“The Press” In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30530, 27 August 1964, Page 12

“The Press” In 1864

AUGUST 27 EDUCATION BILL There is certainly no man more sincerely deserving of pity in the province at this moment than Mr Tancred He has got a great work to do, which he is certain to do badly because the conditions of the problem are such that he must do it badly The Council, we fear, are not disposed to establish any system of education which would be, what we should think, a credit to the province: and if it were, we are not sure that Mr Tancred would go far enough. It is a thankless task to have to do what is pretty sure to satisfy

no one, although that is what practical statesmen have very often to do. The Bill which was Laid on the table of the Provincial Council on Thursday night will, we fear, prove of this character. Our present object, however, is rather to acquaint the public with the pro-, visions of the Bill than to express any opinion about it: and that we shall be able to do more intelligibly by attracting attention to a few of the most important clauses than by printing the whole Bill. . For the annual maintenance of any school not more than £75 may be granted. The salary of the teachers shall be a first charge on the receipts of the committee, and the balance is

applicable for other school charges. The committee are to have the absolute control over the schoolroom except in school hours The Bill is a remarkable one. It is based on no special principle to the exclusion of others. Rather, like a vast net, it aims at catching all opinions and bringing to shore every principle. The study of so many different systems as are referred to in the Commissioners’ report, has , apparently given its authors the most Catholic and all-embracing sympathies. Whether the Educational System will have any system at all under this law, may indeed be a matter of doubt.