Graduation Address

"Address by Premier Hugh John Flemming"(14 October 1953). (UA Case 69, Box 1)

Your Honour; Mr. President; Members of the Faculty; Students and Graduates of the University; Ladies and Gentlemen:

May I open my remarks today by expressing just a little of my feeling, Mr. President, for the honour which you have paid to my two good friends as well as to me. I am sure it has been a memorable occasion for all of us.

It is also very fitting, Sir, that I should refer to the fact that this is the first ceremony of the kind over which you have presided just as it happens to be the first one which I have attended in this capacity.

I have great confidence that the University will have many successful years of growth under your direction. You have youth. You have the requisite talents and abilities. Above all, I am confident that you have an abiding belief in your native Province and a hope for its future which will be an inspiration to your work here at the University. May I express my very best wishes to you for a long period of constructive achievement in the years that lie ahead.

Through the Honorary degrees conferred here today, this University has honoured representatives of Science, of Business, and of Government. It is my feeling that some remarks on the relationship of our Provincial University toward these three professions may be timely and significant.

During the past two hundred years, Science has transformed the life of mankind and indeed made possible the multiplication of human population which now presses upon the supply of many natural resources. We find ourselves at the highest point yet reached in this period of scientific progress. We live in the Atomic Age. We have conquered space to the extent of being able to dine in London and to take breakfast in Saint John or Fredericton. By turning a button, we are able to hear someone speak, almost instantly, 4000 or 5000 miles away. Many types of hitherto fatal disease have been conquered - and everywhere the wonderful human hand and the wonderful human brain have searched and discovered and adapted and transformed the forces of nature to the uses of mankind.

Fifty years ago, it seemed to scientific prophets, such as the late H.G. Wells, that increasing knowledge would set men free and that Progress and Peace were merely questions of scientific management. Such writers and thinkers made a religion of materialism and taught that there was a scientific answer to all the social, ethical and moral problems of human life.

We are living among the ruins of such theories of scientific perfection in this era, which has been named, be a modern poet, "The Age of Anxiety". Today, we have progressed, from the scientific point of view, far beyond anything envisioned and predicted fifty years ago, only to find that our World has grown more terrible and more dangerous than at any time for centuries and that moreover, Science has discovered ways and means which could destroy most of human life and perhaps the physical entity of the Globe itself.

Tragically, there is no scientific answer to such a danger. There is no gadget which can guard us against chaos and destruction. There is no machine to set us beyond the reach of our fears and of our anxieties. So I believe that the on-rush of tragic events has resolved the generations-old controversy between Science and the Humanities. We need them both - and we especially need to stress the humanities because they have tended to be neglected in the dramatic surge of scientific discovery and achievement and in the huge economic developments of this generation.

We see Materialism carried to its inhuman excess in the doctrines of communism and once more the Western World, at least, turns away from these horrible extremes of Logic to older wisdoms which are founded upon human experience, and are expressed in Ethical Systems, Literature, Art, and above all, in Religion.

I say that we had better consider the Humanities and muster to our defence all the wit and wisdom of the prophets and of the philosophers - all their logic and reason - the utmost in their spiritual thought. In short, I think we have learned tht Knowledge is not enough. We must have Wisdom. Merely clever men cannot be entrusted with the power to control our World. The forces of society require Wisdom and men must be more than wise. They must be good. They must be kind. They must be patient, one with another. Perhaps the psychiatrist can teach such things but most of us still look, for such instruction, to the Profession of the Arts, to the Artist, to the Writer and to religious teachers.

If Humanity is to survive. If we are to use the great contributions, which Science has brought to us, constructively instead of destructively, we must restore the balance through our educational methods. In the fostering of these "inward satisfactions" of noble and beautiful thoughts, we can find the answers to "brain-washings - mass-thinking - and the propaganda which beats unceasingly upon our minds". With the balance restored, our studies of Science, of Commerce, and of Government can be carried out in their proper moral pattern.

I am greatly pleased that the University has seen fit to honour one of the most distinguished members of faculty. In preparing these remarks, I have had to make a rather rapid survey of the history of the University since 1828 when the first degrees were conferred and it first assumed its University status. I have been struck by the balance which one generation after another of University administrators have preserved between the Arts and the Sciences. For such a comparatively small institution, the scientific side of things has always been in the hands of remarkable succession of dedicated teachers - of whom Dr. MacKenzie is the latest and by no means the least accomplished. We have been fortunate, indeed, to have the educational services of Dr. MacKenzie and his contribution to the Province has culminated in the present mineral discoveries which offer so much hope for the future of New Brunswick.

It is possible, Mr. President, to discover a kind of parable in the circumstances which have resulted in the mineral discoveries in Northern New Brunswick and which, indirectly, have brought Dr. MacKenzie andour good friend, Mr. Boylen, to these halls today.

Had it not been for the necessary knowledge of Geology, the mineral wealth, which has been found in our Province, would still lie as undiscovered as it had for untold ages. It took scientific study and knowledge to infer that metals might be found. It took scientific techniques of the most advanced kind to finally say "there it is". Without Knowledge - Enterprise would have no opportunity. Without Enterprise - Knowledge could not have been acted upon. That is our parable, Mr. President, and in it I see important implications for the future of New Brunswick and for the future of this University.

Men studied the structure of the Earth and became able, sometimes from slight evidence, to infer where mineral treasures might be expected to be found. Dr. MacKenzie, and students trained by him, knew their chosen subject and had acquired an exhaustive knowledge of what lay beneath the surface of our Province. This knowledge was made available to those who wanted to create an enterprise. The result has been a new industry with great possibilities for our future.

One of the great pleasures and profits of a life time, properly spent, certainly consists in making new friends. I feel sure that New Brunswick has found a friend in, Mr. Boylen - a friend who, in all probability, will be taking a considerable share in our future development. I am sure that this will prove to be the case. I think I know something of his sincerity. I am very happy indeed that the University should be honouring him today. I am sure, Mr. Boylen will not mind my describing him as an exponent of Enterprise. He represents the restless and yet constructive spirit which has been responsible for the creation of the North American Economy - a creation with no rival in the history of the World.

At this time in history, much of the strength of the Free World depends upon the resources, natural and industrial, of the North American continent. Without them the whole structure of international law and order would collapse. Undoubtedly, the hopes of free men are centred upon this continent because here and only here are concentrated, in sufficient supply, the resources, the weapons and the industrial skills necessary for Free World defence.

It might be inquired as to just why the North American continent should possess this tremendous economy, this huge industrial capacity and these millions of highly trained industrial workers at this crucial moment in history. The answer is simple - Enterprise. - All that complex of inducements, and desires, which make men want to run risks and to create new industries, new jobs and new wealth.

The man whom we are honouring today has been and is associated with a great many mining enterprises. His name is known in every part of Canada - especially in the great Northern territories from where Canada's new wealth is coming. Hard work, rough and hurried journeys, risk and still more risk have been his experience since his younger days. He belongs to the company and tradition of those who will always be pioneers.

Science and Enterprise are equally honoured in this Convocation today. We New Brunswickers are people with a sense of respect for all deserving citizens. Extremes - in politics - in theory - in anything - are not in our provincial habits of mind. For that reason, I do not believe that we will ever permit the public interest and private interests to come into conflict as they eventually do in totalitarian countries. Here, in New Brunswick, I trust that we shall always have room for both Business and Government and that we shall always have a proper balance between them.

The relationship of this University to Commerce and Enterprise should be marked, I venture to believe. It seems to me that Higher Education develops the individual so that he or she is able to engage in business with a much greater prospect of success and able to make a much more valuable contribution to the community than if he or she is guided by experience and rule of thumb methods alone. Experience - training - working in the light of experience should furnish the best equipment for wise and constructive action.

The urge for Higher Education has existed from the very beginnings of our Province among all our people. It has not seemed to matter what race they belonged to or what language they spoke. One and all have venerated and supported the ideals of Higher Education. Today, in New Brunswick, we have six institutions of higher learning. They all deserve our admiration and support for each is contributing in large measures to the culture, the knowledge, and to the moral condition of our Province. All receive some assistance from the Provincial Government and also, of late years, from the Federal Government.

Among the institutions of learning, the University of New Brunswick occupies an outstanding position in that its affairs are bound up legally and by long tradition with the affairs of the Government of the Province. Other institutions of denominational character look at their individual religious foundations for a large part of their support. This University, in a sense not true of the others, belongs to the whole Province of New Brunswick and for that if for no other reason has a great responsibility to express, reasonably and broadly, an ideal and an inspiration which can be considered representative of the Province as a whole.

One of the great responsibilities of the Universities is to develop leadership in many (if not all) of the fields of human endeavour.

I doubt if there is another part of the North American continent which, relatively speaking, has produced more intellectual business and political leaders than this Province of New Brunswick. A number of our most famous men have been closely associated with university development.

It has been the great good fortune of this University to have had, as Chancellor for a considerable period, Right Honourable Lord Beaverbrook, a native son of New Brunswick who has become one of the great world figures of his time. It would be presumption for me to discuss Lord Beaverbrook's place in history, and his great achievements in many fields. However, his benefactions to this institution should be noted and also his vigorous direction and the inspiration of his unremitting interest as well as his presence among us from time to time. There is probably no place on Earth where a visit from Lord Beaverbrook would not call forth many demonstrations of respect and of hospitality. Yet I venture to think, Mr. President, that no where except in New Brunswick could any welcome await him to rival ours - because ours is a welcome Home.

Since his chancellorship began, this University has taken great strides forward. It now holds a very respected place in the field of Higher Education in Canada and much of this progress may be attributed to Lord Beaverbrook's generosity and to his leadership throughout this great period of challenge and of opportunity.

His liberality has not ended on this campus but has been spread elsewhere, through the Beaverbrook scholarships, to bring opportunities to those who deserve and earn them. A year or so ago, the wonderful choir from St. Joseph's University was able to go to Wales and win honour for this province in the great Welsh Festival of Music through the generosity of Lord Beaverbrook: while he is continually arranging for the preservation of the records and documents in connection with New Brunswick history.

In some ways, there is little that the Province and this University can do in return because he has truly created a kind of Golden Age in University development. However there are a few things that should be done. The best effort must be put forth to maintain the well-being which Lord Beaverbrook's energy and generosity have brought about. Every effort should be made to justify his faith in this institution.

It is the hope of the Government, and I am sure it is the wish of the University that some convenient means will be found so that His Lordship may retain his official connection with this institution in some capacity. The knowledge that he still has an official and intimate connection with the University of New Brunswick would be welcome and inspiring to everyone - to students - to members of the faculty - to the graduate body - and to citizens of New Brunswick in general.

I have spoken of Science and Enterprise as being two of the factors in the development of our Province. There is a third which it is my privilege to represent at these ceremonies. This third factory is Government.

The day has long passed when Government was nothing but a referee to hold the ring while the various interests battled among themselves. The public interest has been greatly enlarged in the last two decades and, I believe, may be expected to grow.

Yet there is always danger in such a tendency because the most enterprising nations are by no means those who are the most governed. Obviously some balance must be sought between Government responsibilities and the natural freedoms of the people. Enterprise cannot flourish. Initiative cannot develop. Genius cannot flower in an atmosphere of paternalism under the direction of a group of Mr. Fix-its. Societies which have depended upon the wonderful versatility of mankind are the ones which have flourished. Democracy has succeeded hitherto because it has been the form of Government which has best met these requirements.

It seems fitting, Mr. President, that I should close these remarks with some reference to the University's place in provincial life. I have already mentioned the unique character of the University of New Brunswick in that respect. It is in several respects, legal among others, a "provincial" university. Since 1859, when "The Act to Establish the University of New Brunswick" became law it has been a provincial institution, its early denominational character having thus ended 96 years ago.

Thirty years before that, in 1829, Sir Howard Douglas, (Your Honour's predecessor as Her Majesty's representative in the Province), expressed the aims of the institution in the following words, which you may find, framed and hung on the hall of the Arts Building -

"Firm may this institution ever stand and flourish - firm in the liberal constitution and Royal foundation on which I have this day instituted it - enlarging and extending its material form, and all its capacities to do good, to meet the increasing demands of a rising, prosperous and intellectual people; and may it soon acquire, and ever maintain, a high and distinguished reputation, as a place of general learning and useful knowledge."

Today - one hundred and twenty-four years later, we realize that Sir Howard's words were a true prophecy of this University's future. It has grown with the Province and become more fully representative of all our people.