EDUCATION.

West Coast Times, Issue 840, 2 June 1868, Page 3

EDUCATION.

TO THE EDITOB OP THE WB3T COAST TIMES. Sib— l am glad to see the published account of the Resolutions of the Education Board. But lamat a loss to understand their exact character. They read apparently as the report of the Board's proceedings for the last year. They assert that the present system of Education is unsatisfactory, and does not accomplish the objects the Government has ia view; yet no facts are produced to justify this, such as those interested in the schools naturally look for. It is possible the assertion may be true, and that the present system of aiding schools already established does not produce satisfactory results. I can only speak of one school — All Saints' — in which I am personally interested. A few days since the school was visited and inspected by three members of the Board. They examined the building ; were present during schooltime for nearly half an hour ; inspected our system of time table, register of attendance, &c. ; and then told me verbally that they were glad to find the school in so prosperous a state — both as to its discipline 'and general condition. What then do they look for as satisfactory results, if these are insufficient ? Should there be any doubt of the results, I would willingly challenge the closest re-inspec-tion. I should be glad to know something of the actual results also of other schools, assisted by Government. There is, however, in the Report, something apparently meant to make up for the absence of facts — a theory — that the only satisfactory scheme of National Education is that which is entirely free from denominational distinctions, and of a purely secular character. I would ask the attention of til who take interest in Education to a few reasons, which shall be , drawn from actual experience, to show that such a secular system is not the best calculated to produce good educational results, or to allay the supposed religious animosity said to be engendered on denominational schools. I take my reasons, not merely from our limited world of Westland, but from a far wider area, in which, we may be all glad to learn. '. 1. As to the actual results of Education hitherto attained in England and elsewhere. A Royal Commission has lately been issued by the British Government to inquire into the state of education in Germany, Prussia, and America. The blue books of the Commission state that in England, one child in every seven is receiving education, whilst in Prussia and Germany the average is only one in every six, and this, although education is compulsory. Now, the amount of education in England, so favorably contrasting even with Prussia, and acknowledged to be generally good, has been almost entirely accomplished by voluntary denominational schools, assisted by Government. In America, where the secular system is in full favor, the Roman Catholic schools are constantly increasing, are allowed to be some of the best in the country, and to draw scholars from other schools. Next, I may add, perhaps to compare great things with small, it is a fact that whatever has been done worthy of the name of Education in Westland, has been begun and carried 6ut chiefly by the various denominations, not for the sake of profit, but at the impulse of duty. I submit that no wise statesman, with the facts before him, will hastily cast aside or thwart such voluntary workmen in the cause of education, in order to try the experiment of Government enterprise. 2. As to the question of Religious animosity engendered in denominational schools. To prevent this supposed evil some advocate the secular system, pure and simple, the total exclusion of religion, either in the shape of teaching or daily prayers. Others take a middle ground and say — Have central schools, and let the various ministers attend to give Religious Instruction, at stated, houra. To these persons I offer the following facts:— ln Prussia and Germany, at the beginning of the present century, denominational schools were abolished, secular schools established, admitting ministers to teach religion at certain times, for the express purpose of avoiding religious animosity. During the last few years the schools have all been re-estabhshed on their old denominational footing, It has been found that the system of teaching religion as a sort of extra, notonly interfered with the proper work of 'the school, but produced the very effect of controversial animosity it was meant to suppress. Again, to speak of matters nearer home, I assert unhesitatingly that in All Saints' school, where I give religious instruction daily, no such animosity is engendered ; and I believe I may say the same of the Roman Catholic schools at Greymouth and in Hokitika. If parents object to their children learning, for instance, the Catechism, their wishes are respected. Could you desire more in a Government school ? You may indeed give up all religious Reaching whatever, and go on the false assumption that parents do not value it, but few, I believe, would agree to that. 3. Reasons for the probable superiority of denominational over other schools. Leaving facts, I will state quite briefly some of these reasons. No Government Board or local Committee can ever exercise the supervision which the clergyman has over his school. With them it is a matter of official routine ; with him — I speak for the clergy of the Church of England, and I believe the same may be said of those of other denominations — it i 3 a solemn labor of duty and love. The achool to him is one of the chief spheres of his work, not for the purpose of teaching his children to hate other Christians, but to educate them mentally and spiritually to do .their duty to God and man. He tries to do that, not by coming in now and then tp tPflcll region as an extra ap-

complisliment, but by constant personal presence. Is the State wise in refusing to help fellow-workmen in education of this kind ? This letter is too long already. I will only add what seems to me a fair solution of the matter. Let the Government establish schools wherever the denominations do not provide them. But where they are willing to build and start schools, and are able to fill them, there let the Board assist them, on condition of close inspection, payment by results, and a clause enjoining that the conscientious scruples of parents, touching their children s religious education, be respected, if necessary. I am yours faithfully, Henbt W. Habpeb, Archdeacon. June Ist, 1868.