To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 885, 25 January 1854, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

Deak Sir, — I trust the readers of your valuable Journal too fully appreciate the benefits derived from a liberal Education to neeJ any comment on tbe subject from roe. It is my desire that only they, but also every man, woman, and child in this town of Wellington may be persuaded of the importance, and iaui»hi rightly to estimate tbe merits of so great a boon. We hear much of tbe rapid strides which this place has made towards improvement during the last 12 or 14 years, of-the increase ofits population, and of its commercial prosperity, but very little do we hear, and still' less do we see of the fruits of Education. " Is it not a lamentable fact that men, having money at their dispusal, able to deal, re^pectel in their sphere, are nevertheless foully incompetent to vnte, and even to spell their own vame* till more, are uiteily unable to roa»i die Holy Word of God! Be it remembered From Education a<? the gen'ral cause, The public character its color draws ; Henc 1 the prevailing manners take their cast, Extravagant or sober, loose or chaste." As much a3 lies in my power to remedy this obvious defect shall be tay special care, as a duty towards my God, to perform. The first step which I propose to lak a is the establishment of a night school for the purpose of giving instuction in reading, writing, and arithmetic to any of my fellow-townsmen that choosa to avail themselves of its advantages. I have no desire lo make it a source of pecuniary profit to myself, and shall only charge a small item in order to cover the expenses which necessarily must be attendant on such an undertaking. In this work I have been promised the co-operation of the clergymen of the Church pf England resident in this town, and I trust under God's blessing our labours may not be in vain. Your kindness in giving that circulation to my work through the medium of your valuable Journal, which otherwise it could not obtain, will be duly appreciated by, Dear Sir, Yours faiihfully, CHAS. W. DE CASTRO. Apsley House, Academy, Wellington, Jan. 23, 1854.