CLASS DISTINCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 175, 28 August 1909, Page 5

CLASS DISTINCTION.

IX GIRLS' COLLEGES. A BARRIER SWEPT AWAY. By Telegraph.—Press Association, Wellington, La«t Xight. The important question of admission of free-place pupils to the Wellington Girls' College, which lias been refuted by the Hoard of Governors, was settled to-day. A deputation of citizens attended to make representations, but the Board decided to discuss the question before receiving the deputation. ! Tjie chairman (Mr. A. de B. Brandom woyojl a resolution to admit free-place pirls at the Boys' College and appoint a female teacher. The Hon. Dr. Findlay moved an that the Board agree to r«i ' f«*-pl«ee girls at the Girls' Coii- ;■ the extent of any existing vac- • ,m- -niinodatifcn and of any further • wxlation provided by the Government under section 10 of the Education Act, 1008.

Th A "!»>n.bnent was carried, and tlie "-i was informed that tli rt »r \vi ' h»id been acceded to. Subs*quentlv. when the Board was in committee, it is understood that MY. Brandon rcsisned the chairmanship the Board, i In the course of discussion. Dr. Findtoy said the spirit of the legislation, as he understood it. that it should he another step towards the removal of that specie? of class distinction which every democracy attempted to jret r ; d of. ' If the Board would e.dopt his amendment the Government would pro. vide aV further accommodation which! mizht he necessary. This nutter of tiw*l fidvemment giving higher education to' the most promising children of t'ie poorer people was one of the cardinal alms of the Clovernment. Mr, Brandon said he regretted Dr. Findlay's remark*. There were certain number* of the community M'ho had their own traditions and no amount of democracy would wipe out those tradition?. Tn his opinion the stability of anv nation depended not upon the mere extent of its education but absolutely upon its traditions.