Charles Nicholson was appointed in 1848 as one of the first three Commissioners of National Education in New South Wales. This appointment has understandably influenced many scholars to conclude that Nicholson was a pioneer of that system of education in the colony. In fact he was not. He was a consistent supporter of denominational education and in 1837 actually allied himself with Bishop Broughton's opposition to National education. However from 1844 onwards his attitude to the latter system softened. During the same period he became increasingly estranged from the person and policies of Broughton, and eventually dissociated himself completely from all Broughton's works. Thus he was free to work for the National system of education which he had come to regard as a necessary complement to the denominational system.
References
1.
Bourke to Stanley, 30th September, 1833. Historical Records of Australia, Ser. I, XVII, 231.
2.
Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, 2nd June, 1836.
Vessels Arrived, 1834, Part I, Records of Colonial Secretary. (Archives Office of N.S.W.)
8.
Report of the Diocesan Committee of the Societies for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts and for Promoting Christian Knowledge for 1837. Sydney: St James' Church, 1837, 62–3.
9.
Report of the Diocesan Committee of the Societies for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts and for Promoting Christian Knowledge for 1837. Sydney: St James' Church, 1837, 63 and 61.
10.
Report of the Diocesan Committee… for 1838. Sydney: St James' Church, 1838, 65. Nicholson's annual subscriptions and his participation in the work of the society subsequently earned him a place on the exclusive Standing Committee. See Report of the Diocesan Committee … for 1842; no pagination.
11.
Broughton to Dr. Keate, 1st May, 1837. Broughton Papers. (Australian National Library.)
