The Press. FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1874.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2683, 13 March 1874, Page 2

The Press. FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1874.

The clouds which have so long hung over the prospects of University education in the colony appear to be breaking up with astonishing rapidity. The action taken last week by the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College in opening communication with the Council of the University of Otago seems likely to be attended with the happiest results. It is but ten days since this action was resolved upon, and already the deputation then appointed has accomplished itß mission, and returned with a report more satisfactory than any but the most sanguine could have anticipated. This report has been at once unanimously adopted by the Board of Governors. If, as there is every reason to hope, the two bodies which have now arri?ed at such a good understanding between themselves, go on to exhibit in their negotiations with the University of New Zealand the same conciliatory spirit and the same honest desire for" the promotion of higher education, which are conspicuous in the attitude they have just assumed, we cannot doubt but that the Council of the University will meet them with all frankness, and use every effort to smooth the way for united action. We think we can detect, in the conduct of the parties concerned in this promising attempt at union, signs of an adequate appreciation of the critical nature of the present position of affairs. Tet it may not be useless to direct attention to the important issues which are immediately depending. If this opportunity of arranging dj&jreßces betweea the two Uaifewi-

ties bP lost, we see no reasonable prospec;, vi ilieir ever being reconciled. Their antagonism has been a serious obstacle to their influence and progress. The General Government cannot support both, and is unwilling to give its aid to either in such a way as to exclude the other from a due share of help. The political influences which rival institutions can bring to bear upon the Colonial Executive paralyse its action. The JSew Zealand University, were it ever so willing to secure powers to make itself efficient, cannot safely apply for such powers while opponents are at hand to take advantage of any shifting of its position, and to make that subservient to its overthrow. It can but stand at bay, and wait for some change of the situation. Even strengthened as it would be by the accession of the Canterbury College, it might for a considerable time be cramped and fettered by a hostile policy. But once delivered from the apprehensions which now impede its progress, and supported by old foes become friends and themselves directly interested in its welfare, it would have before it a course of great usefulness, and room for development. If by its own fault it loses the present chance of conciliation, there is grave doubt whether it will ever attain to a position that will enable it to offer any advantage that would render affiliation with it desirable. On the other hand, if the negotiations now in progress be abruptly terminated by unwise action on the part of the University of Otago, the public opinion of the colony will assuredly in the long run arrive at a just conclusion, and its sympathies will gravitate, however slowly, towards the other University. Standing apart, both Universities must suffer for a time; but in the end, that will suffer most severely which has been most to blame. There is abundant reason for all parties in the case to make the beßt of the present favorable moment for union. After all the contention and debate of the past three years, it is surprising to what moderate dimensions the proposed terms of union have been reduced. The chief point now under consideration is the standard to be fixed for examination for degrees. The Council and Professors at Dunedin and the Grovernors of the Canterbury College are agreed that the standard ought not to be lower than that adopted at Melbourne ; and further, that at some stage of the curriculum there should be a bifurcation of studies, according as tho aptitude or intended profession of the student leads him to devote himself chiefly to literature or to physical science. We cordially approve of these views. The difficulty lies in making them a condition of affiliation to the University. But this difficulty may surely be overcome if the bodies applying for affiliation are judicious in their choice if a method of submitting their views to the University, and of the Uuivereity will facilitate the expression of their wishes, and confer with them as to the form in in which they can honorably be entertained. It is plain that a considerate disposition and some tact will be required on both sides ; but when the public interests are so deeply involved, we confidently hope that the necessary good feeling and skilful management will be forthcoming. We observe that the Board of Governors has resolved on sending a deputation to the Council of the New Zealand University. If the Council of the University of Otago will do the same, a conference may be held of the representatives of the three bodies ; and it will be strange indeed if a way cannot then be devised of submitting the proposed conditions of affiliation without any appearance of undue dictation.