University Problems.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16451, 19 February 1919, Page 6

University Problems.

The new public interest in education should ensure that the proceedings of the iSonato of the University, now in session, will bo follower! with, closer attention than has been the case in past years. Probably tho wider public which now recognises, mora or less clearly, tho importance of (fdueation in tho life of a nation will look chiefly for tho signs tlmfc tho University, in a world which is being niado "safe for democracy," is to servo democratic ends, a thing whicli the average man has not been inclined to suspect any university of doing. Tho University, ol course, lias always been serving the ends of democracy by promoting progress in efficiency ami civilisation, but this is not so generally understood that the University can afford to go its useful way unheeding tho j growing desire of the people for an in- j spection and overhaul of all tho institutions of society. In his address to tho Senate yesterday' tho Chancellor made it clear that ho lias no objection to tho "democrntisation" of the University. On tho contrary, he-desires that popular interest in the University should' bo encouraged, and ho suggests, in a cautious discussion of tho movement in Great Britain, that something could be done to givo to tho people, through their local bodies, somo direct representation in the body of University government. As tho Minister of Education, suggested that the reform should come from within, tho Senate will doubtless, consider the general question before tho session ends. It is reasonably open to doubt, however, whether tho University will gain by any roforni which may ultimately impose upon it tho duty ef conforming to '.'local body" opinion. But there need be no reserve in supporting tho Chancellor's views upon tho extension of University College lectures to provide tuition not only for undergraduates but for all person's desirous of acquiring knowledge. A large portion of the Chancellor's address was directed towards a defence of the Senate's rights against the encroaching' tendeucies of the Board of Studies, and a more ample exposition than usual of the case for maintaining tho system of external examinations. Although this is a matter which affects the nations' interest in that it touches tho efficiency of University teaching, it will remain interesting rather to tho professors than to the people at largo.