The Head Master, Mr. G. H. Bateson Wright, read the following report:
The total number of boys on the Roll for the past year was 601. The school days numbered 234, a difference from last year, due to a special holiday given by H.E. the Governor in November in connection with the celebration of Her Majesty's Jubilee.
**Annual Examination.** The result of the Annual Prize Examination in English subjects, just held, is eminently satisfactory. Only 9 boys failed out of 384 examined, in other words 97 per cent. passed. As this is the last Annual Examination which will be held in this school building, the history of which extends over a quarter of a century, I may be pardoned for dwelling on this signal success which forms a fitting crown to the labours of so many years. It will be remembered that, on my arrival six years ago, after examining the school, I expressed my astonishment and gratification at the attainments in English of the Chinese who form the vast majority of Central School boys. Since then no stone has been left unturned, steadily and yet without undue haste, to raise the standard. English composition was introduced into the 4th Class; English Grammar and Geography were extended three classes lower. The result of this extension is shown in the present examination: of the 314 boys examined in English Grammar, 90 per cent. passed, while 94 per cent. passed of the 110 examined in English Composition; and I may say that, for idiom of expression and thoughtfulness in ideas, the essays presented by these Chinese boys—who, it must be remembered, do not associate with English out of school hours—cannot fail to be considered admirable. Making comparison with the Percentage Tables of last year, I observe a higher percentage obtained by the school this year in every subject except Map-drawing, which is about the same figure. Special improvement is noticeable in Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, Euclid, Algebra, General Intelligence Papers, and Mensuration.
The severity of the test applied to the classes in this school precludes all possibility of any comparison being instituted with work done in any other school in the Colony. Not only are there special optional subjects—every subject (Euclid, Algebra, Latin, Physical and Commercial Geography) taught in any class being compulsory to every boy in that class—but the examination in Grammar is not, as in the Grant-in-Aid System, confined to Analysis, Parsing, and Definitions, nor in Geography to Map-drawing and Definitions. On the contrary, searching general questions are set, more after the type of the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations; nor must I forget to mention the two papers, Translation from and into Chinese, in each class, which prove such a stumbling block to non-Chinese boys, and so ruthlessly handicap them in the race for prizes. The system I adopted on my arrival, and which I have since maintained, is that, to pass in each subject, a boy must obtain at least half marks, and failure in more than half the subjects of his class makes a boy a complete failure. This year there were 15 subjects in the First Class, as opposed to 8 subjects in 1882; therefore this year, a boy required for a bare pass as much as would have gained him excellent distinction six years ago. If this school had been examined on Grant-in-Aid principles, we could have presented 63 boys in the highest standard, Standard VI; 41 in Standard V; 102 in Standard IV; 100 in Standard III; 52 in Standard II; and 20 in Standard I. Moreover, Copy-writing would have been taken into account for 274 boys, instead of merely for the 70 boys at the bottom of the school.
The Upper School was examined in a first year's work in Latin; the same paper was set to all three classes, and though the questions were stiff, very creditable answers were obtained. Class I was examined in three books of Euclid; and in Algebra offered Surds, Scales of Notation, etc., up to Harmonical Progression. Class IV passed excellently in Algebra and Euclid.
**Staff.** Mr. Arthur, Third Master, was transferred to the Magistracy early in the year. He was a thoroughly efficient, successful, and popular teacher, able to maintain excellent discipline without any ostentation and having no need to resort to severity. In the important subject of English Reading and Pronunciation—which, to those not practically engaged in teaching English to foreigners, might appear easy—he was unrivalled. The school was fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Jameson, a graduate of Peterhouse, Cambridge, whose engagement at another school happily terminated at the time of Mr. Arthur's transfer. Mr. Jameson laboured strenuously throughout the year, with what success may be estimated from the fact that only one boy failed out of the three classes in his charge, which comprised 126 boys. On April 1st, Mr. Mok, 3rd Chinese Assistant, was transferred to the Registrar General's Office; Mr. Chu took his place, and Mr. Lo Kit was promoted from Senior Pupil Teacher to be 4th Chinese Assistant. In my report on the requirements of the New School, forwarded twelve months ago, I drew special attention to the injury done to the school by masters, English and Chinese, leaving on account of dissatisfaction with salaries, and I trust that my suggestions on this head will meet with the approval of the authorities.
That the whole Staff deserves credit for the past year's work is evident from the results of examination given above; but I wish to bear my testimony to the important fact, of which I alone can be cognisant, that in this school there is no spasmodic cramming at the end of the year with a view to dazzling effect; but steady, uniform work, willingly and cheerfully performed, consistently throughout the year. As in the New School a larger amount of responsibility in teaching will fall into the hands of the Chinese Assistants, I desire to draw particular attention to the good results obtained by the four classes V-VIII, which were entrusted to the care of the four Chinese Assistants. The excellent papers, in most instances, done by these boys in English Grammar, Geography, Dictation, and Arithmetic, show that there is no ground for apprehension that English subjects cannot be adequately taught by Chinese.
I have received from Mr. Jameson, Master in charge of the Preparatory School, a very favourable report of the work done by the six Articled Pupil Teachers. This is very satisfactory and marred only by the fact that one of the Pupil Teachers gave evidence of persistent neglect of his First Class studies, which culminated, as might naturally be expected, in a pass which can only be viewed as discreditable.
**Cambridge Local Examinations.** The six candidates who entered for the Cambridge Local examination in '86 acquitted themselves well. The Senior candidate passed in Arithmetic, English Grammar, Composition and History, Geography, Euclid, and Algebra, but failed in Scripture. As a Chinese, he had natural difficulty with this subject, but this experience has led him to devote more attention to it for the late examination. Of the five Juniors, Howard and Madar obtained certificates and have therefore the distinction of being the first Hongkong boys to obtain that honour. Two others, Wong Fan and Wong Ping, failed only in History and Geography, or it may be in only one of these, as no particulars were 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 late examination; Madar abandoned the project only on 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, for 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 will prove a prominent link between this School and the new College.
I cannot refrain from here taking the opportunity to defend the Local Examinations against two serious imputations—cramming and competition—that have been laid to their charge. Cramming is the process by which a man of experience reduces, for the sake of his pupils, the wide area of any given subject by judiciously selecting those portions on which questions are likely to be set. This method is open to the obvious objection that first principles and sound basis are sacrificed to showy results in answer to catch-questions. Now, when year after year bodies of Examiners like the Oxford Delegates and Cambridge Syndicate set forth varied questions, testing the knowledge of rudiments in each subject, as well as embracing the highest achievements; and at the same time distinctly state that each candidate must satisfy the Examiners in rudimentary knowledge in each subject—to talk of cramming in connection with these examinations merely argues want of information in those who hazard the statement. As regards the Central School, this charge is simply ludicrous; the Local candidates study their subjects in a class of 60 boys; only one hour a week, in the afternoon, is allowed for instruction in each of the special subjects (e.g., Shakespeare and the Epochs of History) and for instruction in higher Euclid and Algebra.
The idea of competition is foreign to the purpose of Local Examinations, which is to provide one standard for boys educated in different schools on widely varying principles. Each boy does his best to pass well, and if possible to obtain distinction; but there is no personal emulation to urge him to outstrip any particular boy, which is the necessary element of competition as applied to school-boy life. Unfortunately, however, the attempt has been made to raise the spirit of competition, not among scholars but schools. Such a feeling ought not to be admitted for a moment; not only is there no contest, but there is actually no uniformity of conditions. One school may send in all the boys in certain classes; another may present only selected candidates. One school may have a large staff of masters; another may be without this advantage. It is not the custom in England, as far as my experience reaches, for comparison to be made between the results in different schools in the same town. Whatever wholesome emulation may be personally stirred among the masters, no comparisons are drawn between the results—say, of a Grammar School and of a Board School, nor between the latter and those of a Denominational School; nor, in fact, would it be possible as the basis of comparison is wanting.
**Old Scholars.** In the past year, we were gratified by the news of Mr. Walter Bosman's (Govt. Scholar) final success at the Engineering College at the Crystal Palace. He was presented with the Society's Bronze Medal for sustained distinction in no fewer than ten terminal examinations. His future successes will not come within the scope of School Reports, but he will continue to carry with him the good wishes of his old schoolfellows and schoolmasters.
It is also worthy of note that Mr. Tái Tin-pui, who left the Second Class of this school at Midsummer, after showing marked aptitude for English studies, graduated last November as San Tavi at Canton. I am informed that this is the first time this success has been achieved by a Central School boy. It must, however, be clearly understood that the credit of this success does not belong to this school, for as a rule we can do but little more than preserve the knowledge of Chinese a boy brings with him; still, Mr. Tái has shown conclusively that application to English studies need not cause a boy to abandon the pursuit of native literature.
**Health.** The health of the school suffered from the fever and smallpox prevalent in the town at the close of the year. The Sick List in December is the largest I remember.
**Conclusion.** I will conclude with a few general remarks. The new school is hastening to its completion, and I sincerely trust that we are not doomed to pass another summer in these overcrowded classrooms, from which air is effectually blocked by the houses that hem us in on every side. It may be that in another year Chinese dwellings may stand on the site of this old school, but its memory will endure. A dozen Morrison scholars and one Government scholar, hundreds of clerks in English and Chinese Government Service, and a countless number of mercantile clerks scattered over the Far East will have these old walls photographed on their memory of happy youthful days, as long as life shall last. The standard of education at the Central School may be said this year to have attained the high-water mark; it only remains for Victoria College to take this tide at the flood, and so be led on to Fame and Fortune.
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**SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY.**
His Excellency said: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am very glad in coming here today to see so large a number of intelligent-looking Chinese boys present here obtaining the benefits of an English education. I am still more glad to find from the report just read that their doings do not belie their looks. While paying a well-merited tribute to the untiring exertions of your late Headmaster, my friend Mr. Stewart, and to the excellent results obtained by him, I am glad to find that in the years that have passed since he left you, his work has not only been sustained but advanced by your present Headmaster, and that these years have been marked by most satisfactory progress. I find from this report, which I have had the opportunity of reading, that this year shows the highest enrolment, 601; what is better still, the highest average attendance, 449; and what is, after all, the best of all, the highest percentage of passes, 97.3 percent. I find, moreover, that the extent of study has been largely widened; that, whereas in 1882, there were only eight subjects of study, there are now fifteen; and, contrary to what might have been expected, I understand from those who have taken a part in the examination that the increased number of studies has not produced diminished proficiency in any, thus showing and giving a most excellent instance of the fact, which is known to men who are older than yourselves, that the acquisition of one branch of knowledge largely assists the acquiring of others. I have also had the opportunity of looking at your examination papers. I must say they surprised me very much, and that I was very glad to see the high standard of knowledge which they assume, and still more glad to find that the results of the examination showed, in the answers to the questions set, that assumption has been very fully justified. (Applause).
"I am very sorry that what, I understand, was the promise that was held out by my predecessor has by the course of events not been fulfilled—that this distribution of prizes today should take place in the new building. Under ordinary circumstances, that promise, no doubt, would have been fulfilled. But, as you are probably aware, the iron roof that was provided for the new building went to the bottom of the Red Sea, and thus five invaluable months were lost. I am happy to tell you, however, that the new roof has already arrived and is now being landed; so that, I think, we may trust the Surveyor General will put it into its place in a very short time. The new building, to be dignified hereafter with the name of Victoria College, has been a very expensive one; but, if it at all fulfils the anticipations of those who have supported it, the expense will not be in the least grudged by the taxpayer. I sincerely trust it may have all the success that the most sanguine have expected for it; for this school has a very large share in that great work which belongs generally to the Colony of Hongkong—that of assisting to infuse the leaven of European civilisation into the toiling masses of China—a civilisation which, however defective, in common with all that belongs to mankind, has at least this merit: that it has conduced more largely than any other to bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number. In estimating the benefits of that civilisation, as you will have the opportunity of doing by the knowledge acquired here, and by having the power of imparting that knowledge to your fellow-countrymen, you will have the opportunity of doing a great good, not only to yourselves, but to them. And I may say that the benefits of that civilisation are more required by them than by any other people on the face of the earth, on account of the density of the population, on account of the fact that there the struggle of life is at its hardest and the principle of the survival of the fittest is seen in its cruelest and hardest aspect.
"Let me give one instance out of many that may give you an idea of what I mean. In the course of your reading, you will probably find, if you have not found already, that when railways and labour-saving machinery were introduced into European countries, they were opposed by the ignorant of the population as likely to take the bread out of their mouths; but you will also find, what is undoubtedly the fact, that these inventions, while obviating the necessity of labour in one direction, created a demand for labour in many other directions; and thus at the present moment in Europe, notwithstanding a great deal of suffering which is inseparable from all human communities, there are a very much larger number supported in an average degree of comfort than in any other period of history. This is only one of the many facts which you have an opportunity of learning by your English education; and by learning them and by the power of imparting them, I repeat, you have an opportunity of doing good, not only to yourselves, but to an indefinite number of your fellow countrymen. I talk in this way to you, because I am quite sure you have heard quite often enough of the directly material advantages of the education you have the opportunity of acquiring here. But the benefits of that education are only real when they conduce to happiness; and, let me tell you, from a somewhat large experience of life, that after all there is no happiness superior, if equal, to that which is obtained from the thought, when you put your head on your pillow at night, that you have, during the day, done something, however little it may be, to improve the lot of even one of your fellow creatures. (Applause). You will be placed in a singularly favourable position here for acquiring that form of happiness; and I believe that by going out among your people in your own country, as you will no doubt do, by doing something to improve the condition in this life of your fellow-countrymen, you will become missionaries in almost, if not equally as useful a way as those who hold out to them the hope of a happier hereafter. The school is about to break up a week earlier than usual. You know what unfortunately is the cause of this—the prevalence of sickness in our midst. As regards that sickness, I trust that none of the boys will have cause to look upon the holidays gained thereby as other than the good that proverbially attends every ill wind. I trust that your prolonged vacation will bring you back here again with increased determination to work, and, by greater readiness of learning, to do credit to the exertions of your excellent teachers. I have nothing further to say but to wish you all, teachers as well as scholars, the full advantage of your holidays." (Applause).
The prizes were then distributed according to the following list:
**PRIZE LIST.**
Morrison Scholar: Wong Fan.
Stewart Scholar: Ip Tsung-ki.
Belilios Scholar: W. H. Howard.
Translation into English: Au Shiu-mo, gold chain, presented by T. Jackson, Esq.
Translation into Chinese: Wan Tsung-iui, 'Anglo-Chinese Dictionary,' presented by Mrs. Murrow.
Mathematics: Au Shiu-mo, watch, presented by Hon. P. Ryrie.
Composition: Class 1, F. Hyndman, 'Shakespeare and Macaulay,' presented by G. Murray Bain, Esq.; Class 2, S. Ramjahn, 'Shakespeare,' presented by G. Murray Bain, Esq.; Class 3, B. Cunha, 'Creasy's Battles,' presented by Geo. Murray Bain, Esq.; Class 4, Tee Taan-tai, 'Ingoldsby Legends,' presented by Hon. O. P. Chater; Special D. Obadiah.
Class I (28 Boys)
1. Wong Fan, Scholarship; 2. Au Shiu-mo, Merit; 3. Ip Tsung-ki, Scholarship; 4. Wan Tsung-iu, watch, presented by Hon. F. Stewart; 5. Hu Shing-cheung, 'Stormonth's Dictionary,' presented by Dr. Wm. Young.
Class II (23 Boys)
1. Lening Shi-nam, watch, presented by Hon. C. P. Chater; 2. Lo Man-yuk, 'Webster's Unabridged Dictionary,' presented by Dr. Wm. Young; 3. Chan Pui, pencil case, presented by Hon. J. Russell; 7. M. Fredericks, 'Green's History,' presented by Hon. C. P. Chater.
Class III (18 Boys)
1. Lau Hon-chi, watch, presented by A. G. Romano, Esq., Consul General for Portugal; 2. Tam Shan, 'Memorable Battles,' presented by Teiske Minami, Esq., Consul for Japan; 10. A. Allen, 'Golden Deeds,' presented by Teiske Minami, Esq., Consul for Japan.
Class IV (41 Boys)
1. Chan Yeuk-ying, watch, presented by A. G. Romano, Esq., Consul General for Portugal; 2. Lo Taun-ying, 'Through the Dark Continent,' presented by Chan Kwan-i, Esq.; 3. Chan Ting-po, 'Scott's Poetical Works,' presented by Chan Kwan-i, Esq.
Class V (34 Boys)
1. Ng Tsau, watch, presented by Wong Taik-king, Esq.; T. Takasu, 'Tom Brown's School Days,' presented by Teiske Minami, Esq., Consul for Japan.
Class VI (27 Boys)
1. Chan Oba-ying, watch, presented by J. D. Hutchison, Esq.; 2. Teang Hing-sung, 'Robinson Crusoe,' presented by D. Nowrojee, Esq.; 5. S. Moosa, 'Isjir Slayer,' presented by D. Nowrojee, Esq.
Class VII (44 Boys)
1. Chan Chi-hon, watch, presented by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.; 2. Li Wing-shu, 'Life of Nelson,' presented by Fung Shin, Esq.; 4. Li Man-hing, pencil case, presented by the Hon. J. Russell.
Class VIII (43 Boys)
1. Tsang Taung-li, watch, presented by Fung Shin, Esq.; 2. Sham Hob-kan, 'Chinese Gordon,' presented by Fung Shui, Esq.
Class IX (50 Boys)
1. Chan Wing Chun, watch, presented by the Government; 2. Cheung Tong, pencil case, presented by the Government; 22. H. Gidley, 'Pirates of the Prairie,' presented by D. Nowrojee, Esq.
Class X (48 Boys)
1. Chan Kit-wing, pencil case, presented by Messrs. Gaupp & Co.; 2. Tung Tsung-mun, Merit.
Class XI (23 Boys)
1. Li Wing-sam, pencil case, presented by the Government; 2. Chau Shun, pencil case, presented by the Government; 3. Sadick, pencil case, presented by the Government.
**Chinese Classes.**
Fortnightly Examination: Class 1, Ling Shu-fan, watch (15), presented by the Headmaster; Class II, Yau Hang-fat (10), presented by Fung Shui, Esq.
Class I (41 Boys)
1. Lin Slim-fan, merit; Cheng U Li, pencil case, presented by the Government.
Class II (67 Boys)
1. Ng Tsau, merit; 2. Wat Ka-ying, pencil case, presented by the Government.
Class III (71 Boys)
1. Lo Pan-piu, pencil case, presented by the Government; 2. She Wa-ping, pencil case, presented by the Government.
Class IV (38 Boys)
1. Lam Sz-tó, watch, presented by the Government; 2. Chan Wing-tsiin, pencil case, presented by the Government.
Class V (40 Boys)
1. Tang Tsung-mün, watch, presented by the Government; 2. Chan Tak-chi, pencil case, presented by the Government.
Class VI (19 Boys)
1. Tai Ming-tak, pencil case, presented by the Government; 2. Chiu Chong-kwok, pencil case, presented by D. Nowrojee, Esq.
**Anglo-Chinese Classes.**
1st Division (12 Boys)
1. A. Abraham, 'Dictionary of English Literature,' presented by the Government; 2. C. Henriques, 'Silver Lake' / 'Washed Ashore,' presented by B. Byramjee, Esq.
2nd Division (12 Boys)
1. S. R. Hooseen, 'Wonders in Nature,' presented by D. Nowrojee, Esq.; 2. M. Mootee, writing case, presented by D. Nowrojee, Esq.
3rd Division (11 Boys)
1. Tse Tsan-tai, 'Boy's Natural History'; A. R. Suffard, writing case, presented by 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 wish you again full enjoyment of your holidays." (Applause).
Three cheers were then given for the Queen and for the Governor.
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