A FAIR SYSTEM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 37, 3 January 1890, Page 17

A FAIR SYSTEM.

fHAT is the Canadian system of education f This is a question which has been often asked in New Zealand, and to which an answer, has been given, more or less accurate and fall, according to tte terms of those who made the enquiry. In fact, no accurate and full answer can be given without bearing in mind some peculiarities of the several Provinces ivb'ich make up what is known as the Dominion of Canada. This Dominion is composed of several Provinces, each of which has its own Provincial Legislature, and, subject to certain constitutional reservations, entire control of national education. In the year 1853, Canada consisted of the two provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, under one Legislature, now called Quebec and Ontario, and in that year the following section was included in the Supplementary School Act for Ontario, as the Rev. Dr. Rogkrson, then Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada or Ontario, tells us, with the acquiescence of the leading men and the Press of all parties : "And be it enacted that in all cities, towns, incorporated villages, and school sections in which separate schools do o',' shall exist according to the provisions of the Common School Acts oj Upper Canada, persons of the religious persuasion of each such separate school sending children to it, or supporting such school by subscribing thereto annually an amount equal to the sum which each such person would be liable to pay (if such separate school did not exist) on any assessment to obtain the annual common school grant Jor each such city, town, incorporated village, or township, shall be exempt from the payment of all rates imposed for the support of thecommon public schools of such city, town, incorporated village, or school section." This clause farther declares that such separate school shall be entitled to a pro rata share of the amount appropriated from the general exchequer in |addition to. the sum raised by municipal assessment. In the year 1855, it was enacted by the Legislature that a separate school might be established in any city, town, or rural school district on the application of five householders ; that the supporters of such school should be exempt from all taxes imposed for, the maintenance of common schools and school libraries, % and that such school should share proportionately in all legislative school grants. In the Province of Queb c, the system of education is purely denominational, and the State provides for the moral and religious education of children, in connection with their secular education, in accordance with the creed of their parents. A Council of Instruction has the exclusive control of educ%tional matters. This Council is divided into two committees, one Catholic, the other Protestant, which have respectively the direction of the schools of the body represented bj them. This system works well, and {he Pioteptftuto* though in t

great minority in Parliament and the conntry, are treated most liberally, Tie system in Manitoba is very similar to that of Quebec. Ihe Imperial Parliament of Kngland in U67, when passing tne British North American Act— -the. Canadian Constitution —removed the question of repealing the separate school clauses ot the law of these various Provinces from the region of practical politics by prohibiting any province of the Dominion of Canada from making any law which would " prejudicially a P ct <™V right or privilege with respect to denominational •chools, which any class of persons have by law in the province at the time of the Union." So that it is not in the power of any legislature in the Dominion to do away with either separate or denominational schools. Subject to this provision of the Imperial Act, the various Canadian Legislatures can enact any law calculated to increase education or improve its administiation. In order not to stretch out this leader to an unreasonable length, we shall now confine our remarks to the action of the Ontario Legislature, because the Catholics of taw Province are, like ourselves, in a great minority there, and, consequently, what the majority has done there will be instructive to us and our Legislature. Chapter 227 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1ti87," contains the present separate schoo laws of that Province. This provides, so far as %7 bo !!? 8choc)l8 are concemed,that five or more Catholic heads ot tamihes,resident in any rural or surburban school district ,may convene a meeting of those persons who desire to have a Catholic School, for the purpose of establishing the same, and that such persons may periodically elect a board of trustees to control and manage the school, which board is invested with all the powers and responsibilities of a body corporate. The supporters of such a separate school are exempted from paying municipal school taxes, aad the trustees are empowered to levy school rates on the Catholic inhabitants, they consenting which rates are collected by the municipal collectors, and handed to the board of separate school trustees. Companies may require any portion of their property to be assessed for separate school purposes; and in cases where the landlord pays the taxes, the tenant is taken as the person primarily liable, and he decides as to whether the school rates shall be paid to the public or separate school. Each separate school » entitled to share proportunately in all public grants made Dy the Legislature, and is under the supervision of the department of education. Two Inspectors of that department visit all such schools regularly, and report on their condition.— Buch is the law m a province which is in almost all respects verysimilar to New Zealand. In Ontario, the spirit of justice, liberality, and fair play, has moulded the school law. Why wl? W t- haVe SUch a laW in force here in New Zealand ? Wtiy? this is the question, and there can be only one answer, bimply because our Legislature is not actuated by a spirit of justice, liberality, and fair play. This is the only reason, la Ontario the education law which we described in tne above sentences, works well, promotes education, is found to be economical, and promotes peace and contentment whereas the bigotry and injustice of the education law in JNew Zealand and Australasia promotes extravagance, renders education extremely difficult to tens of thousands of its iniubitapts, cherishes the spirit of bigotry and ascendency, pegets heart-burnings, disturbs peace and harmony, and leaves in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of colonists a rankling sense of injustice. Would it not be wise for our Legislature to follow the example of Ontario, and magnanimously do justice to all its subjects. Our answer to the question With which we began this article, is, the Canadian system of eaucation,though allowing certain variations as to details in the several provinces, is everywhere a system of justice, fair-play, and consummate wisdom. For, while consideration is shown for all, and justice done to all, and schools phced within the reach of all, the question of education is forever removed t . domam of practical politics, and from the possibility ot becoming a bone of contention amongst the inhabitants of the Dominion.

On Christmas day several Masses were as usual celebrated in St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin, beginning at 6 a.m. and concluding with Pont'fical High Mass at 11 a.m. The Bishop acted as celebrant of the Mass, with the Re?. Fathers McMullin and O'Neil as deacon and sub-deacon respective^ ; the Rev. Father O'Donnell, master of ceremonies; and the Rev, Father Lynch, Adm., priest-assis-tant. His Lordship preached a sermon on the Nativity of our Blessed Lord. Haydn's Imperial Mass was performed by the choir Wider the conduotorsbip of Mr. Schacht, in the temporary absence of

Mr. Ward, Miss Knight and Mr. James Jago giving their rateable services. The orchestra had an important addition in the person of Miss K. Dickinson, who had kindly remained in town for the occasion. The " Adeste Pideles " was also finely iung. The high altar and sanctuary had been beautifully adorned by the Dominican nuns, who had also erected in a very effective manner the crib, at the door of the baptistery.

We learn that on the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, 24th Sep. tember, Misa Jane Parrel), of Hokitika, in religion Sister Mary Camillus, was professed a choir nun in the convent of Our Lady of Mercy Singleton, New South Wales.

Thb death is announced cf the famous Arthur McMurrongh Favanagh, known commonly as Kavangh of Borris. Kavauagh, a lineal descendant of the arch-traitor McMurrough, baa of late been distinguished as a leading opponent of Home Bule. He hai always been remarkable for the malformation of his person, wanting from his birth both legs and arms. Notwithstanding this defect, be was able to take a prominent part in public life, sitting for several sessions in the House of Commons. In private life he wa§ aUo a man of mark, and possessed many brilliant social qualities. Strange to say, he was a dashing horseman, and in the hunting field held his place in the first flight. He was married, and had a numeroos family* none of whom shared his deformity. ladeed, whether rightly or wrongly we do not know, though we do know of a very curious phenomenon in connection with his condition, he was repated to be the subject of an old prophecy, and, therefore, to fill an exceptional and unique position.

How does this contrast with what takes place at meetings in connection with the popular agitation in Ireland ? " One of the speakers at a meeting in Hyda Park," says a cablegram uader date London, December 23, « advocated the murder of the chairman of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and his remarks were received with applause." There are agitators, then, who are qaite capable of fulfilling the inventions contained in " Parnellismand Crime." It is, however, in the heart of the Times' own city that they are found and applauded, and not in Ireland. This is decidedly suggestive.

The altar of our Lady of Perpetual Succour in St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin, has received a beautiful addition in the shape of a lamp formed of clusters of porcelain flowers, such as have been sent from Paris for display at the Exhibition. The flower represented is that of the hawthorn, and nothing can be more chaste or more tasteful than the design. The lamp is the gift of a lady belonging to the confraternity.

Thk Synod of the diocese of Duoedin will commence its session in Bt. Joseph's Cathedral, on Wednesday, January 15, at 11 a.m.

The Primrose Dames appear to have deserved some charming compliments from Sir Robert Peal, with respect to the late election for Brighton, at which Sir Bobert was defeated. He speaks of them for instance, as the " filthy witches of the Primrose League who have so foully endeavomed, but in vain, to asperae my character durin this contest." This is pretty language to be applied to ladies of th« highest fashion and it can only be justified by bging well deserved. Sir Robert Peel, however, is himself auffiaiently initiated into the leorets of high life to know what he is talking about.

We must take with a grain, or perhaps even an ounce, or indeed a whole pound of salt, the cablegram received this week as to an action for divorce about to be brought by oaptain O'Shea againat his wife because of ber relations towards Mr. Parnell. The report is a stale and stock one, availed of whaa other means of attempting to discredit the Irish leader are wanting. Not a word so much as hinting at the matter was elicited from Captain O'Shea when he was lately examined before the Parnell Commission, and when he was evidently anxious to give all the adverse testimony possible Besides Mrs. O'Shea still more recently compelled a London newspaper to apologise to her for some allusion of the kind. The report, therefore we may accept as originatiag in those quarter* whose elect Sir Robert Peel has just stigmatised as "filthy witches," owing to the foulness of their tongues and their falsa and unscrupulous attacks on the moral character of an opponent. Perhips, moreover, it has been judged necessary to raise some scandalous cry as a diversion from the effect produced b 7b 7 the West End Club revelations -whose reflection is on the Tory party and the Primrose habitations.

Onk of the strangest occurrences of the pariod is the epidemic of influenza now ravaging Europe, aad extending even to America. No precautions seem to ba proof against it, or certainly it would not attack crowned heads and prominent pirsonages as we are told it is doing. The mortality attendant on it i* also remarkable, though, perhaps, we may look upon that of 6 par cent, arrived at in Parii M

exceptional. Paris is a city where circumstances seem favourable to illnesses of the kind, as witness, for instance, the serious effects sometimes following on an outbreak of the local affection, known as la grippe. A new disease, meantime, or a fatal form of one well known, is not a pleasant addition to the belongings of mankind.

Mb. Llotd of St Mary's school, Wanganui, has been admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court.

Whilst speaking last night before the distribution of prizes of the efficiency of the Catholic School, (says the Wanganui Herald of December 20), the Very Rev. Father Kirk took advantage ol the occasion to remark that, as already known to the people, Mr. Lloyd was about to sever his connection with St. Mary's School, He said he did not think they could find anyone more gentlemanly than the teacher they were about to lose. Daring the Bor 9 years that he had known Mr. Lloyd he had invariably found him moat generous, Tirtuous, and self-sacrificing ; very energetic in promoting the ■access of whatever he undertook, and most willing on all occasions to assist in every work for the general good. For the reception, etc., of the Irish Delegates they could all testify that he left nothing undone to render their visit what it was, highly creditable to the people of Wanganui. The Very Bey. Father Kirk expressed the hope that the people would on some future day show their appreciation of Mr. Lloyd's sterling qualities,

Our Friday (says the Christchnrch Prett) the annual distribution of awards was made at St. Joseph's Convent School, Bangiora. There was a fair attendance of the puolic. Not only had the schoolroom been decorated with floral designs, but there was a display of fancy and plain needlework, tbe handicraft of the scholars. The girl were dressed in white with blue sashes. Mr. B. B. Good, Mayor, by request, distributed tbe prizes. The Bey. Fathers O'Connor and Halbwachs were present. His Worship said he coasidere 1 it his duty, whenever requested, topresiie at gatherings of this character, and he noticed the improvement in the scholars and tha evident care which the Sisters had displayed in the tuition of those in their care. An entertainment of vocal and instrumental music was given by Misses Mullin, Dwan, Toohey, Murray, Shaath, Duncan, Fly an, Anderson and Masters Fitzpatrick, Mul in, Anderson, Flynn, Murfit, O'Brien,' Sheath, and tbe infant pupils, the program ne concluding with " God Defend New Zealand ."

A musical, festival will be given by the Tailoresses' Union of New Zealand in the Garrison Hall, Dunedin, on Friday evening) the 3rd inst., in aid of a benefit fund in counection with the Union. A very attractive programme has been prepared, and the names of those who are to take part in it speak highly as to how it will be carried out. Sir Bobert Stout will take the chair, and his Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow will be present. A very brilliant entertainment is confidently looked forward to.

The drawing of tbe Dominican Nuns' Art-Uunion will take place in St. Joseph's Schoolroom to-morrow (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. The prizes, however, will not be distiibuted until January 27, as the nuns are about to enter their annual retreat of ten days. The list of the winning numbers will be published in next week's Tablet.

Mr. William Taylor, George street, Dunedin, conducts his business as watchmaker and jeweller on terms that must prove most satisfactory to those who deal with him. Mr. Taylor's stock will be found a very choice one, artistic designs being worked out in an extremely skilful manner. In executing repairs Mr. Taylor is par. ticularly moderate in bis charges.

Mr. J Blenkinsopp, 99 George street, Dunedin, offers for selection a remarkably fine stock of goods suitable for the season. Ladies should visit Mr. Blenkinsopp's establishment and judge for themselves. Tbey will find the prices remarkably moderate.

Tbe City Boot Palace, George street, Dunedin, announces the arrival of a large stock of gymnastic shoes, suitable also for wear in all the favourite sports of the period. The firm's general stock also is exceptionally good, and most deserving of patrouage.

Ladies desirous of obtaining a beautiful dress material should Bee the printed liberty silk offered for sale, at a greatly reduced price by Messrs. Mollison Mills and Co. George St. Dunedin, other materials also veiy deserving of attention are in stock.

The carrier pigeon has lately been turned to a curious use in Russia. It is to convey negatives of photographs taken in a balloon. The first experiment was made from tbe cupola of the Cathedral of Isaac, and the subject photographed was the Winter Palace. The plates were packed in envelopes, impenetrable to the light, and then tiei to the feet of the pigeons, who safely and quickly carried them to the station at Volkovo.

A journal says truly that those who wish to see Borne should make haste. If the present rage for demolishing the finest works of architecture continue, there will not be a fragment left where once arose the most poetic, the most interesting and the most imposing city that the imagination of the poet has ever conceived. The vandals who at present control the city would be capable of hiring the Vatican totkbric-a-hrat tradesman, or converting the ruins of the Palatine into a bazaar.