MODERN LANGUAGES AT THE UNIVERSITY.

Evening Star, Issue 3174, 23 April 1873, Page 3

MODERN LANGUAGES AT THE UNIVERSITY.

To the Editor. Sir,— -In this morning’s Star appeared an extract from the report of the Chancellor of the N.Z, University. I find that a clear and uncompromising statement of the achievements in the various branches of mo lern and ancient languages has been given. As far as French and German arc concerned, the examination has elicited some facts which the public ought really to take cogpigance of. Both languages have been very very poorly represented by thejr students. But this is only natural. As far as Otago is concerned, I know that there is not a single school in the whole Province in which the authorities have taken care to have the modern languages taught. There are German and French classes held at the High Schools of Gum din, but the teaching is the result of private enterprise ; on Government behalf, no encouragement has as yet been given to masters of these 1 mguages, although Otago id supposed to rarik very high in educational matters. As far as German is concerned, there are in Dunedin only two establishments in which that language is taught—the Convent and the Girls’ High School. Every effort has been made in the latter of these schools, by the lady-Superiutendent, to create an interest for the study of German ; but her endeavors have not been as Successful as was exp’ cited, because no assistance or encouragement has b.*en given to this project outside the school, except by Mr Hawthorne, who procured a German master for Mrs Burn. An idea seems to be prevalent among the public that it id want of competent masters of modern branches which has caused a want of successful students ; but this is quite erroneous. There are among the young ladies of the High School several who would have been well qualified to have undergone the late examination in German, and to have come off with honors It is not the want of able masters to which the lack of competent linguistic students is to be attributed ; it is the neglect of our educational authorities which bears the blame. Reflection will point out J;q every intelligent person that outside masters have very little chance to obtain large classes or strong support in establishments of which they do not form an acknowledged and recognised part. Both modern languages are included in the matriculation papers of the Colonial universities ; they are, therefore, considered as necessary parts of a superior education, and yet no movement has been made by our men in power, to add masters of these branches to the educational staff of our schools —masters who are nativ< aof Germany and France. —I am, &c., AB. April 22.