OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3162, 22 May 1883, Page 3

OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

[By Teleqbaph.] Auckund, May 21. His Excellency, the Governor formally opened the Auckland University College to-night at the Choral Hall, by an excellent inaugural address. The Hall was crowded, and on the Governor entering the whole assemblage rose and cheered him. On the platform were Sir G. M. O’Eorke (Chairman of the University Council), Bishop Cowie, the Mayor, Colonel Haultain, Mr E. Hesketh, the Eevs. Bruce and Thos. Buddie, Members of the Council, and Professors Brown, Thomas, and Tucker; Mr Bourn, Head Master of the Auckland College, and the masters. of the teaching staff. His Excellency, on rising, said it was with no ordinary feeling of pleasure he presided that night at the formal opening of the Auckland University College, for the work on which they were engaged, placing as it did the advantage of University . education within the reach of every man and woman of Auckland was one, the importance of which it was impossible to over-estimate. It was a work that would he trusted, influence not merely the immediate neighborhood, but also the whole colony. His Excellency then gave an historical outline of the the rise of ancient British and Continental Universities, and their influence on society. He hoped the University Colleges of New Zealand wonld always be popular institutions. The true Junction of the modern University was, he took it to be, to give to all men. and women alike ©very facility for higher education in whatever branch they chose for themselves. He rejoiced to find several * women of this colony had not only en- ’ tered their names as students, but bad also carried off prizes and distinctions offered by the University of New ZeaJand. His Excellency here referred to the efforts made in the Mother Country and'in the Australian colonies to extend the advantages of University education to all classes. It was a fact of which every New Zealander ought to be proud, that soon after the cobny was estabHshed efforts were made to found a Colonial University. The example set hy Otago was followed by the Assembly of the colony in 1870, and for some years past the examinations held by the New Zealand University have formed a test M severe as those of European countries. But a still more important part of this University work was the establishment of educational institutions in connection with which more difficulties had to be contended against on account of-the' peculiar circumstances of the colony. From personal inspection as well as the other sources of information, be Icould testify, to the , thoroughly good work being done m . foe University of Otago and in the Cau-*«-bnrv College., In other places there

recommended the establishment of colleges at the most important centres of population of the North Island equal to the University of Otago and the Canterbury College, and in consequence of their report steps were taken which had resulted in the foundation of the College which they were that night inaugurating. The day would not be far distant when, in accordance with the recommendations of the Commissioners, they should have a similar College in Wellington. It had been said and with much plausibility, that it would have been better to give facilities to intending students tor residence at some central college for the whole colony, and if he regarded the work of anUniversity college merely as concerning those who could afford to devote their whole time to study, he would say so too. But he looked forward to seeing many students at the Auckland University, who could not leave their homes, coming to morning and evening classes, presenting themselves at the examinations, and obtaining certificates of proficiency, by making the study of some particular science, such as mechanics or chemistry of special advantage. At the Auckland University they would have the opportunity of attending any one course of lectures they might desire. He trusted steps would ere long be taken to establishin this College lectureships similar fo those in Canterbury and Otago. With regard to medicine he saw no reason why medical education should not be given in Auckland which would equal that given in Dunedin, and be recognised by the University of Edinburgh. Musical talent, which undoubtedly existed among the people of Auckland, in no ordinary degree, might derive great assistance from regular instruction in the science of mnsio and in which he was glad to see that the University of New Zealand had power to migrant degrees. He trusted that there would be many students of languages, and of general literature, who would be all profited by the use of the splendid and interesting library, which Sir George Grey had so munificently presented to the city; bnt whatever branch of study might be followed, let it not be supposed that this College was founded only for the acquisition of professional training. Its object was wider. He trusted that the aodbition of all who entered would be the true philosophy,—the pursuit of learning for its own sake, not merely as a means to an end. The munificence of public-spirited in England and the Australian Colonies, in fostering colleges by large donations, should excite the emulation of wealthy New Zealand colonists to do likewise. His Excellency, in concluding, paid a tribute to the memory of Professor Walker, who came out to Adelaide in company with his son, and whose acquaintance he had hoped to make. He passed an eulogy on Sir G. M, O’Eorke for his efforts to get an Auckland University established, and for his services to the cause of University education in the colony generally. His Excellency sat down amidst great applause. Professors Brown, Thomas, and Tucker made brief speeches on the branches of study each were concerned with.

Sir G. M. O’Rorke then spoke at some length. He nairated the history of his struggle to get the University ; the apathy of previous administrations ; the political intrigues in the House, and the hostility of members from a certain Province who, having a University,, spacious buildings, and all that wealth could give, still desired to beep Auekland in a debased and degraded condition, educationally. They owed the University largely to the Premier, Mr Whitaker.

His Excellency having declared the University formally opened, three hearty cheers were given for him, and three for Sir G. M. O’Rorke in recognition of bis efforts to establish the University. His Excellency then retired, and’the proceedings terminated.