UNIVERSITY SENATE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1877, 28 February 1880, Page 3

UNIVERSITY SENATE.

The Senate resumed at ten o'clock yesterday, the Chancellor (H. J. Tancred, Esq.), presiding. Professor Brown, Professor Shand, Bev. W. Johnston, Kev. J. C. Andrew, Hon. H. J. Miller, Bev. D. Bruce, Professor Sale, Profeisor Von Haast, Hon. W. Gisborne, Dr. Hector, Bev. Dr. Boseby, Rev. Mr Habens, Rev. Ohas. Praser. The Chancellor stated that he had received an application from Mr Percy B. Adams, enclosing certificate, for the M.A. degree ad eundem.

On the motion of the Rev. J. C. Andrew, the question was postponed, the certificate being informal. An application was received from Mr Ohas. D. Irving for admission to the University ad eundem B.A.

The Bev. D. Bruce produced a proxy on behalf of the Rev. J. Paterson.

This application having been sent in too late, could not be entertained. Professor Brown submitted the report of the committee appointed to fix books and periods. On the motion of the Bev. W. Johnston, it was resolved—" That the consideration of the report be an order of the day for next sitting day." The Bev. J. C. Andrew moved—" That the Senate at its risiDg to-day do adjourn to 2.30 p.m. on Monday, March Ist." The Hon. Mr Gisborne, in speaking to the motion, drew attention to the proceedings of the day previons, when, in his absence, the report of the committee on the operations of the Royal Commission was shelved. He pointed out that this placed the Senate at a disadvantage, inasmuch as their views on the matter could not be represented when the Legislature met.

The Rev. C. Fraser suggested that the Chancellor might call a special meeting of the Senate to review the question in the event of the Legislature dealing with it. Pr.)feßsor Von Haast was of opinion that it would be well to have the matter brought up at a later period, and they might appoint a sub-committee to consider it thoroughly. The Kev. W. Johnston asked how the question referred to was connected with the adjournment. The Hon. Mr Miller apprehended that it was simply a question of time. Professor Brown said it would be necessary to sit on Saturday and all Sunday if the report on the Royal Commission was to be considered.

The Eev. Mr Habens considered the question raised by Mr Gisborne very pertinent to the motion, as if the Senate did not meet on Monday, the report of the Eoyal Commission could not be considered. To focuß the question he would therefore move as an amendment—" That the Senate at its rising adjourn till Tuesday, at ten o'clock." Seconded by Mr Gisborne. The Rev. D. Bruce thought the Senate ought to meet on Monday at any rate, as they had quite sufficient work on their hands. Some discussion ensued, Eventually the amendment was withdrawn, and the original resolution carried. Some dicoussion took place on a motion by Professor Tor. Haast, as to practical examinations being introduced, and some amendments therein were made. The resolution itm ulti-

mately passed in the following form: —" That it is highly desirable that, in addition to the written examination, a praotioal examination should be held in chemistry and in each branch of natural science, and that a committee be appointed to report on their practicability, and to define the icopa of these examinations ; the committee to consist of Dr. Hector, Professor Bhand, the Rev. J. C. Andrew, the Rev. D. Bruce, and the mover, and that the letters of Professors Black and Bickerton be referred to this committee."

The motion of Professor Sale re University examinations, was amended and passed as follows :—" That the Chancellor be requested, when writing to Dr. Carpenter on the subject of the University examinations, to point out that the Senate is anxious that the standard of examination in classics be as nearly as possible equal to that of the complete B.A. examination of the London University in that subjeot."

Professor Brown moved—" That instructions be given to Examiners in Honours to consult on candidates' answers to papers which are set by different examiners." Some discussion ensued, and several amendments were proposed to be made in the resolution, which was ultimately passed in the following form :—" That where there are different examiners for honours in one group of subjects, such examiners be instructed to communicate with each other, and make a joint recommendation as to the classes in which such candidates are to beplaced." The following motion stood opposite the name of the Rev. Mr Bruce :—" That the University accounts of the year be passed as audited."

The question was still further postponed.^ Professor Brown moved : dates for the B.A. degree be allowed to take up optional subjects alone at the first section of the B.A. degree, provided that not less than three be taken up." The Rev. Dr. Roseby seconded the motion. A lengthy discussion of a conversational character ensued, most of the speakers deprecating any alteration of the rules in the direction indicated.

A division was taken on the question, which was negatived by 8 to 5. Rev. Dr. Roseby moved—" That a committee consisting of Professors Shand and Brown, Rev. Mr Fraser, Rev. Mr Bruce, and the mover, be appointed to specify subjects of examination for LL.B. degree, and if they deem it expedient, to append a list of works to be recommended to students therein."

Seconded by Professor Brown and carried. Several notices of motion were given. The Senate then (at 12.30) adjourned till 2.30 p.m. on Monday.