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The Opening Ceremony.

The formal opening ceremony took place on March 30th, in the presence of a large number of representative citizens, students, and University dignitaries. The two southern halls on the third floor were suitably decorated with flags and bunting, and we believe there was also some greenery; still, in spite of these praiseworthy efforts at concealment, the utter nakedness of those walls was in evidence.

Sir Robert Stout, in his capacity of Chancellor of the University, was the first speaker. His remarks, of course, partook of the nature of a review. He began by giving a concise and fairly interesting outline of the University movement in New Zealand from its earliest beginnings amongst those far-seeing Scottish settlers of Otago down to the present time. He then briefly traced the series of events leading up to the establishment of Victoria College, dwelling more par particularly upon that splendid enthusiasm and loyalty of the students, which had triumphed over the initial difficulties and trials of college life (tumultuous applause). Sir Robert now rose upon a wind of prophecy, and declared his unshakable belief in the ultimate supremacy of Victoria College. It had a noble message for the race (and for Wellington in particular). "Wisdom is of more worth than town sections." Then followed some much appreciated quotations from Plato in support of what he had said. He concluded by calling upon His Excellency to declare the College open.

His Excellency returned thanks. This done, he pointed out that Victoria College possessed the most important University district in the colony (Sir Robert winced), and that it had a great future before it. Thanks to municipal encouragement a site had been obtained, thanks to the wise liberality of the Government a building adequate for immediate needs had been erected, and thanks to the enthusiasm and energy of the professors and students the College was in a very flourishing condition. His Excellency impressed upon students that the aim of a University was not alone to send out brilliant men, but men imbued with exalted ideals of honour, truth, and purity. It devolved entirely upon students to create that subtle, indefinable atmosphere (the science students brightened up) which clings to the Old World colleges, He then declared the College open.

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The Chairman of the Professorial Board (Professor Von Zedlitz) returned thanks just as the Governor had previously. This done, he eulogised Sir Robert Stout. The College owed a debt of gratitude to him and to all those who had helped to promote the interests of the College. There was reason for profound thankfulness: (1) that the professors had not quarreled —probably because their paths had been wide apart; (2) that Victoria College was now clothed in a brand new suit, trousers, coat, and vest complete, in place of the dilapidated habiliments of the past; (3) that Mr. Seddon had given us his unstinted support.

The Hon. Mr. MacGowan quoted educational statistics.