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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 59

Evening Herald. — Otago University. — Presentation of Mr Macand Rew's Portrait

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Evening Herald.

The newspaper is the great educator of the nineteenth century. There is no force compared with it; It is book, pulpit, platform, forum, all in one. And there is not an interest—religious, literary, commercial, scientific agricultural, or mechanical—that is not within its grasp.

Talmage.

Otago University.

Presentation of Mr Macand Rew's Portrait.

In the library of the University on Wednesday a full-length portrait of Mr James Macau-drew, M.H.R., was presented to the Council on behalf of the subscribers by Mr John M'Lean. The Chancellor (Rev. Dr Stuart) presided. Among those present were noticed the following gentlemen:—Messrs W. D. Stewart, J. B. Bradshaw, John M'Kenzie, and J. Hislop, M.H.R.'s, Professor Macgregor, Hon. John Bathgate, Lieutenant Colonel Stavely, Messrs G. Turnbull, J. Barnes, J. T. Mackerras, H. J.Walter, A. R. Ure, J. Sibbald, W. Stuart, D. M. Stuart, A. D. Lubecki, Colin Allan, W. M. Hodgkins, W. Hutchison, J. Gore, Robert Wilson, T. M. Wilkinson, J. Armstrong, A. Wilson, J. P. Jones, A. Mercer, and T. Bracken, Drs Alexander, Coughtrey, Macdonald, Scott, the Rev. Dr Salmond, Rev. Mr Borrie, and Captain Thomson.

The Chancellor read apologies for absence from Professors Sale and Shand, Messrs V. Pyke, J. C. Buckland, and A. H. Ross (M.H.R.'s), Hon. Mr Shrimski, and Mr G. G. Russell. Professors Black, Ulrich, and Parker were also unavoidably absent.

Mr M'Lean said that on the occasion of the presentation of Dr Hislop's portrait to that university, more than two years ago, Dr Stuart, whose duty it was as Chancellor to I acknowledge the gift on the part of the university, suggested the desirability of forming a gallery of portraits of early settlers and others who took an interest in the great work of forming and promoting the educational institutions of otago. Acting upon that suggestion, a number of gentlemen thought it would be a fitting and lasting recognition of the long and useful public career of Mr Macandrew, particularly in promoting the cause of education in this Province, to have a portrait of that gentleman placed in that gallery. They formed themselves into a committee with the view of giving effect to that idea. Their presence there that evening, and the portrait in front of them, testified as to how well the committee had carried out what they had undertook to do he understood that this work had been executed by one who had not perhaps, up to this time, been well known, for he understood the artist was a young lady—Miss Sperrey—who had received her early art edncation in this city. He was very well sure from the specimen of her work they had there that she would be very well known hereafter he had been asked to come there that evening and make a presentation to that university of a portrait of Mr James Macandrew, to whose influence and exertions, both as Superintendent of the Province, and as a representative in the General Assembly of the colony the institution owed much of its present position, if not its existence. Why be should have been asked to do this he really did not know, for sure he was that he had little or nothing to do with helping on the institution or the procuring of that portrait, but the committee had thought proper to offer him that civility. That institution owed much to Mr Donald Reid, who had urged its claims in the matter of granting degrees. This right of granting degrees must be conferred upon the university, for the institution would not be what it ought to be without it. It was withheld when first asked for, on the alleged ground that the institution was not sufficiently organised or competent to exercise such a right, but the real cause for withholding it was a certain amount of jealousy on the part of other parts of the colony. The people of this province thought, wisely, that the best use they could make of a portion of the land that had been handed over to them to make provision for properly educating the rising generation. The land was as useful to the colony in this way as if it had remained in possession of the Crown, the only difference being that the support of our educational institutions was made a first charge on the proceeds of it. The colony could not without a breach of faith prevent them thus allocating the land, but it did what it could to prevent them completing their excellent system of education, by refusing the right to grant degrees to their university, and in order to palliate this act of injustice the figment or the New Zealand University was set up. He believed—he spoke subject to correction—that it was the first instance since the term university came to be applied to educational institutions that a non-teaching body, without location or habitation, simply a "board of examiners," had been called a university. It was absurd to suppose that the colony would rest content with this. What they should have eventually to complete their colonial system of education was a university in each of the four largo cities, having power to grant degrees. The right to grant degrees must be obtained for our university, and it rested with the people of the Province to get it; A strong petition to the Legislature praying for the right to be granted, numerously and influentially signed, and backed up by the force of our members in Parliament; and no Ministry, whoever they might be, would feel themselves justified in refusing so reasonable a request, particularly as the granting or it would cost the colony nothing, and would be a graceful compliance with the wishes of the people hero, who, as things were, had reason to be dissatisfied country was receiving great advantages from having able and learned I men like the Professors in its midst. The speaker concluded as follows:— page break And now for a few remarks upon the subject of our meeting here this evening, Mr Macandrew, as everyone knows, is a large-minded man and an advanced thinker, and he has been more fortunate than many men like him. One of the patriotic movements to which he applied himself was the liberal and excellent system of education in this province, and he will live to see it completed by the right to grant degrees being conferred upon this institution. The other leading idea of his was steam. The second time I visited this city-then a very small one—was in 1859, I think in the month of September. There was then in the harbour a steamer called The Queen, brought by Mr Macandrew from Melbourne, and placed on the line between here and Melbourne by Mr Macandrew. I believe that was the first trading steamer that ever came to New Zealand. Well, we have not been without steam communication with Melbourne since. As to his idea of direct steam communication with the United Kingdom, he has lived to see that accomplished, and whether it will prove a financial success to the present companies or not, the colony will not be again without it. The service will be continued by some one. And now, Mr Chancellor, that I have said what I had to say, let me perform what I came here this evening to do. I have now the honour and pleasure, on the part of the committee of subscribers, of presenting to this University, through you, Sir, as Chancellor of it—and with whom the idea of this presentation originated—this portrait, an excellent one, of Mr James Macandrew, the institution's best friend and benefactor. May the institution long prosper and enjoy this suitable and valuable gift, and may Mr Macandrew be long spared to give us and the colony the benefit of his wise counsel, and live to see the degree of the University of Otago, in which he has taken such interest, the credential of the scholars all over the world.—(Cheers.)

The Chancellor said it was with great pleasure that on behalf of the Council he received that excellent portrait of Mr Macandrew, the leader of the noble hand who founded the University of Otago. He begged to assure the last speaker, and the subscribers through him, that the authorities of the University would give this picture of its founder a permanent habitation beside the fathers of Otago. It had occurred to him that that would be a suitable occasion to give them a short historical resume of the story of their University. Some eighteen years ago' the Rev. Mr Simmons, then rector of the Otago High School, petitioned the House of Representatives to encourage general education in the colony by the establishment of colonial exhibitions tenable in British or other universities. The House of Representatives appointed a select committee to consider this matter. The committee consisted of the Hon. Mr Fitzherbort, Sir David Munro, Messrs Houghton, Jollie, Ormond, Dillon Bell, G. M'Farlane, and Dr Feather-stone, with Mr Jollie as chairman. The committee selected some sixty gentlemen all over the colony who were supposed to be a practical representation of the wants and interests of the colony in the matter of education. To these gentlemen they remitted several questions, but the two following included almost the whole of them:—(1.) Do you recommend the foundation of colonial exhibitions to British and other universities? (2.) What is your opinion as to the propriety of establishing a New Zealand University? After consideration the committee reported to this effect—that while they could not recommend any attempt being made at present to establish a New Zealand University, great as the advantages of such an institution would in some respects be, yet they felt disposed strongly, in accordance with Mr Simmons and the majority of the gentlemen who had favoured them with their views, to recommend colonial exhibitions, "which," they added, "if properly established and cared for, are fitted to exercise a very perceptible and beneficial influence, direct and indirect, upon the whole course and character of education in New Zealand." It might interest them to know that in the majority who held these views were two judges of the Supreme Court, statesmen, clergymen, schoolmasters, and country gentlemen. But, fortunately for Otago, there was a substantial minority which hold that the best way of promoting higher education in the colony would be by the establishment of a university. Amongst them was Mr Macandrew, whom he might term the guest of the evening. In his evidence he said: "I am of opinion that the whole object contemplated by exhibitions for sending boys from New Zealand schools to universities in Britain or elsewhere can be best attained in every respect by the establishment forthwith of a New Zealand University." He added: "The large educational endowment in the Province of Otago, which is daily accumulating, and which is intended ultimately to be applied towards the maintenance of a collegiate institution, with a sum equal to the cost of the proposed exhibitions, would be amply sufficient to maintain not less than five chairs. A number," he adds, "which would be sufficient for some years to come, or at all events to begin with." In suggesting the new post office for the accommodation of the university he said:—"The mere fact of its being lodged in such an imposing structure would tend to give it a position not only within but without New Zealand, which could no fail to be highly beneficial." The idea of a New Zealand University did not go to sleep in Mr Macandrew's teeming brain, for in his address to the Provincial Council on the 8th of April, 1868, he said:—"It appears to me the time has come when measures towards obtaining a college and New Zealand University should be commenced, and there is no part of the colony in a better position to make the commencement than Otago." The Council showed the most commendable zeal in the matter, for the address-in-reply contains the following paragraph:—"The establishment of a college and a university is a subject worthy our most careful attention, and we will not fail to give it cordial consideration." A select committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs Reynolds, Vogel, Robertson, M'Indoe, Driver, Sibbald, and Turnbull (Mr Turnbull chairman). After taking evidence, they reported—"That the page break time has arrived when it is desirable that steps should be taken to establish a college in this city;" and they also added, "That the institution should be under the management of a council of eight or ten, who shall not be subject to political control." The university was established in due course by an ordinance of the Provincial Council, and clothed with power of granting degrees in arts, medicine, and law. Its speedy collapse was predicted, and when that did not come to pass it was said that the students would be raw lads. Some of the first students were raw lads, but they felt the stirrings of a noble ambition, and had given a good account of themselves. He referred to the present position of these whose names appeared on the class-list of the first session, the first-mentioned being Mr Robert Stout, the Premier. At the instance of Mr Macandrew the Provincial Council undertook to pay one half the cost of the Chair of Chemistry, and it was established. It was also from Mr Macandrew that the proposal to provide a library of reference for the University came. In his address to the Council on April 30th, 1872, he referred to the subject, and on the motion of Mr Tolmie £500 was voted to supplement subscriptions pound for pound. In suggesting the ostablishment of law and medical classes, Mr Macandrew rendered great service. A committee appointed reported so favourably that the House voted an endowment of 100,000 acres of pastoral country. The services of Mr Macandrew in connection with the University were great and successful, not only because he was dead in earnest, but because he was enthusiastically supported by settlers of all classes he was sure they would rejoice with him that the University was striking its roots deep into the national life-as was evidenced by the steady increase of its alumni, which numbered last session 141, and of its teachers, which now numbered eight professors and seven lecturers, and more to follow. He believed that if Mr Macandrew lived for many years they would obtain the power of granting degrees which would carry students throughout the world. For himself he had come to acquiesce to some little extent in the compromise which was forced upon them when the New Zealand University was started, but he looked forward to the time when that University would be a complete corporation, with power to grant such degrees as their students would value, and when the ample education given would be valued the world over.—(Applause). He called on Mr Macandrew to say a few words.

Mr James Macandrew, M.H.R., said all he could state was that he felt very grateful indeed to see so many old identities gathered together on such an occasion,. He confessed he was not prepared for it. However, he would not indulge in the sham modesty which some men on such occasions made a display of by declaring their own unworthiness he thought that was a matter which they must leave to their friends to decide he begged to repeat that he felt very grateful for and very deeply sensible of the distinction which had been conferred on him that night, and he only wished he was gifted with language wherewith he could express these feelings. His friend the Chancellor had completely taken the wind out of his sails with regard to any remarks he might have made. He thought while coming there that night it might not have been out of place for him to have recalled some reminiscences in connection with the early history of the University, but Dr Stuart had done that so well and so fully that it would be in bad taste for him to go over the ground again. It was said that sometimes good arose out of evil, and he believed that aphorism was to some extent true in regard to the university. He would toll them what he meant. Some 20 or 21 years ago Centralism, which he need not say had been from first to last the curse of New Zealand—(applause)—took it into its head to erect a magnificent building in Dunedin as a post office, the cost of which structure was £27,000. That money the people of Otago, nolens volens, had to pay, and he might say that this was done in the teeth of the protestations of those who had to pay the money, and their representations that the building was altogether beyond their requirements. The fact of the matter was, they all knew it, that the structure would have done very well for Liverpool, Glasgow, or Manchester, and perhaps even for the metropolis itself. The building which preceded it was of a very modest character. It might be asked what had all that got to do with the University? He would explain that to them. He felt that this building might with advantage be devoted to some other purposes, amongst which a university was one he accordingly addressed a circular individually to each member of the Provincial Council on the subject. That was really, he believed, the first official action that was taken in connection with the actual establishment of the University. By and bye, as Dr Stuart had said, when the Provincial Council met in the session of 1863, he alluded to this circular in the opening speech he had just made an extract of it that day, and would read them what was said. [The speaker here quoted from the speech in question, in which he recommended the carrying out of the scheme for establishing a university and setting aside of land as an endowment.] A committee was appointed, a report was brought up by Mr Turnbull, and the Council approved of it. Then no time was lost as far as the Executive Government was concerned in getting the land Crown granted, and in exchanging the buildings. Hero he might be permitted to say that it was at this point that he deserved credit, if credit was due to him at all. Few could have any idea of the mountain of red tape and more questionable Objections that had to be got over before the actual Crown grant for the land was issued. The correspondence that took place on the subject, if it ever came to light, would certainly show what these difficulties were, and he had often been surprised himself at their having got the land at all. There was no doubt, however, that having got it, and having started the University, which was done by ordinance in the following session, that this was a very great event, and his own belief was that it would yet come to be looked upon as the greatest epoch in their history. He page break believed that the names of those who had a finger in that pie would receive honourable mention in generation to come. Although it so happened, from his position, that it fell to his lot perhaps to take the most conspicuous part in initiating the institution, still there were other gentlemen, some of whom he was glad to see there that night, who were quite as deserving or a niche in the University's table of fame as he was. Of course, it would be invidious to make a comparison as to what this or that or the other man did, besides, they might lay themselves open to the charge of being a mutual admiration society, but he could not refrain from alluding to one gentleman to whom the University was very deeply indebted, and that was to Mr John M'Lean, of Redcastle. As the Chancellor had said, it was on his motion that an address was presented to the Superintendent requesting that 100,000 acres of land should be set aside for a university. The Superintendent did not let the grass grow under his foot, but very soon got this land out of the fire. His friend, Dr Stuart, was in error in saying that Mr Tolmie was the mover of the motion requesting that a sum should be put on the Estimates towards a library. His friend there (Mr M'Lean) was the mover of that motion. As the Chancellor had said he (the speaker) had always been a strong believer and taken a great interest in having a proper reference library. The University was not properly equipped without it, and he was sorry to see that the library was still in the future. He recollected calling a private meeting of friends on the subject, and a committee was appointed of which he was one, to endeavour to collect subscriptions. One of those to whom he applied for a subscription was their friend Mr M'Lean, and he well remembered the readiness with which he at once gave a cheque for £100, or one hundred guineas, he forgot which. He had a very distinct recollection of the kindly and gonial way in which Mr M'Lean said as he was going away—"Mr Macandrew, if more is wanted you know where to come."—(Applause.) He thought it was to be regretted that further steps had not been taken towards getting this library, and he believed that but for abolition they would have had a library worthy of the place long ere now. He might say that had the Provincial Council met the year 1876 it was his intention to have proposed a vote of £10,000 by way of subsidising a fund pound for pound for procuring a suitable library. Unfortunately, the Provincial Council was debarred from meeting that year. Had he anticipated that that would have been so, he would have proposed the vote in the session of 1875, and there was not the slightest doubt from the generous way in which the Provincial Council always dealt with matters appertaining to education that they would have agreed to it. Although the Council had its difficulties at times—it was all they could do to make ends meet—yet if the money had been voted they would have found it by hook or by crook. At all events it would have been a provincial liability recognised by the Abolition Act, He earnestly hoped that the newly elected civic king on his left would distinguish his reign by endeavouring to get the citizens to put the Public Libraries Act into operation, and that under that Act there would be a reference library here, either connected with the University or otherwise—he thought the City and University Library should be combined—of which the province would be proud. Such a library should be free and open to all, the only condition being soap and water and clean hands. Talking of this condition he was not without hope that he would live to see at no distant date every class-room of the University open to rich and poor alike without money and without price. That was what they wanted to aim at, and looking at the very valuable endowments which the University had got there was not the least doubt that if the country prospered, as it was sure to do, that it was only a question of time until the University would be in a position to carry out that idea. There was no doubt whatever that they had got a most valuable endowment, and in that endowment there were the means he believed of providing university education on a scale equal to that of the most advanced universities in the old country, and oven in America, Thai, was perhaps blowing a little, it might be said; but he would scarcely like to estimate what would be the revenue of the University Council if all went well—if the country did not sink, as he did not suppose it was going to do. He thought it was very gratifying to them to think that they had laid the foundations of an institution which in the future was capable of conferring such advantages There could be no doubt that in the future of this world mind was going to exercise a greater influence than ever it had done before. It was coming to the front fast, and as a celebrated French writer said. "You may depend upon it that the nation who does most to educate its people will be the greatest nation; if not today, at all events to morrow." What he desiderated was a university on lines laid down by Dr Lyon Playfair in a recent address, which they would all do well to read. He was sure they would find it exceedingly interesting, and if he might be allowed to make a suggestion to his friends of the Press, he would say that they might do worse than give their readers the benefit of that admirable address. It would at least be as good reading as "The Land of the Golden Fleece."-(Laughter).—There was just one other word he would like to say before sitting down, and that was that if anything could be an additional gratification to him in seeing that portrait of himself lunging there it was the fact that had been adverted to by Mr M'Lean, that it was the work of a New Zealander—one who was raised, he might say, in their own School of Art under Mr Hutton. That was an exceedingly gratifying fact to his mind He was no judge of art, but he was told by those who were that Mina Sperrey gave promise of great ability, and he believed they might yet see her occupying a very prominent position in the profession which she had adopted. The old identities might well be proud to know that there was a great deal of latent talent in New Zealand, and they must feel proud that they had made provision by which that talent would be developed and exorcise a groat power for good on the whole of the human family, compared with which the powers of kings and kaisers was as nothing. It had been well page break said that "the power of princes soon passes away, bat the power of genius, that is eternal."—(Loud applause.) By the-bye, he had omitted one thing, and that was about degrees. He deplored as much as anyone that that University sold its birthright for a mess of pottage. It was not his fault that it had no power to issue degrees, and he hoped now that a new view on the subject was arising that they would yet get the power. He assured them that it was their own fault or they would have had the power long ago,

A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings.