The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1905. THE SPEECH OF THE UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7723, 27 January 1905, Page 2

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1905. THE SPEECH OF THE UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR.

The speech of the Chancellor of the University at the opening of Ihe sittings of the Senate, a telegraphic summary of which we published yesterday, is a notable utterance. Re-ferring-to the ecclesiastical agitation for the introduction of Bible-read-ing into the primary schools, the Chancellor said that any such change must have an effect on the University, and "perhaps end it as a secular institution." At first sight the process by which this result might be brought about is not evident. liut when one reflects that Bible-reading is the basis of all

Christian theology, and that a Stale which imparts Bible-teaching in its primary schools could not consistently refuse to examine in theology in its University, it is clearly seen that the Chancellor has reason on his side. That the introduction into the University of theology would .be followed by sectarian quarrels almost goes without saying. Tile odium theologicuin is still far from extinct, and would lind no happier field for its exercise than in connection with the administration of an educational body. As at present conducted the New Zealand University is a purely secular institution, and is remarkable lor getting through its business with peace anA celerity and decorum. Long may it continue to do so. The Chancellor's expression of regret that so far not one of the affiliated colleges has seen its way to the appointment of a Professor of Pedagogics is one which must be echoed by all who have the best interests or primary education at heart. Such an appointment has been repeatedly advocated by Sir Robert Stout, and it was thought at one time that there would be shortly established a Chair of Education in connection with Victoria College at Wellington. But other and apparently more pressing educational needs had first to be attended to, and so 'the Chair of Education still remains "in the clouds." That it must eventually be established is a certainty, and there is no question that the college .which first opens classes for teachers who want to learn how to teach will meet a pressing want, and draw to itself students from all ends ot the colony. The science of education is as important as any which is taught, and though it may be acquired by private reading, by training-college lectures and by practice in the public schools, it would be more certainly gained by a systematic course of study, success in which would be rewarded by a University degree. In many of the American and German universities such chairs have long been established, and the elfect is manifest in the excellence of the educational work of both countries. New Zealand cannot afford to lag behind in the race for knowledge, and everything which it may do to elevate the rank of its teachers to an established profession will be repaid tenfold in the improved education of its people.

ON THE FOURTH PACE. Literature. Writing by Wire. .Millionaire and Gambler. No Red Coats Wanted. Curious Poisoning Story.