The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1887. THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1483, 15 February 1887, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1887. THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

The project of establishing an Imperial Institute to commemorate the fiftieth year of Her Majesty's reign, which has been so vigorously taken m hand by the Prince of Wales, has not been warmly welcomed m the Australian colonies, although the Canadians appear to have thrown themselves into the cause with some spirit. In truth, the public m this part of the world understand very little about the matter. The name chosen for tbe proposed national memorial is anything but a happy one. The term "Imperial Institute" fails m itself to convey a definite idea lo the mind, and has a Frenchified ring about it which renders it an unsuitable designation for that which is intended as a symbol of the power of the British people. However, the name seems to have been finally adopted, and we shall have to make the best of it, but if the Royal projector of the Institute and his coadjutors wish to arouse public enthusiasm m the colonies over the scheme they will have to diligently spread information of its details, and make the people understand what practical objects the Institute is intended to accomplish The original scheme as propounded by His Royal Highness was to create " a permanent representation of the resources and progress of the Colonies and India," but the Corporation of the City of London, and other influential exponents of mercantile opinion m England, refused to assist it) the matter, unless the United Kingdom was also represented m the Institute, and m deference to their views the scope of the Institute was enlarged, and it is now intended to embrace every part of her Majesty's dominions. Ihe objection taken to the original project seems to us to hay» been sound, for assuredly an "Imperial" Institute from which the United Kingdom was excluded would have been a curious anomaly. An influential Committee was appointed by the Prince to prepare a scheme for the proposed Institute, and its report was published m London last December. It is a long document, m which a practical scheme is worked out m detail, but it would occupy too much of our space if we were to reprint it entire. We will, however, quote that portion of it which treats of the Colonial and Indian section, which is as follows :—" The object of the Colonial and Indian section will be to illustrate the great commercial and industrial resources of the Colonies and India, and to spread a knowledge of their progress and social condition. "To this end provision should be made for. "(i) The display m an adequate manner of the best natural and manufactured products of the Colonies and , India, and, m connection with this, the circulation of typical collections throughout the United Kingdom. "(a) A hall for the discussion of Colonial and Indian subjects, and for receptions connected with the Colonies and India. " (3) The formation of Colonial and Indian libraries, and establishing, m connection therewith, reading, news and intelligence rooms, " (4) The incorporation m some form into the proposed Institute of the Royal Colonial and Royal Asiatic ; Societies, if, as is hoped, it be possible to bring about such a union. " (5) The collection and diffusion of the fullest information m regard to the industrial and natural conditions of the Colonies so as to enable intending emigrants to acquire all requisite knowledge. Such information might be advantageously supplemented by simple and practical instruction. An Emigration Office of this character should be m correspondence with the provincial towns, either through the free libraries or by other means, so that information may be readily accessible to the people. These objects would be greatly facilitated if, as may be hoped, the Government should consent to the transfer to the buildings of the Institute of the recently-rformed Emigration Department, which would, by a close connection with the Institute, largely increase its usefulness!

*' Facilities might be afforded for the exhibition of works of Colonial and Indian art. 1 " It is also considered desirable that means should be provided, not for a general exhibition, but for occasional special exhibitions, of Colonial and Indian produce and manufactures. At one time a particular colony, or portion the Empire may desire to show its progress ; at another time, a general comparison of particular industries may be useful. Whilst the permanent •villeries would exhibit the usual commercial or industrial products of the several Colonies and India, the occasional exhibitions would stimulate and enlist the sympathies of Colonial and Indian producers, and keep up an active co-operation with the industrial classes of this Country." An equally practical spirit pervadei the Committee's suggestions relative to the United Kingdom section ot the Institute, and if the project become an accomplished fact, a national emblem of a unique character will have been created, while it will also possess much economic value. The government of the institute it it proposed to vest m a body thoroughly representative of the great commercial and industrial interests of the Empire. The Colonies and India would enjoy a fair share m the general management, while each colony would have special charge of its own particular department. We see no reason why the Agents-General should not be entrusted with the work of looking after their colonies' respective departments, and if this were done, the annual cost of management to each colony would be a mere bagatelle. What is wanted just now, however, is to raise the money required for the erection of a suitable building, and the formation of the collections. The Committee do not deal with this phase of the project, beyond recommending that the site of the Institute should be at South Kensington, on the ground that the cost of a more central sits would absorb from a quarter to half a million ; but if the Institute is to be established at all, it must be on a scale worthy of the nation, and will involve a corresponding expenditure. It is also plain that its value as a national memorial will be greatly diminished if the Colonies and India fail to subscribe handsomely towards it; We think the proper course would be to invite a universal subscription of some small amount — say five shillings — which everybody m the colonies could afford to give ; and if the money thus collected were supplemented by a few more substantial donations from persons who could afford to give them, together with reasonable grants from the Colonial Governments, a sura worthy of the colonies and of the occasion would be realised. It will not be creditable to the Colonies if they show an unreasonable parsimony m their contributions to this great national enterprise.