reference for a totally separate education:
but candidly admitted the objections to such a course in a small and
not very wealthy island, and drew a wide distinction between
combination for all purposes, and for some only.

'There were certain courses of instruction in which combined
instruction could not possibly be given consistently with due regard
to the faith of the pupils; there were others where it was difficult
to decide whether it could or could not properly be given; there
were others again where it might be certainly given without
objection.

'On this understanding the plan carried into effect is based: but
the Legislature have gone far beyond what was then agreed; and
whilst Archbishop Manning would have assented to an arrangement
which would have excluded certain branches only of education from
the common course, the law, as now in force, allows exemption from
attendance on all, provided competent instruction is given to the
pupils in the same branches elsewhere; till, in fact, all that
remains obligatory is attendance at examinations, and at the course
of instruction in one or more of four given branches of education,
if it should so happen that no adequate teaching in that particular
branch is given in the pupil's own school.

'A scheme more liberal--a bond more elastic--could hardly have been
devised, capable of effecting, if desired, the closest union--
capable of being stretched to almost any degree of slight
connection; and even if some Catholics would still prefer a wholly
separate system, they must, if candid men, admit that the Protestant
population here have a right to demand that they should not be
called on to surrender, in order to satisfy a mere preference, the
great advantages they derive from a united College under State
control, with its efficient staff and national character.

'If religious difficulties are met, and conscientious scruples are
not wounded, a sacrifice of preferences must often be made. Private
wishes must often yield to the public good.

'In the first instance, all the boys of the former Collegiate School
have become students of the College; but probably a school of a
similar character, but affiliated to the College, will shortly be
formed, in which a large number of those boys will be included.

'That the headship of the College should be entrusted to the
Principal of the Queen's Collegiate School will, I am sure, be
universally f