FOUNDING A COLLEGE,

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15625, 3 June 1914, Page 8

FOUNDING A COLLEGE,

OTAGO GIRL STUDENTS.

PRAISEWORTHY OBJECT.

[BY TELEGRAPH —press association.]

Dcnkdin, Tuesday. The foundation-stone of he new St. Margaret's College was laid to-day by the Prime Minister. Mr. W. S. Fitzgerald, president of the College Council, said that the movement for the foundation o. tho college originated with the late Dr. Nisbett (of First Church). Tho presbytery deserved the thanks of the public for establishing the first-class hostel already in existence, and from his experience as rector of ( he Training College, and from what he had learned as inspector of schools in visiting teachers, there was urgent need for such an institution. But the collego to be erected v.ent further. Girls coming for the first time to tho training college and university were, so far as character went, in a critical position, and tho presbytery for tho sako of character development had founded St. Margaret's College. Tho council was proceeding with faith in tho liberality of tho peoplo of tho Dominion, for they were convinced Chat when it was realised that the college. was capable of producing excellent results the burden of debt would be gradually relieved. Tho section had cost £2000, and the building contract was for £3200. There had been an unexpected demand for £2000, and tjie council hoped that in the near future they would be enabled to meet it. Tho Prime Minister said that Otago had always been in tho van in encouraging education, especially higher eduction. He mentioned the establishment of Jho lona College in Hawke's Bay, and expressed the hop that what Hawke's Bay had done, and Otago was doing, would be copied in other parts of New Zealand. Mr. Massey paid a particular compliment to the Presbyterian Church in Otago for establishing Knox College and St. Margaret's College. The Rev. A. Cameron stated that it .-was hoped to provide college tutors as well as quarters in the future. A collection made by the students of the college realised no less than £123.