EDUCATION.

Evening Star, Issue 3605, 11 September 1874, Page 3

EDUCATION.

To the Editor. Sir, —His Excellency Sir J. Fergusson on the occasion of taking h : a farewell is reported to have spoken well. He predicted a brilliant future for the Colony ; and referred to the paramount importance of education, recommending that we should make the profession one of honor, so as to attract a fair share of the best men. The Governments in the several Provinces liberally provide for public schools ; but the people are not yet alive to the importance of maintaining private schools. It is wellLoudon, Edinburgh, and Dublin private schools are numerous, and that too of a statue equal, if not superior, to the colleges and universities. The enterprise of the people of Dunedin, measured by the extensive business premises, formation of banks, and other companies, would lead to the inference that a regard for the future of their children would secure provision for education over and above what the Government system affords. But private schools in Dunedin are like the “ Ans-els’ visits, few and far between ” Why is this ? I believe it is not owing to the want of able teachers ; but owing to the people themselves not having sufficient liberality to pay for education. To their childn n it is of paramount importance. Such are the words of the Governor on taking his farewell; and such must be the conviction of every thinking mind. The iTOverument schools and private schools would not c ash They would create a healthy and vigorous competition. Were p iyate schools a successful enterprise, efficient masters in Government schools would have an alternative m the event of their not being properly treated by school committees, or ins,,ectors At the present time no private school can compete with the Government • for, although excellent buildings are numerous for every business, there is not to be obtained in Dunedin suitaUe pro'mis& for a dfepeetabte priTafcwfcow, *

Surely the people have made a great mistake ia taki g up the whole of the City for business purposes, to the exclusion of educational requirements Facts are stubborn things, Put the case this way ;—say private enterprise were equal to the erection (f oommodion , and well-ventilated school buildings. ' Lh grounds ; would the people pay anything like the fees that would compensate a sii ff of efficient masters ? If not, then I won d say that we do not recognise the | importance of education.” To aiy kno - ledge, sir, a gentleman of considerable experience and ability—one who has the metb d of winning the affection while teaching—is prepared to open a school with a staff of the best asteis affording asuperior education, from the ru im nts to the matriculation attainments for the University, if only he could procure buildings, and be assured of support. It is to be hoped that some influential gentlemen among the parents in Dunedin will, in recognition of the importance of education, encourage the establishment of piivate schools.—l am, &c , Education. Dunedin, September 9