THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY ON EDUCATION.

Grey River Argus, Volume XVI, Issue 2278, 26 November 1875, Page 2

THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY ON EDUCATION.

His Excellency formally opened the East Christchurch school a few days ago, and delivered the following ad<lre3s :— "It is, I can % assure.you, a -matter of sincere gratification to meto'/Jbe. -present on the occasion of the opening .of this large and important School, and I tbiankyou for the opportunity which you have; afforded me of identifying myself, in however small a degree, with the great work which you have in hand. Of all the changes and advancements which have taken place in this age of change and progress, there is none more marked or,. I believe,, more conducive to the welfare of mankind, than that which has taken. place-in the general education of the people through, the world, -and it is most gratifying to me to observe the strong desire which exists in New Zealand, and indeed I should add, in all the Australian Colonies; amply to provide for the Education and instruction of the rising generation, to whose "hands, in future years, will be entrusted, the destiny of these grea_t andrising Colonies. Of late years, it) has been the wise policy of England to extend not only in the Mother Country, but also in. her ! Colonies, the political power and influence of the people, and it is self-evident that to enable them properly and wisely to exercise the powers entrusted to them the state of ignoranoe which was- formerly tolerated, if not in some instances- even encourage can now no longer be permitted to exist with safety to the advancement and well-being of the nation. "Under these circumstances, it has become the duty of the Government to interfere in. Educational matters in a manner which |was formerly unknown, in order; that Educa*

tion which is considered necessary for the welfare of the State may be placed within the reach of all, even the humblest and poorest of this population. With this "object in view, it is necessary to secure success, that the education which is supported by the Government should be general, and that it should in no way interfere with the religious convictions of the various denominations in the Country. (Hear, hear.) While therefore fully appreciating, and to some extent, sympathising with the feelings of those who are anxious to combine religious with secular education, I am forced to the conviction that in schools which are supported by public money such combination is impossible — (hear, hear)— and I therefore agree with you in the opinion which you express, that the teaching in public schools should be purely of a secular character. (Hear, near.) lam the more ready to admit this conclusion from the firm belief which I entertain that even a secular system of Education in no way implies a neglect of religious training, and that a child whose mind has been expanded by secular teaching is far more likely to appreciate and understand the pure doctrines of the Christian religion than one whose mind has been undeveloped by instruction. (Hear, hear.) I view with pleasure the opening of this spacious school, as an evidence, not only of the increase of th population, but also of an increased appreciation of the benefits of Education. I heartily wish you success in your undertaking, and have much pleasure in declaring this school open. (Loud cheers.)