The Evening Star THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1870.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2254, 28 July 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1870.

*Wh received a few days ago from the hon. Secretary, copies of the correspondence, and a statement of proceedings connected with the University of Otago. These acquire additional interest now that it is intimated Dunedin is to be the seat, not only of a Provincial, but of a Colonial University. This distinction is rightly earned. In no part of New Zealand has so much, and so earnest attention been given to education. The school system of Otago might be copied with advantage at Homs, and is not excelled in the most prosperous Colony of the Empire. The consequence is, that amsngst all classes there is a craving after knowledge, and from this thirsting after what is true spd calculated to elevate and ennoble

the isonl, we angur the happiest results in time to come/ The spirit thus evoked is like leaven. Its influence cannot be confined to the spot in which it was first planted, but wherever there are elements on which it can act—wherever human minds come w'ithin reach of its magic power, it will imbue them with its own nature. This is proved by the efforts towards self culture now so commendably being made in every locality in and around Dunedin. Scarcely a week passes but some association is established for mutual aid in this direction. We have mutual improvement societies, young men’s associations, and debating clubs. We have sometimes thought that the class of subjects discussed at the meetings of these societies is not, as a rule, that best calculated to develop thought nor to train the members to the best use of their intellectual powers. Many of them are too abstract and speculative — , calculated more to develop® imagination and mental ingenuity than to induce habits of careful observation, and the exercise of sound reason. But these are necessary consequences of first efforts, and form the charm to many of the members of the societies. The evening classes now established at the Athenaeum, will tend to correct this failing, and if largely availed of will lead to higher aims than mere amusement. There can bo no objection to these mutual improvement societies learning as much as they can about natural phenomena, but they should not allow themselves to be entrapped into being mere societies for the discussion of spiritualism. To this subject we are inclined to think far too much attention is given. Wo have no business to meddle with matters of faith, and fn our capacity as Journalists carefully avoid iL Our mission ia to watch the course of events, and our duty la to warn -whenever danger to our social well-being threatens. When, therefore, a sort of mania breaks out that may prove pernicious if allowed to run unchecked, it is imperative that we should speak. On this difficult subject we would suggest that every man should bo clear in his mind that there is a boundary beyond which human Knowledge cannot go. It matters not that we have not reached that boundary, and are but on the threshold of those vast attainments that the men of the future will reach. The danger is, that in the investigation of the marvellous, and trying to unravel mysteries that lie beyond the region of present methods of observation, we waste that time, and weaken those energies, that, properly directed, would be productive of the highest, results. The course of study at the University is indicated by the professional chairs to be established. There will be chairs of “ Mental and Moral Philo- “ sophy, including Political Economy " Classics, to include Greek, Latin, and “ the English Language and Litera- “ ture “ Mathematics and Natural « Philosophyand “ Natural Science “ (Chemistry and Mineralogy ”). The knowledge thus indicated has the sanction of experience of its usefulness, and includes what has hitherto been found conducive to progress and to man’s best interests. The studies necessary to its attainment eminently fit men for careful and accurate investigation of the various phases of mind and matter by which we are surrounded. We have no objection to the amusing freaks of articles of furniture that are to be witnessed at evening parties, nor even to the more formal and pretentious exhibitions of those who designate themselves highly-developed mediums. What we would warn our younger readers against is, jumping at the conclusion that they have arrived at a new road to knowledge, instead of merely having brought under observation a class of circumstances that point to powers of mind or body hitherto only suspected. Superstition for a long time held men back from examination of the subject. Now that it is so prominently brought forward as to put us in possession of facts beyond dispute, we must be careful not to allow a new superstition to replace the old one.