A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 03 August 1910

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the foundation stone of the Transvaal University College was laid by Lord Gladstone.

The Governor-General struck the foundation stone with a silver trowel and silver-mounted mallet that was designed Mr. J. J. Kirkness, the builder of the University College. Lord Gladstone congratulated the TUC on their past achievements. He stated: “statistics with which I have been furnished show clearly the need, and the pressing need, in the Transvaal of some means of outlet for its intellectual activities, and it is a most satisfactory fact to notice that whereas there was only one intermediate pass in 1903 and 16 matriculations, these have now risen to 52 and 98 respectively”. He continued: “I look forward to the time when, linked up with this most interesting institution, there will arise a South African teaching residential university –(applause)- not only confining its teaching to literate humanities but extending it to all higher branches of learning such as law, theology, medicine, history, science and so forth – a university that will encourage research, perhaps above all, a university which will be the means of bringing men together, to a clearer experience, as well as knowledge by contact, with those who are not only there for the purpose of seeking knowledge in one direction, but of all those who are seeking education and knowledge in all directions. There lies the true value of a great national university.”

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