtow.
* Mathematics: F. M. P. Hyndman, watch, presented by Hon. P. Ryrie.
* English Composition I. A: M. Fredericks, Middle Kingdom, 2 vols., presented by Mr. Murray Bain.
* English Composition I. B: S. A. Ramjahn, Green's History Round the World, by Mr. Murray Bain.
* English Composition II. A: Chan Yeuk-ying, Bright's History, 8 vols., by Mr. Murray Bain.
* English Composition II. B: L. Eitel, Morley's Literature, by Mr. Setna.
* English Composition III. A: Tsang Tsung-li, Robinson Crusoe, by Mr. Setna.
* English Composition III. B: Poonoosami, Self Help, by Mr. Setna.
**Class I. A. - 15 boys:**
1. Abdool Hoossin, Scholarship.
2. F. M. P. Hyndman, gold chain, presented by Hon. F. Stewart, LL.D.
3. Hi Shing-choung, Shakespeare, by Hon. C. P. Chater.
**Class I. B. - 19 boys:**
1. Li Hon-ching, watch, presented by Hon. C. P. Chater.
2. A. Abraham, Duty (Smile's) and pencil-case, by His Honour the Chief Justice.
**Class II. A. - 36 boys:**
1. Lo Tsun-ying, watch, presented by Mr. H. N. Mody.
2. Leung Fu-chi, Mathematical Instruments, by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.
**Class II. B. - 36 boys:**
1. Chun U-tsun, watch, presented by Mr. H. N. Mody.
2. Leung Oi-sui, telescope, by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.
**Class III. A. - 30 boys:**
1. Teang Tsung-li, watch, presented by Consul-General for Portugal.
2. Li Tez-wing, Smile's Character, by Government.
**Class III. B. - 31 boys:**
1. Chan Shin-wai, watch, presented by Consul-General for Portugal.
2. Chan Kwai-tang, Smile's Thrift, by Government.
**Class IV. - 50 boys:**
(Prize details omitted due to garbled text)
**Class V. - 33 boys:**
1. Kwok Yam-kai, watch, presented by Mr. J. D. Katolson.
2. Leung-Yuk-shing, pencil-case, by Mr. Wong Tak Hing.
**Class VI. - 8 boys:**
1. Shan Kam-Kwong, watch, presented by Mr. Ho Tung.
2. Teang Kan-on, pencil-case, by Government.
**Class VII. - 73 boys:**
1. Chan Tak-chi, watch, presented by Mr. Ho Tung.
2. Ho Chi-kin, watch, by Government.
3. M. Hoosul, The Queen's Resolves, by Mr. D. Nowrojee.
**Class VIII. A. - 57 boys:**
1. Teang-bong, watch, presented by Government.
2. U Hang-kam, pencil-case, by Government.
**Class VIII. B. - 21 boys:**
1. Fok Chi-yun, pencil-case, presented by Government.
2. Ng Shui-tsung, merit (Chinese class IV.)
**CHINESE CLASSES.**
**Fortnightly Exercises:**
* Class I: Chau Wing-tsun, watch, presented by Head Master.
* Class II: Pong Tsz-kun, watch, by Mr. Fung Shui.
**Class I. - 3 boys:**
1. Chan Wing-tsun, merit.
2. P. Wai-tung, pencil-case, presented by Mr. Shi Ping-kwong.
**Class II. - 15 boys:**
1. Pong Tsz-kun, merit.
2. Chan Yuk-ting, pencil-case, presented by Government.
**Class III. - 36 boys:**
1. Tang Nun-cheung, pencil-case, presented by Government.
2. Lam Seung, pencil-case, by Government.
**Class IV. - 40 boys:**
1. Ng Shin-tsung, watch, presented by Mr. Chan Kwan.
2. Wong Kam-chiu, pencil-case, by Government.
**Class V.:**
1. Leung Man-him, watch, presented by Mr. Fung Shui.
2. Leung Kau, pencil-case, by Government.
**Class VI. - 4 boys:**
1. Cheng Kam, pencil-case, presented by Government.
2. Ho Chi-kin, merit.
**ANGLO-CHINESE CLASSES.**
**1st Division - 10 boys:**
1. E. Mootes, pencil-case, presented by Government.
2. A. Madar, pencil-case, by Government.
**2nd Division - 11 boys:**
1. Tao Tean-lin, Boy's Own Annual, presented by Mr. D. Nowrojee.
2. Wong Ping-iu, Life of Napoleon, by Mr. D. Nowrojee.
**3rd Division - 12 boys:**
1. Tatobayanki, paint box, etc., presented by Mr. D. Nowrojee.
2. Uyeno, paint box, etc., by Mr. D. Nowrojee.
China Mail 1890-01-13
China Mail 1890-01-13
The erection of Victoria College is entirely due to the foresight and unremitting zeal of the late Dr. Stewart, who, tragically, died before the College was in full working order, thus scarcely seeing the fruition of his labours. The extent to which he bore up against the depressing effect of delay and opposition may be conceived when we read the following passage from his report dating back to 1877: "As a remedy for all this (stationary condition) cannot be far distant now, although it cannot arrive in time to affect the current year; further notice of the school, its working, its aim, and its success may therefore be deferred until the new building is occupied." Dr. Stewart will ever be famous as the Founder of Education in the Colony. Beyond enjoying an enduring legacy in the hearts of his scholars across China—indeed, I might say the world—his memory will be kept green in Victoria College by the scholarship funded in his honour by old scholars in 1884. The Memorial Committee, appointed since his death, is also believed to be contemplating an application to the Government for permission to affix a permanent memorial in the College Hall.
The consequence of this is that the boys become very adept at understanding what is said to them in English. The great problem is how to get boys to speak English before they leave school. Experience has shown that, within a few months after obtaining a situation, our Chinese boys, with their store of grammatical rules and knowledge of composition, develop the power of speaking English very creditably; but as a rule, only Pupil Teachers and Monitors really speak English well before leaving school. This would seem to point clearly to a lack of self-confidence and the absence of the spur of necessity. Special attention will be paid to this in junior classes in the future.
The work of the upper classes is at present regulated by the requirements of the Oxford Senior Local Examination. As I believe a mistaken impression prevails that Latin was added to the curriculum on this account, I will take this opportunity to clarify the purpose of its introduction. Bacon and Milton, the fathers of English prose composition, teem with Latinisms, nor are these entirely absent from the modern standard of Addison. It is only quite recently that English composition has become a separate study in England. Formerly, a good classical education was considered sufficient to enable an English author to write correctly in his mother tongue. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that a foreigner must be assisted in the acquisition of English rules of composition by the study of that language on which its choicest models are based. In Latin, the observance of concord and regimen is rendered conspicuous by inflection; therefore, the intelligent translation of a simple Latin author should explain the rationale behind many English rules. Moreover, immense assistance in understanding and distinguishing the meanings of English words, and often in spelling them, is manifestly afforded by even a restricted Latin.
A Normal Class and a special Examination Paper covering Education and School Discipline for Pupil Teachers and Monitors are a new feature this year. Mr. Boards, who has been in charge of these junior assistants in front of the Preparatory Class, is on the whole able to give me only a moderate report, though he speaks highly of one or two Pupil Teachers. I trust that next year some marked improvement will be observed.
Last July, ten boys were sent up for the Oxford Local Examinations. Of these, eight passed: three as Seniors (Associates in Arts, being under 19) and five passed the Junior Examination.
**Prize List**
**Oxford Local Examinations, Senior, 1889:**
M. Fredericks (A.A.), A. Hoosein (A.A.), Lo Man Yuk (A.A.)
**Oxford Local Examinations, Junior, 1889:**
Pestonjee Jamsetjoe, Chan Yeuk-ying, Taske Takasu, Tse Tean-tai, Wong Kwok-ü.
**Scholarships:**
Morrison, Class I: Lo Man Yuk
Stewart, Class I: Taske Takasu
Belilios (Senior), Class II: Taang Tsung-Hi
Belilios (Junior), Class IV: Wong Ping-iu
**Special Prizes:**
* **Translation to English:** Class I, Leung Lan-fan (watch)
* **Translation to Chinese:** Class I, Leung Kwong-hin (Anglo-Chinese Dictionary, presented by Mrs. Murrow)
* **Mathematics:** Class I, Chan Kam-to (watch, presented by Hon. P. Ryrie)
* **Latin:** Class I, A. Allen (English Dictionary and English Proverbs, presented by Mr. Sin Tak-fan)
* **English Composition:**
* Class I, Tse Tsan-tai (Books, presented by Mr. Murray Bain)
* Class IIA, Ho Yan Chung (Books, presented by Mr. Murray Bain)
* Class IIB, Tse Tean-ip (Books, presented by Mr. Murray Bain)
* Class IIIA, Cheung Tong (Books, presented by Mr. Setna)
* Class IIIB, C. Eitel (Books, presented by Mr. Setna)
* **History:** Class I, J. Pestonjee (Familiar Quotations and Macaulay's Speeches, presented by Mr. Sin Tak-fan)
**General Class Prizes:**
* **Class I (24 Boys):**
1. Lo Man Yuk (Scholarship)
2. Chan Kam-to (Gold Chain, presented by the Headmaster)
Leung Lan-fan (Gold Pencil Case, presented by Mr. Sin Tak-fan)
6. Leung Kwong-hin (1st Boy, Division B) (Watch, presented by the Japanese Consul)
* **Class II A (20 Boys):**
1. Tsang Tsung-li (Watch, presented by Mr. H. N. Mody)
2. J. Tamenari (Pencil Case, presented by the Japanese Consul)
* **Class II B (30 Boys):**
1. Chan Shiu Wai (Watch, presented by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.)
2. Cheng U-bi (Pencil Case, presented by Mr. H. N. Mody)
* **Class III A (34 Boys):**
1. Lo Hon-fan (Watch, presented by the Consul General for Portugal)
2. Li Wai-ching (Book, presented by the Government)
* **Class III B (20 Boys):**
1. Kwok Man-chi (Watch, presented by the Consul General for Portugal)
2. Mak King-hing (Book, presented by the Government)
7. V. Bouza (Book, presented by the Government)
* **Class IV A (15 Boys):**
1. Wong Shiu-leung (Watch, presented by Mr. Ng Ping-ün)
2. Fung Kwa-leung (Book, presented by the Government)
* **Class IV B (33 Boys):**
1. Kwok Yung-fai (Watch, presented by Mr. Durbaloo)
2. Kwong Hoi-ün (Book, presented by the Government)
* **Class IV C (28 Boys):**
1. U Hang-shing (Watch, presented by Mr. Ho Fuk)
2. Kwok Ting-ching (Book, presented by the Government)
* **Class V A (40 Boys):**
1. Chong Shai-fui (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Wong Ping-wan (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class V B (31 Boys):**
1. Li Chak-tam (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Li Kiu-ting (Merit)
* **Class V C (31 Boys):**
1. Teo Lai-hing (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Hau Yuk-shi (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VI A (57 Boys):**
1. U Tsan-wa (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Yuen Fuk-wing (Merit)
* **Class VI B (28 Boys):**
1. Chan U-to (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Tsui Lam-fun (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VI C (32 Boys):**
1. Lo Sui Chin (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Tam In (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VII A (30 Boys):**
1. Lai Sing-kang (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Lo Shiu-wan (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VII B (51 Boys):**
1. Tang Tsan-cheung (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Cheng In (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VIII A (94 Boys):**
1. Cheng I-ping (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Lau Yuk-fuk (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VIII B (80 Boys):**
1. Wong Ip-shan (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Ng Shik-ho (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VIII C (54 Boys):**
1. Luk Shing-yan (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Au Shik-tsun (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
**Chinese Classes - Fortnightly Examinations:**
* **Class I (50 Boys):**
1. Wong Shiu-leung (Merit)
2. Ng Shiu-tsung (Merit)
* **Class II (60 Boys):**
1. Li Kiu-ting (Watch, presented by Mr. Ng Ping-ün)
2. Kwong Hoi-ün (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class III (67 Boys):**
1. Yuen Fuk-wing (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Ho Chi-kin (Pencil Case, presented by Mr. Shi Ping-kwong)
* **Class IV (55 Boys):**
1. Wong Hin-wa (Pencil Case, presented by Hon. Wong Shing)
2. Lok Sham-ün (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class V (52 Boys):**
1. Lan Tao-fan (Watch, presented by Mr. Chan Kwan-yi)
2. Wong Shau-ying (Pencil Case, presented by Mr. Wong Teik-bing)
* **Class VI (50 Boys):**
1. Li Kin-ying (Watch, presented by the Government)
2. Chiu Wan-ki (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VII (59 Boys):**
1. Chan Shun-yan (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Chan Fang-tseung (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Class VIII (62 Boys):**
1. Lo Keung (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. Cheung Man-ki (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
**Anglo-Chinese Class:**
* **Division I (18 Boys):**
1. E. Mootee (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
2. M. Hoosein (Pencil Case, presented by the Government)
* **Division II (13 Boys):**
1. Anthony Danenberg (Natural History, presented by the Government)
2. S. D. Alli (Boy's Own Annual, presented by the Government)
* **Division III (12 Boys):**
1. G. F. Roza (Boy's Own Annual, presented by the Government)
2. August Danenberg (Robinson Crusoe, presented by the Government)
* **Division IV (16 Boys):**
1. A. Moosdeen (Andersen's Fairy Tales, presented by the Government)
2. F. Gracin (Wood's Natural History, presented by the Government)
At the close of the distribution of prizes, His Excellency announced that the holidays would now commence and would last until February 13th, wishing everyone a very happy time during the vacation. (Applause.) Cheers were then given by the boys for Her Majesty the Queen, His Excellency the Governor, the Headmaster, the Ladies, and the Prize-givers.
Educational Report for 1890
I believe that Victoria College is on the whole still the best school of its kind in the colony, but I also see indications which make me believe that it is in great danger of falling behind in the keen race of competition now going on in Hongkong. Unless the staff of Victoria College makes a special effort and puts on a spurt, St. Joseph's College, the Diocesan School, and perhaps even one or two other competing institutions will outstrip Victoria College in efficiency and results. My reasons for this fear are as follows: The English Reading, which was very good in one or two classes of Victoria College, was, at the last examination, in quite a number of classes below the average of similar Anglo-Chinese Schools. Furthermore, some of the classes are too large to admit of the possibility of giving an all-round effective reading lesson. The composition papers of the whole college were hardly equal to the average results of similar Anglo-Chinese Schools in the colony. These reading and composition results, taken together with other indicators, suggest a concerning trend for the colony's premier institution.
For instance, when Governor Bowen established that magnificent Government Scholarship, worth £200 per annum for four years, it required an effort to dissuade him from confining competition for that scholarship to scholars of Victoria College, because he assumed that it would furnish competitors enough. While the first Government Scholarship was indeed gained by Victoria College in 1884, the college failed in the contest for the second Scholarship in 1886. In the third and fourth competitions, conducted by the Cambridge Syndicate in 1888 and in 1890, Victoria College took no share at all. The Government Scholarship was again competed for in October 1890 by three candidates (two from the Hongkong Public School and one from the Diocesan School), with the examiners (Cambridge Syndicate) awarding the first place to F. Southey of the Diocesan School.
Furthermore, at the last annual public competition for Belilios Prizes and Medals in December 1890, where St. Joseph's College, the Diocesan School, the Hongkong Public School, and the Victoria English School competed for honours in the boys' division, the scholars of Victoria College took no part. At the Oxford Local Examination held in July 1890, Victoria College presented nine competitors in the senior division, but only three of them passed, and not one of its 1,075 scholars was presented for examination in the junior division. In contrast, other schools showed stronger performance in the junior division: the Diocesan School achieved 4 passes, St. Joseph's College 5 passes, and Hongkong Public School 3 passes. In the senior division, besides Victoria College's 3 passes, the Diocesan School and Hongkong Public School each secured 1 pass. No candidates from any school achieved honours in either division, nor were any excused from Responsions or obtained distinction in individual subjects, except for the Diocesan School which had distinctions in Religious Knowledge and English in the junior division.
I bring these points thus publicly forward with some reluctance, but I believe I am performing a public duty in doing so. Separately, there is also a need for accommodation for scholars.
The erection of one new District School-building, the first on the list of five new buildings sanctioned in 1882, has been commenced in the autumn of 1890 at Sai Ying Pun, and promises to be a good model of a District School-building.
The only schools in the Colony favoured with endowed scholarships are Victoria College, which has a Morrison Scholarship, a Stewart Scholarship, and a Senior and Junior Belilios Scholarship, each valued at $60 a year, to offer to its scholars; and St. Joseph's College, which enjoys the benefit of a Senior and Junior Belilios Scholarship of the same value. Another Belilios Trust Fund provides medals and prizes for scholars of any Boys' or Girls' School in the Colony, with a view to encourage education, and annual competitions are held for this purpose in both English and Chinese subjects of instruction.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
E. J. ETTEL, M.A., PH.D. (TUBING.)
Inspector of Schools and Head of the Education Department.
The Honourable W. M. Deane, C.M.G., Acting Colonial Secretary.
NPDP18850206
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our Correspondents.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE "DAILY PRESS."
SIR,
Regarding "THE CENTRAL SCHOOL PRIZE LIST," I must address an oversight. By an oversight in the prize list, I forgot to affix the name of Dr. W. Young as donor of a watch to Chung Yuk Tong, First Chinese Class. As Dr. Young has for some time been in the habit of presenting prizes to the Central School, I trust you will find room for the insertion of this letter.
Yours faithfully,
GEO. H. BATESON WRIGHT,
Government Central School.
Hongkong, 5th February, 1885.