AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 949, 22 May 1883, Page 2

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

His Excellency the Governor formally opened the Auckland University College last night at the Choral Hall. The hall was crowded. On the Governor’s entering the whole assemblage rose and cheered. On the platform were Sir G. M. O’llorke (Chairman of the University Council), Bishop Cowie, the Mayor, Colonel Haultain, Mr E. Hesketh, Revs. Bruce and Thomas Buddie, Professors Brown, Thomas, Tucker, Mr Brown (Head Master of the Auckland College) and the masters of the. teachins staff-

His Excellency, on rising, said it was with no ordinary feeling of pleasure he presided that night at the formal opening of the Auckland University College, for the work on which they were engagedplacing the advantages of a University education within the reach of every man and woman of Auckland—was one the importance of which it was imposible to over-estimate. It was a work that would, he trusted, influence not merely the im--1 mediate neighborhood, but also the whole colony. His Excellency then gave a historical o itline of the rise of the ancient British and Continental Universities, and 1 their influence on society. He hoped the University Colleges of New Zealand would always be popular institutions. The true function of a modern University, he took itjto be, was to give all men and women alike every facility for higher education in ; whatever branch they chose for themselves He rejoiced to find several women of this colony had not only entered their names as students, but had also carried off prizes 1 and distinctions offered by the University of New Zealand, His Excellency here referred to the efforts made in the mother | country and 1 in the Australian colonies to extend the advantages of University eduoa--1 tion to all classes. It was, he thought, a fact of which every New Zealander might be proud that so soon after the colony was Mt a blished efforts were made towards the foundation of a colonial University. The example set by Otago was followed by the Assembly of the colony in 1870, and for some years the examinations held by the University of New Zealand have formed a test as severe as those of the European countries, but in the still more important part of this University work —the establishment of educational institutions —more difficulties had to be contended against on account of the peculiar circumstances of the colony. From personal inspection, as well as other sources of information, he could testify to the thoroughly good work being done in the Otago and Canterbury Colleges, but in other places there were no corresponding institutions. The Royal Commissioners appointed in 1878 recommended the establishing of a College at the most important centre of population in the North Island equal to the Otago and Canterbury Colleges, and in consequence of their report steps were taken which resulted in the foundation of the College which they were that night inaugurating. He trusted that the day would not be far distant when, in accordance with the recommendation of the Commissioners, they should have a similar College in Wellington. It had been said, and with much plausibility, that it would have been better to have given facilities to intending students for residence at some central College for the whole colony, and if he regarded the wo;k of an University College merely as concerning those who can afford io devote their whole time to study, he would say so too, but he looked forward to seeing many students at the Auckland University who could not leave their homes coming to morning or evening classes, presenting themselves at the examination and obtaining certificates of proficiency. The study of some paiticular science, such as mechanics or chemistry, was of special advantage, and at the Auckland University they will have the opportunity of attending any one course of lectures they may desire. There were, it was true, some technical subjects, such as scientific agriculture, which would be best studied in residentiary colleges, like the School of Agriculture at Lincoln, near Christchurch, which opens its .doors freely to students from all parts of the colony. For the students of law, however,, a city possessing a Supreme Court and an excellent law library, a -d where so many members of the pro-essionirosided, ought to offer special advantages. He trusted that steps would ere long be taken to establish in this College lectureships similar to those in Canterbury and Otago. With regard to medicine, he saw no reason why a medical education should 1 not be given in Auckland, which would, that of Dunedin, be recognised by the University of Edinburgh, i

The musical Client which titunoubtedly existed amongst the people Of A uckland in no ordinary degree, might; deny* , great assistance from- regular instrnction'in the science of pmoic, in which he was glad to see that the University of New Zealand ha,d. heeh'jenmbwereds to grant degrees ; arrdho treated that there would be many students of language and general literature who would be all profited by the'use of the splendid and interesting library which Sir G.' Grey had-to munificently presented to the city.. Bufi:.whateyer. branch, of, study, might be .followed let it not be supposed that this College was founded only for the acquisition of professional training. Its object was wider. He trusted that the ambition of all who entered would be the true philosophy—the pursuit of learning for its own sake, not merely as a means to an end. The munificence of public spirited men in England and the Australian colonies in fostering Colleges by large donations should excite the emulation of wealthy New Zealand colonists to do likewise. As to their Professors, the public wore fortunate in obtaining men of such attainments and high reputation. His Excellency, in concluding, paid a tribute to the memory of Professor Walker, who came out to Adelaide in company with his son, and whose acquaintance he had made. He passed a high eulogy on Sir Maurice O’Rorke for his efforts to get the Auckland University established, and for his service to the cause of University education in the colony generally. His Excellency sat down amidst great applause. Professors Brown, Thomas and Tucker made brief speeches on their branches of study. Sir 6. M. O’Rorke then spoke at soma length, and narrated the history of his struggle to get the University, the apathy of previous administrations, the political intrigues in the House, and the hostility of members from a certain province, who having a University, spacious buildings, and all that wealth could give, still desired to keep Auckland in a debased and degraded condition educationally. They owed the University largely-tpr the Premier, TVIr Whitaker. His Excellency having declared the University formally opened, three hearty cheers were given for his Excellency, and three for Sir G. M. O’Rorke, in recognition of his efforts to establish the University. _

His Excellency-then retired, and the proceedings terminated. " J