Correspondence. FEMALE EDUCATION.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 6, 20 May 1871, Page 6

Correspondence. FEMALE EDUCATION.

To the Editor ov the 'Nelsojt Examiner.' Sir — In an article lately appearing in your paper, you call Nelson " Sleepy Hollow," "Lotos eating," &c, and you confess to a " masterly inactivity." All this is however qualified by .your enumerating the proofs of energy, intellect, and enterprise given by its citizens in various undertakings. May I call attention to its latest, greatest, effort ? — ono that will give its name the foremost stand in the provinces of New Zealand — the advocating soms further development of tlie [ " neglected se.v." The pages of your paper prove, that Nelson possesses some men capable of looking at things as they really arc, apart from the tyranny of usage; men who can judge old customs by the steady light of unprejudiced reflection, and who daro to speak their sentiments. Thcso opinions, uttered with all the force which superior minds seldom fail to bestow, will do much to give Nelson a place among cities of advanced intelligence. Nelson will possess a moral weight that mere worldly prosperity cannot give. Such a leading article as appeared in your paper of the 25th of April, opens a hopeful prospect for tho future. The fucts it states show that great things are already done, huge prejudices have been swept away, making the ground clear for actions. This most admirable idea of a " Nelson College for girls" will surely grow into a reality under Ihe fostering care of your "wise men," and Nelson will one day enjoy-ta state of society in which n woman's "proper sphere" shall bo simply the very highest that her intellect and energy can attain. Liberty of choice in tho plan of her lifo will bo conceded to her, and Nelson men will be among the first to abandon a " Protective duty " upon their own labour, whether nientul or physical. Of course there will be many dismissions with tho prejudiced, narrow-minded portion ; and it will bo urged that there is not too much in any field of labour for the men to do — why should their chances be diminished by the admission of women, &c. Uut they might feel certain, that no woman would ever be chosen to do work that a man could do better. All should bo left to free and fair competition, and the result can but be, that amid a certain number of workers, and tho proportionate amount of dependants, the same sum will'be gained, while a far more wholesome state of feeling will inevitably be established. Without going deeper into the subject now, I must reiterate my congratulations upon the enlightened view your journal takes upon the " woman" question. 1 must instance another arlicle, where you say "Everyone," man or woman, who lmsattuined to certain stctndeirds of proficiency in the study of arts, science, and literature, should be entitled as a right, and on the highest grounds of jjub/io nlilitif, to receive, on payment of ! moderate fees for examination, the ' Hall-mark' of tho University, appropriated to sterling attainments of the particular standard." These aro noble, iinsd/ish words ; ono cannot refrain from a deep trust that they will pass into law, and that the large amount of brain-power now dormant, \\ ill become utilized for the benefit of the community. I have, &c, EKiTUINA.