The opening of a new boarding school on the China coast this year had in it an element of risk in view of the recent crisis in the North, which not only disorganised trade considerably, but forced many to break up their homes and send their families to Europe. The measure of success which has followed the attempt is perhaps its best justification. the ner school is of de status of the average "As stated in the preliminary prospectus, grammar or proprietary school in England, Where boss receive a fair, all-round education, and where preparation for the entrance examinations of public schools may also be. obtained. The school is at Mahto—to the north of Weihaiwei Bay—facing south, and in a part of the territory well sheltered by a range of hills from the cold northerly galesof winter. The house was used as Officers' Mess, Ist Chinese nent, till the completion of the new barracks, and serves the purpose of temporary school premises fairly well. "The school-room is furnished entirely with single desks of a special pattern, and under no circumstances—whether in school hours or at the dining-table—do the scholars sit without adequate support for the back.
Tron bedsteads with wire mattresses have been specially imported for use in the dormitories.
During the few months the school has existed, classes have been formed and are regularly taught in Mathematics, Latin French, Germav, Shorthand and Book-Keeping, besides the usual English subjects. The text books are up-to-date and by well-known authors, e.g., Pendlebury, Hall and Knight, Hall and Stephens, Morris, Bue, Meiklejohn and Pitman.
Tt is hoped that eventually a separate department for girls may be opened in connection with the boys' school, and till this can be arranged girls are being admitted to the classes as day-scholars.
For the first term—beginning last May—the scholars numbered fifteen, and there was a further admission of seven new pupils for the autumn term. Unfortunately one boy had to be sent away. Several, whose parents left the country at short notice, were withdrawn.
This success is undoubtedly largely due to the fact that the school is situated in British territory and in a port that is rapidly earning a reputation as a summer health resort.
Weihaiwei, 30th November.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.