8 Original Articles. [Jan., 



siness, wo cannot quietly acquiesce in this mode of distributing the 

 public funds. 



And if the teachers have thus fared at the hands of the State, have 

 the students had better justice dealt out to them ? 



In seeking the reply to this inquiry, we have to consider elements 

 very different from those which affected the interests of the teachers ; 

 but even here, so far as the State management is concerned, it leaves 

 much to be desired. 



Some credit is due, and has been conscientiously acknowledged by the 

 State, to the Committees who have co-operated with it in the establish- 

 ment and maintenance of the various schools and classes which have 

 so suddenly sprung into existence, but their chief merit has consisted 

 in the perseverance with which they have endeavoured to maintain the 

 integrity of the institutions, and honourably to fulfil their duty towards 

 both teachers and students in the face of the rapidly diminishing 

 State aid, and increasing State interference. 



There is no doubt, however, that for the real, lasting benefits 

 which have been conferred upon students, the latter are mainly in- 

 debted to their devoted teachers, who, notwithstanding the incon- 

 stancy of the State, have never for an instant relaxed their efforts to 

 raise the intelligence of the " Industrial classes." No money pay- 

 ment coidd adequately compensate the teachers for their services ; 

 but we can assure them, after a careful study of the relations existing 

 between them and their pupils, that they have earned the deepest 

 gratitude, and are in possession of the best wishes of those for whom 

 they have laboured so assiduously. To this fact many letters, as 

 well as spoken words, have testified, and it is truly the green spot in 

 this dreary history. 



As to the State, it has granted, and still continues to distribute, 

 amongst the students what are called " Queen's Prizes " and Medals. 

 The former are books, and the latter very beautiful medals of gold, 

 silver, and bronze. 



The number of books (Queen's Prizes) awarded to each successful 

 student, was from the first judiciously limited, but the binding of those 

 which represented one or more prizes of the first grade was rich 

 and elegant. 



Fiscal economy soon, however, dictated unsatisfactory changes 

 even in this paltry matter. The bindings became less attractive, the 

 number of books awarded to each successful student was reduced, and 

 an attempt was made to do away with the second and third grade prizes 

 altogether. The last-named minute was rescinded, owing to the oppo- 

 sition which was raised against it, not, however, without a slight turn 

 being given to the screw in another direction. Some idea may be 

 obtained of the diminished number and value of the prizes from the 

 fact that in 1861-2, the estimate for prizes, medals, &c, in Art and 

 Science, was 2,750Z. ; and for 1862-3, 3,000Z.;* whilst in the return 

 made in 1864, with the vast addition of students that had taken 

 place, the item for all kinds of prizes in Art and Science, is 2,503Z. 



* See ' Education Estimates for I860.' 



