WHAT IS EDUCATION?

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 806, 2 May 1910, Page 8

WHAT IS EDUCATION?

; VICTORIA COLLEGE DEBATING " SOCIETY The Victoria College Debating Society held the first debate of the season on Saturday night at the college. Mi - . A.' Fail' moved, and Mr. D. S. Smith seconded: "That the University of New Zealand should exist for the purpose of general culture, and not for a specialised training for an industrial, a commercial, or a professorial career." Mr. M'Eldowney, seconded by Mr. Taylor, opposed. The debate proved of a high order, evidenco being ' given by the various speakers of extensive reading, and of comprehensive : knowledge of the educaquestion. Those in favour of the motion strongly stigmatised the utilitarian spirit which so strongly predominates all democratic educational systems, advocating in its stead a system which disciplines, the intellect - and elevates the moral standard. Habits of mind and soul should bo developed which will stand one in good stead at any period of one's career, and which will produce those qualities which make a cultured gentleman. The opposers, however, adduced evidence to show the potency of research work in various branches of knowledge, instancing the value of : the work of. such great specialists as.Darwin in the progress of the world. The specialist now plays a more important part than the man of general culture, and the university mutt adjust itself to altered circumstances, to fulfil its purpose. , The debate was not a regular one ■ within the meaning of the union prize rules, arid the usuai five places in order of merit were not allotted. Professor Laby, President of tho ■ Society, acted as judge, and gave some Weighty and! suggestive remarks on the subject., Upwards of 80 people attended, and the interest taken augurs a successful session, for the society.