Hill. — On University Extension. 405 



the air we breathe and the water we drink. Its diffusion im- 

 poverishes none, but supplies means of blessing to all, and 

 hence the university colleges should be organized with a view 

 to the multiplication of educational opportunities throughout 

 the land, so as to create emulation and hope amongst our 

 young men and women. 



It can hardly be expected that we shall excel as a people 

 in these days of competition by becoming exclusive, for the 

 outside world is active and aggressive. Our thoughts, our 

 energies, and our minds must be prepared to accept the new 

 order of things, for the " old order changeth, giving place to 

 the new," and, stem the current as we may, we cannot turn 

 back the inevitable torrent. Tne educational life of Old Eng- 

 land has been renewed by this adaptation of university life to 

 meet the new conditions of the country — the outcome of a 

 generous scheme of public elementary education. The time 

 has come to press for similar concessions here. Lectures by 

 men connected with university work, or who have graduated 

 in honours, would prove a powerful attraction to young 

 people. We have seen by what means the physical side of 

 life is promoted and encouraged amongst us, and a like success 

 awaits the higher educational training of the people if proper 

 means are taken to formulate a popular working scheme. Let 

 it be kept in view that the social and mental condition of the 

 people is not what it was a few years ago. Everything in 

 nature is ever in motion, and adaptation and development are 

 simply the necessary conditions of change. Universities and 

 colleges of the old type have had their day, and the "resort 

 of a leisured class " they can never hope to be again, if main- 

 tained at the public expense and worked for the common 

 good. 



I have pointed out as briefly as possible the conditions 

 regulating the higher education of this country. Defects 

 have been named and ^modifications suggested, and the 

 example set by the university authorities in England has been 

 quoted to show the good work it is possible to accomplish 

 under proper organization in the spread of higher education 

 among the masses. We are compelled to run in the race 

 of nations whether we like to do so or not. Competition 

 is everywhere. Competition brings change, and unless we 

 wish to be led rather than ourselves to lead we must take 

 the proper means to prepare the rising generation for the 

 competition that is before them. Education has become a 

 necessity in the evolution of our race. Physical, moral, 

 social, and intellectual education are present-day needs, and 

 they must be provided for the people as generously as a good 

 father provides for the needs of his family. 



I shall conclude this paper by giving in summary form 



