Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/54

 whom the recollections of her are forcibly and yet pleasurably recalled by the proceedings of this day—it is a source of great gratification to find myself privileged to be present amongst you on this occasion. From the first moment of my entering into the exciting contests of public and parliamentary life—in the performance of public functions, in the hours of business, and in the moments of relaxation, I have never ceased to feel the value of a University education. And that not because it is merely the completion and the complement of that course in which a man obtains the knowledge which is power, but because that knowledge is obtained accompanied by all the refining influences which an academic life is so calculated to exert. And I rejoice to believe that here in this distant land this young University is fulfilling all those noble functions which for centuries past the sister ancient Universities of our own land have so efficiently discharged.

There are some points in the report which has been read to us upon which I wish, with your permission, to make a few passing observations. And, first,—it may be a remark that has been made by my predecessor and by many of you before, but it is that which has very forcibly struck my own mind, and therefore I desire to draw attention to it—I rejoice to find that the University is firm in maintaining the high standard it established for the matriculation examination. It may be a matter of regret that more candidates did not succeed in obtaining admission within our walls;—I think only one-third or less of those who presented themselves have succeeded, according to the report, in the matriculation examination; but still I am glad the severity of the matriculation test is so strictly preserved. The importance of it is obvious. If the matriculation test is lowered, and the standard of the after examinations is maintained, it is obvious that it will only lead to the failure of a greater number in the more important examinations,—lead to the disappointment of the students, and the discredit of the University. But if after such an experience it were to result that the standard of the after examinations was lowered, then the value of the University distinction would be lost, and the influence of the University would be impaired. And not only this, but it must be recollected that the maintenance of a high standard in the matriculation examinations has an important effect upon general education throughout the country. The schools from which the students are drawn are compelled by this circumstance to maintain a high standard; and thus it is that indirectly, by maintaining the