THE JOHN M'GLASHAN COLLEGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3333, 30 January 1918, Page 48

THE JOHN M'GLASHAN COLLEGE.

The John M'Glashan College for Boys, which is to open on the 12th of February is the seventh of the series of eight colleges for boys and girls which have been established during the last four years in ouch rapid succession by tho Presbyterian Church. They are now to be found in the principal centres from Auckland to Invercargill. A gratifying measure of success has attended the earlier establishments. Of this we have a noteworthy local,, illustration in Columba 'College. For various reasons many parents, especially those residing in the country, welcome the advent of such schools,. where they feel that their children will receive a sound education at moderate cost, and will at the same time grow up under firm control and in happy surroundings. - New Zealand is, on the whole, fortunate in the possession of several excellent schools to 'which parents may send their boys with the assurance that they will be well looked after and well educated. The John M'Glashan Collego will add to the present educational facilities in Dunedin for boys a school in the atmosphere of the Church and in the environment provided by the principal educational centre .of the Dominion. On general grounds the Presbyterian Church in Otago deserves well of all friends of higher education. She has taken no narrow view of her duties and privileges in this regard, and, with a liberal hand, and without aiming at denominational advantage, has sought to further the interests of the student class in this Edinburgh of the South. By the endowment of University chairs at an annual cost of £IBOO, by the establishment of Knox College for men and St. Margaret's College > for women, she has made splendid provision for students in our University, Medical School, and Training College. Indeed, it may well seem that the history, traditions, and genius of the Presbyterian Church naturally fit her for. playing the part she has hitherto followed in our city as & liberal and whole-hearted friend of the higher education In the new departure now undertaken it is clear that a high educational standard will be imperatively_ required. The splendid academic qualifications of the gentleman who has been appointed first principal of the new college are a guarantee that this side of things will receive duo attention. It is equally* clear that a modern boys' college must give ample consideration to athletics. But the differentia of a church college for boys is, we take it, to be found in the fact that 'the emphasis is laid upon character. The religious atmosphere of the Church will pervade the life of the school. After all, such are the conditions which have conspired- to produce splendid types of manhood among the citizens of our Empire in the past. Probably we are right in anticipating that the principles of Dr Arnold, of Rugby, will find expression in the John M'Glashan Collego : " What wo must look for here is—first, religious and moral principles; secondly, gentlemanly conduct; thirdly, .intellectual ability." It is extremely interesting that this college, which owes its very existence to the public-spirited generosity and filial piety of the Misses M'Glashan, should furnish a direct link with one of the most notable figures of the early days* of the Otago settlement —a man who was profoundly interested in matter* educational. For John M'Glashan was the secretary of the Otago Association, and his prescient mind forecasted, as the early files of the Otago Journal show, some such development of the educational facilities of the new-born colony of Otago as wo now see realised. Seventy years ago he drafted a preliminary prospectus of a college to be founded in Dunedin, in which occur these words: "It is proposed ... to institute a seminary for boarders_ and day pupils in which ample provision will be made for teaching every branch of a liberal education. . . . Great efforts will be made to render the instruction solid and substantial. The whole institution will be conducted on Christian principles, and the doctrines and duties of religion will be car.efully inculcated. In the house every care will be taken to provide for the health and comfort of the pupils, who will bo .taught to regard themselves as members of a well-regulated family." The Presbyterian Church is to bo congratulated not only upon the gift which made the college possible, but also tipon its location. It has the advantage of accessibility—an important feature, especially for day pupils. It is near the terminus of the Maori Hill tram lino. At the samo time it is practically in 'the country. It looks west and away from the town to the wooded slopes of Mount Flagstaff. Glistening in the picturesque valley to tho north lies the Ross Creek Reservoir. Nowhere could a healthier or more pleasing neighbourhood bo. found than the suburb of Maori Hill. Its elevation of sCoft above sea level brings it beyond tho reach of the smoke fogs of the city, and sunshine and fresh air are in plenty. The adjoining playing grounds of 14 acres should bo abundantly adequate to tho needs of the college for somo time 'to come. —[Communicated.]