HIGHER EDUCATION.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 266, 4 February 1879, Page 2

HIGHER EDUCATION.

To the Editor of the Akaroa Mail

Sir, —I fear the letter upon the above subject which appeared on Taesday will . by some be regarded as highly for there are those here who look with suspicion and even antagonism upon anyone who attempts to benefit the public at large instead of them individually. However, I am not inclined to damp the ardor of any man that is anxious to advance the educational interests of the place, but will rather fight by his side in the battle. Fora terrible battle against sel* fishness, presumption, apathy, and stu- ' pidity it will be. There is nothing unreasonable in the idea of establishing a high school in Akaroa. On the contrary, there is every reason for it. The want of* increased staff and accommodation in the present school are only too evident. In fact, the school requires improvements in many respects. But although the great improvement now being effected (by removing .the master's house, and thus enlarging the playground) is solely due to the repeated urging of the matter by our representative, the Board of Education is not likely to make offers of such tages. It naturally looks for some show of interest from the people themselves, at least by sending their children to school.

Had the people of Akaroa only performed this duty (which is a privilege at* the same time), the staff and accommodation would have beun increased long ago. But so natural and so intense is the Akaroan repugnance to what is genuine and honest, that a number of people actually have preferred to pay pretty dearly for the support of a delusion and a snare. At the recent election of a Committee only about thirty people were found who cared whether men were elected who would honestly endeavor to advance the interests I *, of the school, or men who would basely sacrifice those interests to their own personal interest .or vanity. Luckily, a majorty of the former class was secured. However, I am very thankful that, at * last, someone has begun to stir up public opinion, even though the pleasantest of results may not immediately follow the troubling of so stagnant a pool. Yours, &c,

TRY.