THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. SATURDAY, JULY 20, 1872.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 244, 20 July 1872, Page 2

THE Thames Guardian AND MINING RECORD. SATURDAY, JULY 20, 1872.

The mooting on the important subject of Education, at the Academy of Music, on Thursday evening, was decidedly satisfactory, with the exception that there was a doubt amongst some of those present whether the amendment put to the meeting was carried or not — in other words, whether the meeting pronounced itself in favour of a secular or denominational system of State Education. The Chairman ruled that the amendment was carried, and the majority of those on the platform were of the same opinion. Mr Swan, who was the chairman on the oceassion, ha* had a good deal of experience in taking a show of hands, and we feel sure he acted impartially. It is, however, possible that he may have been nrstaken. The

Reverend Father Golden has'addressed a letter to the Editor, in which he repeats his opinion that the majority was the other way. No doubt the Reverend Father Golden speaks conscientiously, and his opinion is entitled to every consideration, although we cannot help thinking that he is mistaken. It would have been better, if possible, that a division should have been taken, but there would have been great difficulty in adopting this course at such a meeting. With this exception, however, the meeting was an excellent one. There was a large audience of persons of all denominations. Many of the speeches on either side were*quite above the average in style and argument, and there was no disturbance, which says a great deal, considering that the religious aspect of the question was dwelt upon at some, length. This says much for the good sense and right feeling of the people of

tlie Thames, who were very fairly •sented at the meeting. Asia doubt lias ,-been east on which sm&k, the the result will not have so much weight as woultl> otherwise have been the case. In all probability petitions will he forwarded) to Wellington from the dcnominationnlists on the one hand, and the secularists on the other, and if the signatures are properly verified, this will perhaps be the best criterion for the Legislature to go by in judging what the opinion of the majority of the Thames people is on the subject. Our own impression is, that if the whole district were polled there would be a large majority in favour of a purely secular system of State Education, leaving the teaching of religion to parents and guardians, Sunday-school teachers, and the clergy of the various denominations. Few, if any, who advocate the secular system deny that the religion and moral training are of the highest importance, and that without them no nation is likely to prosper, lmt it does not at all follow that it is the duty of the State to impart tin's knowledge. The proposed Education Bill is confessedly a compromise, and we have much doubt if it will pass without

alteration, even if it passes at all. That the present Ministry is not goi g to take it in hand seems evident from the fact that no allusion is made to it in the Governor's opening speech. Yet in many respects it appears to us to be a good bill, well and carefully drawn, and likely to be useful. Whether it bo adopted or not, it is certain that a new Education Bill of some kind is

much needed, as the present means of providing for the instruction of the rising generation of New Zealand is altogether insufficient. If we are to have large streams of immigrants poured into the country, additional educational facilities wi 1 have to be provided. Our member is pledged to vote against the bill. Will lie or any other member bring forward a better measure? The subject is a difficult one, and it is no easy task to draft such an Act as will please all parties. It is almost certain that one of two courses will ultimately have to be pursued, the country must declare itself in favour either of the denominational or the secular system, and an Act passed in accordance with the views of the majority. These views, we believe, will be found to be for the most part in favour of the secular system, but wc may be wrong, and it would be well to elicit from all parts of the country an expression of opinion one way or the other. If this were arrived at the machinery and details of the bill could be easily arranged. The “rock ahead,” if there be one in the face of the present bill, is the “ Scriptural ” clause, which we certainly think should be expunged.