TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN CANTERBURY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10778, 4 October 1900, Page 6

TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN CANTERBURY.

-APPLICATION FOR STATE

ASSISTANCE

(BFECIAI. TO "THE PR_SS.")

WELLINGTON, October 3.

A d'-putation of Canterbury members ■waited upon the Premier and the Minister of Education to-night, to ask for assistance for the Canterbury Engineering College and School of Arts.

"Mr G. W. Russell, in introducing the deputation, said they desired the, Government to hand over the College Reserve No. 2012, at Coldstream, Ashburton, originally _et aside for higher education. They also asked for a special grant for tho Engineering College and*«Kdhool of Art. The ColHege authorities had determined to take up the teaching of electrical engineering. The ■plant and appliances involved a considerable outlay, and the help of the Government was urgently needed. Mr Russell pointed out tbe good work that was being done by the two departments referred to. They wanted a grant of £2000 for the Engineering School builclings and appliances, and also the money in hand from the reserve at ColdBtream and the reserve itself. Messrs Collins and Ell also spoke. •Mr Russell ifurtlter remarked Hhat there •was,an understanding between the Colleges in different parts of the colony that there shou-ki be as Tittle orer-lapping as possible. Dunedin had made medicine its special feature, and Canterbury had taken up engineering. It was also to be hoped that Auckland and Wellington would each identify itself with soma special subject. The Hon. W. C. Walker expressed sympathy with the object of the deputation. Tlie Premier said lie would cause enquiries to be mads as regards the Coldstream Reserve. Of course tihey must be careful before making changes" regarding these remtarres. As regards the grant, the Technical Education Bill had an important bearing -on the situation. A good deal would depend on the pasing. of that Bill. There •would be a general vote for technical buildings on the Supplementary Estimates. He desired to give every facility for suoh studies, as we in New Zealand were behond in this matter. The material, however; •was here, and witli the help of the State and an extension of facilities, we should be ■able 1o hold our own. with any part ol the British dominions.