THE VIEWS OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1936, 2 April 1891, Page 15

THE VIEWS OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION.

At the meeting of the North Canterbury Educational Institute on the 28tb, the Hon. W P. Reeves, the retiring president, delivered an address. He spoke at some length as to the function of the institute, the principle of which, he said, was to educate the public in regard to the education system He expressed himself utterly opposed to any scheme for raising the school sge, lowering the standards, or charging fees for the higher standards, and considered the bpards should be provided with sufficient funds to efficiently carry on work. He was opposed to any proposal for the abolition of boards, which he considered did good work. True that in some cases the members of boards allowed themselves to be carried away by political rancour, but the Minister who allowed himself in consequence to take up a position of hostility to boards was not fit to hold office for a week. He supported the administration by boards most cordially, and thought a Minister should seek their advice in regard to any change in the details of the system. He dwelt at length upon the suggested improvements in the syllabus and iv the system of inspection.

THE MINISTER FOB MINES.

The Hon. Mr Seddon met with a great reception at Eumara on the 28th ult. The volunteers, Borough Council, and Miners' Association met the Minister at the station and escorted him to town, where an address was read, and a - banquet followed in the theatre, at which 200 were present. In his speech the Minister advocated prospecting for a deep lead. He received a deputation of miners on Thursday re a reduction in the price of water. Mr Seddon, in reply, gave no hope of the request being granted. On Thursday he proceeded to Ross, and was escorted by a large cavalcade; and at night was tendered another banquet, presided over by the Mayor. Referring to the Mokonui water race, Mr Seddon said he could hold out no hope of the Government doing the work — in fact, works on goldfields should be undertaken by private enterprise ; but where there were works of colonial importance the State must assist.