The Language School sub-Committee had again to face the difficult problem of trying to place the School on a self-supporting basis. The c tinued loss on the running of the School is proving a drain on the Chamber's resources aad has caused your Finance Committe some cern. It was apparent that the time would come when there would be no alternative but to close the School unless it could be run without further loss. The whole question was carefully considered by the sub-Committee and the Principal of the School in the middle ref last year. The Principal very generously agreed to accept considerably less remuneration and the Chinese teachers also met the situation by consenting to a reduction in their salaries. This new arrangement came into force on July 1, and under it the School could just pay its way provided an average of thirty students per month was maintained throughout the year. It is hoped that there may be a material increase in the number of students and thus obviate the necessity of closing. The matter has the serious consideration of your Committee which is desirous of continuing the School, if possible.
The thanks of the Chamber are due to Mr. S. G. Hoare and Mr. G. W. reighton for conducting the Chinese Language examinations in Shanghai, and to Major G. A. Herbert, Mr. Allen Price, Mr. K. W. Tribe, Mr. R.
Trounce Nelson, Mr. G. V. Kitson and Mr. E. B. Boothby for conducting the examinations in Tientsin, Hongkong, Chefoo and Hankow.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.