Some very genuine words of praise of the generosity and public spirit of the citizens of Dunedin were spoken on Tuesday evening by the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Education, to a Christchurch Press reporter, who interviewed him prior to his departure for Wellington.
Mr Allen had just arrived from Dunedin, and, hot from the scene as it were, was constrained to express his admiration for the success of the campaign now being waged there to extend the Medical School.
''Their efforts and success,'' he said, ''are an object lesson to the whole country. The way in which Dunedin sets itself to work to subscribe money for educational purposes is just wonderful. It has always been the same, and that it is still the same is an evidence of how much in earnest they are there in the cause of education.
''The Medical School,'' explained the Minister, ''has outgrown its accommodation, and further provision was urgently needed. To enlarge the Medical School - increase the anatomy rooms, the chemical laboratory, and the physiology rooms - 10,000 was required, and this is being given by the Government in the interests of the dominion at the rate of 5000 this year, and 5000 next year. To keep pace with this expansion a bacteriological laboratory was required, and this the citizens have determined to secure for themselves. A campaign has been started, and within the last few days the sum of 5000 has been subscribed by the public, and a further 2500, as to the acquisition of which there is no fear, is aimed at.
''This'' commented Mr Allen, ''is most praiseworthy, and reflects the very greatest credit upon the public spirit of the southern city. As I say, it is an object lesson to the whole dominion, and one can only wish that the same spirit of self-help prevailed generally.''
While on the theme of Dunedin's self-reliance, Mr Allen felt tempted to go further and cite other examples. He next instanced the University Students' Building, which is to be opened by his Excellency the Governor on April 3.
''A large proportion of the money for this,'' he said, ''was subscribed by the people, and I do not think there is any more efficient building of its type in the Australasian States. Every possible convenience is provided, and a splendid hall for the students, where possibly 600 can assemble.''
Another case of generosity mentioned was that when the Hon. Richard Oliver passed away he expressed a wish to do something for the University. His widow doubled the sum, and gave 2000 to the University, which, with the Government subsidy received with the money, built two classrooms, which were very urgently required. These have been in use for some time, said Mr Allen, but they will be officially opened by the Governor on his southern visit.
''All things considered,'' concluded Mr Allen, ''Dunedin may well be awarded the palm for generosity in educational matters.''
• Mount Cook is growing in favour with tourists and holiday-makers, for, according to a recent visitor (the Christchurch Press states), the accommodation at the new Hermitage was taxed to its utmost last week in order to find room for visitors. Indeed, the ordinary accommodation was found inadequate, and the manager was under the necessity of turning his private sitting room into a bedroom. - ODT, 19.3.1914.
