A VISIT TO ST. IGNATIUS' COLLEGE, SYDNEY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11897, 20 June 1906, Page 5

A VISIT TO ST. IGNATIUS' COLLEGE, SYDNEY.

GOOD ADVICE TO THE BOYS.

SOMEHING FOR ALL TO PONDER.

One of the meet pleasant experiences of the sojourn in Sydney of the late Prime Minister of New Zealand (the Hon. Richaid John Seddon) was his visit, in .company with Mrs Sedd-on and party, to St. Ignatius College, Riverview. The visit took place on a Sunday afternoon. They were met at the wharf by the Very Rev. Father Gartlan (Rector), and the New Zealand students, who showed them round the college and grounds. Mr Seddon. in reply to a speech of welcome, said: Rev. Father Gartlan, reverend gentlemen, and boya— -It is with mutual

pleasure we -meet here to-day, but your pleasure at my visit is surpaosed by the delight I fci'l Jit your college. Wherever I go, I make il a S(ctial point to visit all educational establishments, colleges and universities, to sec the boys and girls at work and at play, and this is natural in mc_ for my lather wus the country schoolmaster and i-y mother the school niiatrents of the village wlktc I war born, and their union amalgamated the whole educational interest oi the village. My father was advanced to the position oi headmaster of the Church of E ngland Grammar School, and I was destined to he an usher. My boyish spirit rebelled, and I left school never to return, a etep which I have regretted ever since. But, boys, 1 have made it a point alway3 to be in earnest in my work, a::d I have risen, despite all disadvantages; learn this moral, determine only to succeed, and you shall succeed, come what may. But whatever your successes, never allow them to turn your head. I have risen to the top of politics in New Zealand, have been trusted with great issues, and am still guiding the destinies of a fair island. Yet — to use a colloquialism well known, I expect, to the boys, and perhaps to you, Father Gartlan — to-day 1 am wearing a- hat no larger than the day I first entered public life. Above all, bo manly; never strike one your inferior. Though there may be differences of opinion between you, rather forego your contention than ever persecute tho weak. Through a long political life I have ever made it my aim to side with the weak, and I advise you, if you would be true men, manly and respected, to know your own strength, and never oppose it to one weaker than yourself. When I last v.-as- passing through England, in the course of a "conversation with an English statesman, he asked me "How do you get on with the Irish in New Zealand:" The question surprised me, and I answered: "We know no difference in New Zealand between one colonist and another under our good and profitable laws: each labours in perfect union with his fellows. There we do not know the invidious distinctions you make hero. Learn to imitate the true freedom of tho colonies, and you will never insult Irishmen by asking, "How do you got on with the Irish in New Zealand?" it' the English had adopted New Zealand's method of legislation, trouble with Ireland would never have arisen, and I look forward to the day when England will profit by the example of her daughter, and so restore unity and concord to the nation. (Loud cheers). At school the captain of the team, the hero of the school crew, the champion cricketer are all popular boys. This is as it should bo. But education is the real test in after-life. In these days of great competition the educated man alone shall know the upper walks, llie lower shall be regulated to the uneducated. I have been shown over this establishment. I have seen from the top of the college a sight sufficient to gladden the heart of any man, and I am well satisfied that the Rector and his accomplished staff are fully competent to give you tho best of education. In after life the very mention of Rivcrvicw should send a thrill of joy through your hearts . Grasp the opportunity which your parents have placed in your way, many of them, perhaps, at a sacrifice. They may not have had themselves in their youth such a chance as is now yours, and have learnt as they trod the paths of life that education was allimportant. But education is not all in all. I have been placed, as a politician, in a position of great power and trust, and have ever striven above all to ensure the purity of tho people I represent — purity of ideals and purity of morals. Boys, your first duty, after your duty to God, is patriotism, loyalty to the country which gave you birth. Be proud of Australia and loyal to it, for you have good reasons. Yours is a, great country of wonderful resources. What are now backblocks would v.i th an open policy develop into good agricultural country. When I first left the Old Country it was to Australia I came. My good wife, too, is a daughter of your land, so you see the better half of the New Zealand Premier is an Australian. (Laughter.) What you need is to throw open your doors. And you, boys (turning to the New Zealand boys present), be proud of New Zealand and think well of it, for it is God's own country. I shall entertain pleasant recollections of Riverview and of your reception of me hero to-day. Thank you. "Kia-Ora." The boys loudly cheered Mr Seddon at the close of his rfpeech, and the Rector briefly thanked the right hon. gentleman for his kind and instructive words of encouragement.