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The proposed Otago University scheme is referred to the same error. The 

 kind of education, as well as the amount suitable to the colony, is thus 

 remarked on : — 



" The circumstances of a colony of men of many different creeds forbid 

 the introduction of religious teaching in national schools, however advan- 

 tageous such an element in education might be, while the requirements of a 

 new country demand that its education should be of a thoroughly practical 

 character. When superior schools become necessary, science and modern 

 language will, no doubt, form a far more profitable field of exercise than 

 ancient literature. The few literary and professional men required will, for a 

 considerable time to come, be more advantageously imported from older 

 countries ; in point of fact there is always an over-supply of these ready to 

 hand, while intelligent farmers and miners, and enterprising tradesmen and 

 mechanics, trained to the make-shift necessities of a new country, are more 

 wanted, and niust be trained on the spot amidst these conditions. To place 

 these classes in the most favourable position to become thus valuable to the 

 country, should be the aim of the kind of education afforded by Government." 



On the working of any proposed system, the point of primary importance 

 is stated to be the personel of the teacher. To obtain trained teachers of 

 character and ability, should be the end aimed at in every provision. The 

 system of licensing teachers, as practised in France, Holland, and other 

 countries, is recommended, in order to prevent inexperienced and incompetent 

 men from entering the profession. On the other hand, in order to obtain a 

 sufficient supply, permanency of appointment, and sufficient inducement, are 

 necessary provisions. To this end grants of land, or school reserves of suffi- 

 cient size, are recommended, along with a moderate fixed salary from 

 Government. Under the head of affording a standard for schools to work up 

 to, and inducements for young men to study, the following occurs, regarding 

 civil service examinations : — 



"In Victoria these examinations do excellent service in stimulating 

 education ; the certificates of the board are received by business houses, as 

 evidence of a certain amount of education, as also of habits of industry and 

 application at school ; and young men take a pride in showing that they are 

 not behind others in these qualities. It is thus not the actual appointments 

 into the civil service which give these certificates a value, but the recognition 

 of them by other interests. A little management on the part of our Govern- 

 ment, and a little public spirit on the part of our leading interests, could make 

 our Civil Service Act sub-serve the same useful purpose. * * This 



would be a simple means of supplying a standard of comparison for schools, 

 and of exciting their emulation. The Government would also by this means 

 have it in its power, by determining the subjects of examination, to prescribe 

 to schools the subjects of study, and to a great extent the amount." 



It is further suggested that the General Government should initiate a 

 scheme, simple at first, by the ajapointment of a Secretary of Education, whose 

 duty it would be to make provision for education in those provinces, which 

 neglect this duty, and that, at the expense of such provinces ; while the 

 jDrovmces which are doing well in this respect, should be left alone, should 

 they wish it. The General Government would thus make sure that no part 

 of the colony was left uncared for in the matter of education ; and having thus 

 planted a system, it would be growing and perfecting itself, by natural 

 adaptation, to the necessities of the case. 



