The Globe. SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 941, 30 June 1877, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 1877.

In a former article we endeavoured to reply to one of the arguments of those who are opposed to the establishment of a High School ‘for boys. We now propose to deal with the other, viz., that such a school is unnessary as there is one already in existence quite able to perform the work required, if properly supported, and at a much less cost to the public. But before dealing with the claims of the Grammar School, let us consider the kind of institution which is wanted to form the connecting link between the elementary schools and the Canterbury College. In the first place, if it is to form part of our educational system, it must be thoroughly unsectarian in its character; the fees charged should be so low, as to open it practically to the poorest in the province. It ought to be in harmony with our general scheme of education, and ought therefore to be under Government supervision and control. Does the Grammar School, as at present constituted, fulfil these requirements P It does not. In the first place, it is a sectarian school, and therefore open on that ground to serious objection. Again the fees charged are high —so high as practically to place it beyond the reach of any but the wealthy. Of course there is a way of removing this objection. AYere it liberally endowed by the Government, the fees, we suppose would be reduced. But such a course would be a revival of the old denominational system ; and we venture to predict that the country will never agree to take such a retrograde step. In elementary education that system has been tried and found wanting, and it w'ould be an equal failure if applied to secondary schools. AYere aid granted to the Grammar School, no good reason could be given for refusing it to other denominational schools which would be sure to spring up. AVe hope, therefore, that the Government will at once refuse the application for a grant in aid, which has, we understand, been made by the governing body of Christ’s College. But if such aid is not accorded, according to the showing of its friends, this school must continue to be an expensive one, and therefore beyond the reach of all but the wealthy. However, were such a backward step taken as the subsidising of this school, would those in charge of it be prepared to submit to Government inspection and active supervision? Judging from past experience we think not. Its governing body in times past, were never above receiving Government aid, but they had a very great objection to Government inspection. Yet without this, we can hardly believe that the Government would be prepared to grant any considerable aid; there would be no guarantee that its teaching was efficient, and the training given such as to fall in with our general scheme of education. AVe are therefore forced to the conclusion that the Grammar School does not supply the link between our elementary schools and the College which is wanted, and that a high school must be established by the Government, which shall be a people’s school. If the public would only show themselves in earnest, now is the opportunity of having such an institution endowed. A general education bill is to bo introduced during the coming session, the main feature of which is said to be the charging of the cost of education on the Consolidated fund. If such is the case, certain reserves for elementary education in Canterbury will be set free, so that the funds now drawn from them might well be devoted to the endowment of the proposed High School, But some effort must be made —some agitation in favor of the proposal got up. If the working men do not care to look after their own interests, a splendid opportunity will be missed of securing for their children, at a small cost, the priceless boon of higher education.