UNIVERSITIES CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 940, 13 July 1903, Page 2

UNIVERSITIES CONFERENCE.

A BANQUET.

SPEECH BY MR BALFOUR.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyrigh Received 5.45 p.m., July 12. London, July 11, A banquet was held at the Hotel Cecil in connection with the Universities Conference. There was a brilliant assemblage, 450 guests Jjeing present, scholars, scientists, and clergymen, also AgentsGeneral. Mr Balfour, in proposing the toast of the oversea uuiversities, said the movement was intended to develop the great alliance of the greatest educational instrument of the Empire. The Motherland had great reason to be proud of the oversea universities, and ought to rejoice that her younger children were adopting her educational ideals. Ho hoped great development in post graduate research would result, the gathenug providing seed for greater things, and furthering sound learning and sound patriotism. The toast was coupled with the name of j Professor Threefall, of Sydney, who said that only ignorance could separate the Motherland and the Colonies. Ignorance had caused the separation of America and Britain, and also the South African war. The Master of Trinity College said the movement was the first stone of academic federation. He hoped colonials would attend the older universities 4 in ever increasing numbers. Professor Mahaffy declared that if another Conference were held two years hence Dublin would gladly welcome the delegates,