UNIVERSITY SENATE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1659, 28 January 1913, Page 4

UNIVERSITY SENATE.

—— : —— RA. DEGREE AND MATRICULATION. • ! SUGGESTED LEGISLATION.' .! (By Telegraph.—Press Association,) ■ Auckland, January 27. At the University Senate the Rov. A. Cameron moved that candidates for the, B.A. degroe who do not take 'mathematics as ono of their subjects be required to take mental science! He submitted that his proposal would have beneficial results until the Senate arrived at scin© satisfactory grouping of subjects. Professor Chilton moved as an amendment: "That candidates for the B.A. degree be required'to tako two subjects out of the three following groups:—(a) Latin or Greek; (b) pure mathematics or mental science; (c) applied mathematics, physical science, botany,; zoology, chemistry, or geology." Mr. llogben seconded the amendtacnt, and a discussion immediately aroso upon the question of whether or not Latin (or Greek) Bhould bo a compulsory subject. It was generally agreed that there should be some science.taken by a candidate for tho B.A. degree. The feeling was that a candidate should bo compelled to take either mathematics or mental science, but that question was too big a one to be decided off-hand. Both amendment and motion were thrown out, and the disfcussion was dropped. The Rev. A. Cameron moved: "That a candidate for matriculation who has satisfied the examiner in all but one of the; subjects shall not necessarily bo required to present these subjects again. If the committee of tho Senate so recommends, he; shall, be allowed to complete, his examination by passing in tho remaining subject required of him by the, regulations." Mr. Cameron said that in bringing on this motion he had in mind what was done in Wales. He did hot ask that every candidate who had passed in all subjects but one be allowed to sit again, in that subject alone to complete matriculation. . Such a Concession would not be asked for in tho case of a candidate who had only scraped through in other subjects. The safeguards that existed would effectively ensure that the standard be kept up; The motion was carried after a'long discussion by 18 votes to eight. Professor Macmillan Brown,moved: (1) That bofore coming ,to a decision on any question relating to the definition, 6cope, or treatment , of anjr subject in a university examination or its relationship to other subjects if, beset, with difficulties, tho senate ascertain the opinion of tho' members of the oollege (staffs who teach tho subject, and if the question relates also to the entrance examinations it ascertain the opinion of the heads of the secondary schools. (2) That before coming to a deoision on vital questions relating to the. Constitution or working of the uni-' versity it ascertain tho. opinions of tho various bodies, connected with the'university whose interests, arc involved in the result, such - as the governing' bodies and tho stall's of tho colleges and the convocation. (3) That a committee l.e appointed to 6uggest methods of ascertaining the opinions efficiently. Dr. Pichett said the motion would mean delay. He thought, they should do something practical in the direction of reconstructing tho university.. He would not oppose tho motion, but he would ask Professor Brown's permission to add the following two clauses to the ; motion:—(4) That the committee confer with the governing bodies and teaching staffs of colleges, and also with the convocation cn the expediency of a Bill to reconstitute the university on lines that, whilo not in any ,way affecting the oorporate entity of the oolloges, their autonomy, or finance, will nssociato them more directly with the university government. (5) That if- a working agreement is arrived at? the committee draft 'such-'a Bill and submit it to the Senate: and tho oollcges for consideration. .

After further discussion tho motion as amended by the. addition of Dr. Fichett's suggestions was" submitted-to the Senate and carried on the voices.,, On the motion of Mr. Hogben it was resolved that in every subject special papers be set for- repent examination, and that senior scholarships be awarded on these papers, it was further decided to submit the resolution to tho teachers of subjects in the four colleger to suggest dotinitlons for papers. :: . Hogben that a candidate lor the. B.A. or I3.be. degree shall no* be deemed to havo kept the terms of his jear iimess his course of study hao been approved by the Professorial Board • ..ft 13 lost by 13 votes to 9. -Lhe loljowlng were, appointed a committee to consider the results of entranco oxaraiuations:-l'rofessors K 11. fi {A r™' and Chilton, r ' Hogben, and the Rev. A. Cameron.