VICTORIA COLLEGE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 10140, 29 August 1904, Page 3

VICTORIA COLLEGE.

LAYING FOUNDATION STONE.

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day. The foundation stone of Victoria Collego buildings m Salamanca road, overlooking the harbor, was laid on, Saturday by His Excellency the Governor. Lord Plunket referred to the principle followed of having the main -portions of University examinations conducted by English examiners. Thie was a unique feature m the colonial University, and greatly enlianced the value of the New Zealand degree throughout the wliole Empire.

Colonel Pitt, Attorney Genera], said that when the Government was being criticised adversely regarding its financial aid m this matter, it should be remembered there were limits beyond which the Government could not go. However desirous they were of assisting secondary education, ■primary education must not be starved. ■

Sir Robert Stout said if they were, to be successful m this colony with tlieir higher education they .must adopt American rather tlian English methods. If the munificence displayed m the United States m helping higlier education was followed m New ZeaJaaid they 'would not have to be continually asking for money from this one or that one, and from the Government. The colleges were at present starved, and not able .to provide that .high standard of education wluch the straggling competition between the nations demanded. He hoped our wealthy people would give money for education, which was the greatest act of patriotism a man could perform.