THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 226, 29 June 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. SATURDAY , JUNE 29, 1872.

In reference to the important subject of Education, which will occupy a prominent place in the debates next session, we are somewhat surprised that no public meeting' has yet been held at the Thames. At the conclusion of a very excellent lecture on this topic delivered by the Rev. Mr Buller on the loth of May last, the lecturer said he thonght it very important that between that time and the next session of the Assembly, a public expression of opinion should be drawn out at the Thames in relation to this matter. He did not think it was exactly the place of ministers of religion to take the lead in canvassing, but he had no doubt diey would give their hearty support to any action adopted by their friends who feel deeply interested. There was, he believed a wide-spread feeling he’ie in favour of a general system of education which should exclude all denominational influence, w deli wasavital point. He hoped the Thame s would not be unrepresented as to its opinion on this important subject in the next secsion of the Assembly. From that time to this no public meeting on the subject has been called. The approaching session is close at hand, and we think it is ti .e that some expression of public

opinion should go forth on a question of such deep interest. Opinions will differ as to the respective merits of the secular and denominational schemes, the balance of opinion probably being in favour of such a system as was pointed out in the lecture referred to. There seems a strong probability that the Thames will be unrepresented next session, not only on this, but on all other questions, our only member still continuing absent in Australia. It is of course possible that he may return in time to take his seat in the House. His views on the education question would probably not be in accordance with Mr Buller’s, but be this as it may, it is highly important that some action should be taken to elicit the voice of the ppople on the Education question. There is a large population growing up around us, whose future welfare depends much upon the means placed at their disposal of receiving, at all events, the elements of a sound training. The Government is expending large sums in immigration, and unless the schoolmaster is abroad in our midst, the rising generation will be placed in a false position, and will be found unequally weighted for the race of life. A large proportion of the population of the Thames consists of married men with families, in which respect it differs materially from some other goldfields, and this is one of its most pleasing features, giving an air of stability and comfort to the locality. Surely no one who is in the position of a parent or guardian can be insensible to the vast importance of the Education Question. As a rule, we believe, they are alive to it, but for some reasons or other no one lias thought it bis place to come forward to call a meeting on the subject. This question promises to be a very prominent one next session, and therefore we should like to see the voice of the Thames making itself heard in the matter. If our own and only member continues absent from his post, or if his views on this question are not in accordance with the majority of his constituents, any petition which might be adopted could be entrusted to some other of the northern members who would, no doubt, take charge of it. Plenty of petitions will, no doubt, be sent in, representing the views of .the inhabitants of the different constituencies throughout the colony on a question which affects them all, although their views may be different. We should riot like to see the large and important Electoral District of the Thames without an expression of opinion on such a subject. The main battle to be fought in the House will be between the advocates of the secular and denominational system. The former, we believe, will be found best suited to the circumstances, of the Colony, and most likely to conduce to the general welfare ; but we should be glad to hear all sides of tlie question argued fairly before the Legislature pronounces its opinion. The next session of the New Zealand Parliament commences on the 1 Gth of Jiriy next, and, therefore, although the time is short, it is not too late for the matter to be taken up vigorously, and for such an expression to be elicited from the Thames as shall make itself felt in the House. Will no.ie of our leading citizens of all denominations come forward in the matter. It is surely a matter of as much importance as the Permissive Bill, whose advocates are holding meetings and canvassing from house to house, and although we do not altogether sympathise with their cause, we admire the perseverance with which they are carrying it out. They are furnishing an example which might well be followed by others, in respect to subjects which we cannot help thinking far more important; and, if there is one question more than another of most vital importance to this or any other community, it is that of Education.