HIGHER EDUCATION

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11244, 9 April 1902, Page 6

HIGHER EDUCATION

Mr. Opie again assures us that his feelings tare nob hurt. This is no matter for surprise, although it may he for gratification. Throughout the animal creation extreme sensitiveness is onCy found in connection with a highly-organised intelligence. Moreover, Mr. Opie has the additional protection of being wrapped up in the armour of his own conceit—a veritable " acs triplex, ,, proof against all sihafts. We need, therefore, waste no more sympathy on his- feelings. Nor shall we attempt the 'hopeless task of, correcting his "blunders in arithmetic. There are at Victoria College four professors, drawing £700 per annum each, and one receiving £500; also two lecturers a* £100 each, and one 1 at £250. There are thus five professors and three lecturers drawing £3750 per annum between them, and Mr. Opie asserts that this makes on average of £288 each! There is oo use in arguing with a man who handles figures in tfhis fashion. Nor is there much profit in discussing higher education with a would-be leader of the public who has not mastered the very elementary form of instruction comprised in the first four rules of arithmetic. We have al* ready wasted too much time and space over Mr Opie and his blunders. We only desire to protest against the notion which if seems to be growing up in some quarters that the way to reform higher education is to mate it as cheap and nasty as .possible. We -believe in paying good salaries to good men, whether they are primary school teachers or University professors. In no other way sha&l we -be aMe to keep up a high standard. Mr. Opie seem 3 to think that the University professorships should be given <to those who are prepared to undertake the wx>rk for the lowest pay. E so, the simplest method -would be <to advertise the positions and accept the lowest tender. We do not ourselves believe that such a plan would lead to good rernlfs- Mr. Opie appears to think ddf-

ferently. We do not like to accuse any man of interested motives. In this case, however, <we cannot avoid a suspicion bbat if his plan (were carried _out Mr. Opie himself would be a candidate for one of the positions;- In point of fact we thick he has his eye upon the Chair of Mathematics!