CHAPTER XIV: THE 'EDUCATION QUESTION' IN TRINIDAD.
When I arrived in Trinidad, the little island was somewhat excited about changes in the system of education, which ended in a compromise like that at home, though starting from almost the opposite point.
Among the many good deeds which Lord Harris did for the colony was the establishment throughout it of secular elementary ward schools, helped by Government grants, on a system which had, I think, but two defects.

First, that attendance was not compulsory; and next, that it was too advanced for the state of society in the island.
In an ideal system, secular and religious education ought, I believe, to be strictly separate, and given, as far as possible, by different classes of men.

The first is the business of scientific men and their pupils; the second, of the clergy and their pupils: and the less either invades the domain of the other, the better for the community.

But, like all ideals, it requires not only first- rate workmen, but first-rate material to work on; an intelligent and high-minded populace, who can and will think for themselves upon religious questions; and who have, moreover, a thirst for truth and knowledge of every kind.

With such a populace, secular and religious education can be safely parted.