CHURCHES AND COLLEGES. 129 



29,710 ; next to them, Church of England, 27,903, and 

 next, Roman Catholic, 23,751. 



The day-schools also show a satisfactory growth. 



The Melbourne University is worthy of at least a 

 short notice. Its foundation-stone was laid in 1854. 

 Royal letters patent were granted, giving it university 

 powers in 1859. In 1880 it was thrown open to 

 ladies, admitting them to all its corporate privileges. 



Provision having been made for the establishment 

 of affiliated colleges in connection with the religious 

 denominations, the Church of England has erected 

 Trinity College, the Presbyterians Ormond College, and 

 the Wesleyans Queen's College, all quite near the Uni- 

 versity. We had the privilege of witnessing the laying 

 of the foundation-stone of the last named, by Sir 

 Henry Loch, Lady Loch, and Lady Brassey, of the 

 Sunbeam, being also on the platform to witness the 

 ceremony. 



Up to 1886 there were, in round numbers, twelve 

 hundred graduates from the several departments, and 

 very nearly four hundred and fifty matriculants were 

 on their way towards graduation. 



As a colonial institution the Melbourne University 

 ranks high, being held quite equal to the universities 

 of England. 



