THE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11541, 30 March 1898, Page 4

THE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH.

The community generally, and the Board of Governors of Canterbury College in particular, are to be congratulated ou the fact that positions on the professorial staff are at last opened to ISTew Zealand graduates. It seems to us, too, that the Board ia showing a distinct leaning towards the Colonials, for we see little prospect of obtaining a really first-class English scholar under the conditions now laid down. Accidentally, it is true, the position may attract .a young, enthusiastic man who may wish to try his fortunes in a new country, but £6OO a year is a very modest sum to offer to a gentleman who is expected to maintain a social dignity iu keeping with his office, and at the same time to keep himself well informed of every development in literature of the past and the present. The condition that requires the refund of passage money in the event of the position being resigned within three years appears to us altogether too trivial, and it is more than probable that it will seriously affect the number of applicants from English universities by giving them a had impression of the institution they may have to serve. It is quite wise, however, to have the position’settled by the Board itself, and we hope that it will rise superior to all consideration of .class or creed, giving due consideration to the important fact that a Professor at Canterbury College must direct those who instruct the children of the colony. We hope, too, that it will appoint the best available scholar, and that no prejudice iu favour of an English graduate will bo allowed to weigh against colonial applicants.