UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 535, 6 March 1876, Page 3

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND.

MEETING OP SENATE. First Day, March 1. The Senate met in the Provincial Council Chamber. Present—The Chancellor (in the chair), the Primate, Hons E. W. Stafford and J. B. A. Acland, Bev W. Johnstone, Mr Bolleston. The Chancellor presented a report of the proceedings of the University during the year, which was read, as follows : " I have the honor to lay before the Senate a report of the progress of the University during the past year. " I have to announce that the regulations passed at last meeting have received the approval of the Governor, and have, as directed by the Senate, been sealed with the seal of the University. " I am happy to be able to state, that, in all probability, the University will shortly be in possession of a charter from her Majesty, directing that degrees conferred by this University shall be recognised in Great Britain. Some little delay has arisen owing to an objection having been taken by the Imperial Government to the terms of the 23rd clause of the University Act, which, besides giving power to the Senate to confer degrees in certain specified departments of knowledge, gives also a general power of conferring degrees in any other department of knowledge. This power, it is thought, is too wide and indefinite, and with a view of meeting the objection, an Act was passed during the last session of the General Assembly, altering the provision in question, and restricting the degrees to be conferred to the departments specifically enumerated. "EXAMINATION FOR B A. DEGREE. " In accordance with the arrangements made at the last meeting, I placed myself in communication with the Registrar of the University of London, so soon as I could get the necessary explanatory documents printed, on the subject of the appointment of examiners for degrees. My letter and the accompanying papers were posted on the 2nd of July last, I have, however, as yet received no reply from the Registrar, but I have received a private letter from Dr Hector, informing me that he had been in communication with Dr Carpenter, the Registrar, from whom he learned that the enclosures which had accompanied my letter had not at that time (November 10th) reached their destination. Dr Hector tells me further, that the Senate do not appear disposed to appoint examiners, but will, in his opinion, be ready to furnish a list of examiners recommended for the various subjects, the actual appointment being made by this Senate, who will be wholly responsible for the conduct and quality of the examination. The University of London, it appears, always appoint two conj'.int examiners in each subject, and rather prefer to appoint professors and teachers as examiners, the candidate being passed only when both examiners agree. There appears also to be some doubt how far the scale of fees as proposed is sufficient. The character of the subjects set, and the text books given, appear to be considered as beyond the usual standard, if the examinations are to be searching. " It was understood at the last meeting of the Senate that the examination in 1876 for the B.A. degree was to be held in May of that year; but on reference to the regulations specifying terms to be kept and examinations to be passed for the B.A. degree, clause X, it will be seen that this examination is to be fixed for some day in November in each year. I have, therefore, thought it better to await the decision of the Senate on the question. " It will be seen that two gentlemen who matriculated to the University of Otago pre. vious to the affiliation of that body to this University have, under clause XI. of the same regulation, become qualified to obtain the B.A. degree. It, therefore, will be for the Senate to take their claims into consideration. " There are some applications to be considered from teachers, who desire to avail themselves of the regulation permitting certain teachers to proceed to the B.A, degree. AD EUNDEM DEGREES. " I have received various applications from graduates of other Universities for ad eundem degrees in this University, which will be duly laid before the Senate. EXAMINATION FOR UNDERGRADUATES. " Some misapprehension appears to exist as to the position of undergraduates who matriculated to the University before the regulations passed at last meeting of the Senate came into force. " It will be remembered, that in the regulation repealing all former statutes and regulations, all rights and privileges acquired under the repealed provisions were carefully reserved. On the other hand, it may be assumed, as a matter of course, that the corresponding obligations remain in force. The practical result of this is that there are now two sets of regulations in operation : those applicable to students who matriculated under the old regulations, and have not signified their willingness to come under the new regulations, and those which apply to students who have either matriculated under the new regulations, or who have signified their willingness to come under them. " The more important of the obligations imposed by the old regulations is, that all students are required to pass an annual University examination, in addition to the College examination, which is now alone required ; and on proceeding to their examination for the B.A. degree, they must undergo an examination in all the prescribed subjects at the end of their term, whereas under the present regulations they may pass part of the examination at the end of two years, and the remainder at the end of the third year. Some of the undergraduates—principally those at the Auckland College—seem to have misunderstood the requirements of the regulation, and to have supposed that by passing the College examination, they were relieved from the necessity of passing the University examination. Although the regulation in question makes the annual University examinations obligatory upon all students of the University, it was supposed that the students on the books of affiliated institutions were excepted, notwithstanding the fact that the regulation makes no exception, and also notwithstanding the fact that papers were sent to the undergraduates containing the list of subjects in which the examination would be held, and which, by the regulation, was made to coincide with the scholarship examination. " A list will be laid before the Senate for the consideration of those under-graduates still under the old regulations, who have either failed to pass the annual University examination held in May last, or have absented themselves from that examination.

In these cases it is for the Senate to decide whether they shall keep additional terms before proceeding to the B.A. degree. " The examiner in physical science suggests that the examination in zoology and botany should, besides testing the knowledge which the candidates may have acquired from books, also test their capacity of applying that knowledge by means of natural specimens, The difficulty of this plan is, that the trans* mission of these specimens would not only involve some expense, but might 60 injure them as to make them useless for the purpose. This difficulty, it is suggested by the abovenamed gentleman, may be met to a certain extent by employing only dried specimens. He also suggests that two examiners should be appointed for the physical and natural science sections—one for each section—and that more time should be allowed for each subject.

"I was directed to fix certain text books for chemistry, and after consultation with those who, I thought, would give me the best advice, I fixed upon those mentioned in the calendar. MATRICULATION EXAMINATION. "I have, under the resolution authorising me in that behalf, appointed local Boards of Examiners, for the most part consisting of gentlemen recommended by the authorities of affiliated institutions. SCHOLARSHIPS. " The examination for scholarships was held this year under the old regulations. It will have been seen from a return of the results of the last scholarship examination, as published in the Government Gazette, that twenty-eight candidates presented them* selveß at the examination, of whom fourteen were successful, four of these having gained scholarships in two subjects—altogether eighteen scholarships having been awarded. None of the candidates succeeded in gaining sufficient marks in the class modern lan* guages, history, and English literature, to entitle them to a scholarship ; probably be* cause in this branch the number of marks to be gained, and the variety of studies ineluded, rendered success more difficult than in other groups. "The scholars of the second year, who hold their scholarships under the conditions laid down in the old regulations, were this year seven in number, of whom only one gained a number of marks sufficient to entitle him to retain the scholarship gained in the previous year. The examiners appointed for conducting this examination were the same gentlemen as those appointed to ex* amine the candidates for scholarships, in the subjects fixed upon by the Council at its meeting in 1874. The list of subjects so fixed were communicated t© the respective scholars, who were informed that they would be examined in these subjects at the end of their first year's tenure of the scholarships. Notwithstanding this information, it appears that most of the scholars understood that they would not be required to pass in the subjects prescribed, but only in that parti* cular portion of them in which they hap* pened to gain their scholarship. Thns, it was thought that the University did not require from its scholars evidence of pursuit of general culture, but only of their having maintained the standard of proficiency in the one subject in which they originally distinguished themselves. "The scholarships gained at the last examination, as well as those gained in the previous year, will continue to be held under the old regulations by those who fulfil the conditions imposed. One of these conditions is, that the holder should pass satisfactorily the annual University examination. It is for the Senate to consider whether this examination might not be made to coincide with the annual examinations in affiliated institutions, and be conducted by their examiners.

" It might probably be desirable, in this case, to prescribe a certain number of necessary subjects in which the scholars would be required to pass ; or at least some means might be taken to assure the University that these scholars were not neglecting their general studies, while receiving the emoluments attached to the scholarships. Under the new regulations the University examination is dispensed with, and the passing of the annual examination of the affiliated institution is substituted as a condition of the continued tenure of the scholarship. "It will be necessary that the ' Senate should make provision for the appointment of examiners for the examination of candidates for junior scholarships, in the subjects already notified. The only subject of examination which the Senate is required to determine for next year's examination is the period of history. " I may mention here, that some questions havejarisen as to the precise meaning of the terms used in the regulation for junior scholarships, which restricts the scholarships to those entering upon their University course. It is asked, what is the exact period here designated. "It should be remarked that the undergraduate examination was, in accordance with the regulation, made to coincide with the scholarship examination. " The examiners for scholarships report : "1. Classics Translation into English fairly done; but the composition, the best test of scholarship, is bad. The papers of the second year's scholars were not generally better than those of the candidates, although two of them did very well, except in composition,

" 2. Mathematics. —There is a decided improvement on former years, particularly in the papers of undergraduates. There is evidence of very careful training and proparation; some of the papers show mathematical ability of no common order. The Euclid papers are very good, most of the candidates having studied the subject eon* scientionsly and thoroughly. A difficulty hat been experienced in the printing of the papers for this examination, which has had the effect of making them in some respects incorrect in the printed copy, The printing offices, it appears, have not the whole of the type requisite for expressing all the symbols used. I would suggest in future, that the examiners should be requested to supervise the printing of their respective papers, so that wherever the type might be deficient they might supply in writing what is wanting. I mention this point, because it would not be fair to the examiner to suppose that the incorrectness of his paper was due to any want of care on his part, How far this plan would be feasible in the case of Greek papers, I have no means of knowing, as I am not informed as to the places in which Greek type is available. "3. Physical Science.—The general work of the first year's undergraduates is good; that of those of the second year inferior. This may probably be attijbatable to the fact that some of these students have afe tempted to pass in all subjects, while the

time allowed for examination (three hours) is insufficient to work out full and complete answers to more than two subjects at the most, and thus the work done is hurried and imperfect. "4. Modern Languages, History, English Literature.—As this forms a group by itself, it was necessary, in order to obtain a scholarship, that the candidate should obtain at least half the maximum marks allotted to the group, which is 1500. In French, 14 candidates sent in papers, and there was only one whose paper gave indications of proficiency, In German, no paper was sent in by any of the candidates, and only one by the undergraduates, and of this the examiner ■ays, that although it might be wished that the translations from English into German had been more finished, yet that these translations, as well as the answers in grammar, evince an accurate and well-grounded knowledge of the structure and vocabulary of the language. In history and English literature although the examination of the candidates in European history, and that of second year's scholars in Snakspeare, was satisfactory—yet the collected result of this part of the group was not altogether what might be desired. Out of twelve candidates only two got half marks and upwards, of a maximum of 1000 J and out of six of the second year, only one reached that number. " Paperswerejalso given in logic and moral philosophy, and in jurisprudence, for those of the undergraduates who wished to pass in these j but in the former of these branches no one presented himself for examination, and in jurisprudence only one, who obtained half marks. BOWEN PRIZE ESSAY. " I regret to say that one of the examiners for this prize, Mr Fitz Gerald, has resigned his office, and under the authority of the regulation I have appointed Professor Sale in his place. Only two essays have been sent in this year for competition, and are now under the consideration of the examiners. Oonsiderable delay must necessarily arise in determining the respective merits of these productions, owing to the distance at which the several examiners reside from each other. The capital sum is still in the Savings' Bank, as I have not been able to hear of any eligible investment in land, as directed by the deed of foundation. BESERYES. • "In reference to the resolutions passed at last meeting, it will be seen that, during the last session of the General Assembly, an Act was passed for defining the manner in which the lands intended to be set apart for the University should be dealt with. Provision is also made for defining further reserves in the provinces of Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury. I have drawn the attention of the Government to this latter provision, and suggested that it should be given effect to within the time prescribed by the Act. I venture to express an opinion that the Senate should consider the manner in which this property should be dealt with, and make representations accordingly to the General Assembly. GENERAL. " Music—With regard to the regulation specifying the proceedings necessary for obtaining degrees in music, although I have had no specific announcement from any candidate of an intention to proceed to that degree, except from a gentleman who failed at the time of matriculation to declare such intention, yet, as I have received two letters of inquiry upon the subject, it might perhaps be desrable that the Senate should consider the manner in which the provisions contained in the regulations should be carried out.

" Inquiries have been made as to whether there is any probability of a Chair or School of Medicine being established in connection with this University, or whether the University will afford advanced medical students of other Universities means of becoming qualified to practise. "Transfer of Accounts.—The University account has, according to a resolution passed at last meeting, been transferred from the branch of the Bank of New Zealand at Dunedin, to the branch of the same Bank at Ohristchurch, and the moneys not immediately required have been invested as directed, on fixed deposit for varying periods. " Supply of Books.—With a view to giving effect to the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Senate in reference to a supply of books for the use of students and others connected with the University, I addressed letters to those booksellers in different parts of the colony who, from what I could learn appeared to me most likely to meet the requirements, asking whether they could undertake to supply, whenever wanted, the text books recommended by the Senate. Letters to this effect were sent to eight booksellers in Auckland, Nelson, Wellington, and Ohristchurch, a communication having been previously received from a firm in Dunedin recommended by one of the members of the Senate. I have also sent a list of the text books recommended to those who expressed their willingness to act for the University in the matter, and I have reason to believe that the required text books may generally be obtained at Dunedin, Nelson, Auckland, and Ohristchurch—viz. : Messrs Beith and Wilkie, Dunedin; Hounsell, Nelson; Wayte, Auckland; Bowden and Son, Ohristchurch. At the instance of some of the affiliated institutions, the examination papers, given at the several annual examinations held by them, have been inserted in the calendar. On this suggestion being made to me, 2 invited the rest of the affiliated institutions to send their respective examination papers, and the whole will be found in the appendix to the calendar. This, however, has caused considerable delay, and has had the effect of making it impossible to bring out the calendar at the usual time. In view of this inconvenience, and of the additional expense incurred, it is desirable that the Senate should express an opinion as to the desirableness of adopting this course in the future. In case it should be decided to make the publication of these papers a permanent part of the system, it would perhaps be desirable that some independent report •hould be prepared and annually presented to the Senate as to the value of the several papers sent in at these examinations, "Hbney John Tanobed, " Chancellor." The report was ordered to be printed, The Senate adjourned until next day. Second Day—March 2. The Senate met pursuant to adjournment. Present—The Chancellor (in the chair), the Vioe-Ohancellor, the Primate, the Revs J. C. Andrew and W. Johnstone, Hons E. W. Stafford, W. Gisborne, and J, B. A. Acland, Messrs Heale and Rolloston. A letter was read from Bev Dr Stuart, asking to be excused t torn, attendance during tali iweiofl, I

A letter was read from Mr Bernard Doile, forwarding a diploma as evidenoe for obtainan ad eundem degree. A letter was received from the Rev S. Edger, requesting the Senate to reconsider the position of his daughter with regard to her mathematical scholarship gained in 1874. The Chancellor laid on the table a paper of suggestions from Professor Sale of the University of Otago, and Professor Brown of the Canterbury College. On the motion of the Rev J. C. Andrew, it was resolved to consider Mr Bdger's letter. Mr Macrae attended for the purpose of giving information on the subject of Mr Edger's letter. The Senate went into committee to consider the question of Mr Edger's complaint. Ultimately, it was resolved—" That a select committee be appointed to inquire into and report on the letter of Mr Edger, and the case of the scholars of 1874 who have failed to retain their scholarships; the committee to consist of the Chancellor, ViceChancellor, Rev J. 0. Andrew, and Mr Heale."

The Vice-Chancellor laid on the table suggestions by the Master of Wellington College, concerning the Court of Convocation. A memorial was received from the Board of Education, Auckland, regarding the statement in the JVew Zealand Government Gazette of sth August, 1875, that six undergraduates of Auckland had failed to pass the examination of 1874.

On the motion of the Rev J. C. Andrew, it was resolved—" That a select committee be appointed to consider and report on the case of the undergraduates who were gazetted as having failed to pass the University examination of May, 1875, the committee to consist of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Hon W. Gisborne, RevW. Johnstone and the mover." The Senate adjourned until next day, Third Day—March 3.

The Senate met at 2.30 p.m. Present— The Chancellor in the chair, the ViceChancellor, the Primate, Revs J. C. Andrew, and W. Johnstone, Hons W. Gisborne, Stafford, and J. B. A, Acland, Messrs Rolleston and Heale. The report of the Select Committee appointed to enquire into the case of the scholars of 1874 who have failed to retain their scholarships was brought up, and read as follows :—" Your committee recommend that inasmuch as the scholars of the year 1874 appear to have misunderstood the regulations for the retention of their scholarships, such scholarships be continued until the nest examination to all those scholars who in the examination of May, 1875, gained half marks in the subjects for whieh the scholarships are awarded." On the motion of the Rev J. C. Andrew the recommendation of the report was adopted. On the motion of the Rev J. 0. Andrew it was resolved that the applications for ad eundem degrees be considered. The following gentlemen were then admitted to the various degrees, viz:—M.A., Rev J. C. Andrew, Messrs J. Col borne- Veel, J. McGregor, and C. B. Haughton; 8.A., Mr H. 0. Adams; M.D., Messrs P. Doyle and B. Doyle; M. 8,, Mr A. K. Newman; L.L.B, Mr A. Loughiey. An application was received from Mr W. Brown for an ad eundem degree of M.A.; but being unaccompanied by any proof, the consideration of the application was postponed. On the motion of the Vice-Chancellor, it was resolved —" That the suggestions by the master of "Wellington College concerning the Court of Convocation be considered on Monday next.