IN CAP AND GOWN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 737, 9 August 1929, Page 11

IN CAP AND GOWN

GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR AUCKLAND STUDENTS ADDRESSES IN TOWN HALL j Accompanied by the strains of I “Gaudeamus,” played by Dr. Thomas at the great organ and sung by hundreds of voices, graduands of the Auckland University College, staff members and officials entered the Town Hal! at 2.30 o’clock this afternoon for the annual graduation ceremony. Prior to the official opening of the proceedings the graduands assembled at the college and, following the timehonoured custom, marched in procession to the Town Hall, where they formed up in proper order in the supper-room. A big attendance of students, friends, and the public filled the body of the hall, space being reserved at the left of the platform for the graduands. Besides the officials of the college there were present his Worship the Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, in full regalia, and the Town Clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham. The impressive procession of .students was followed immediately by the address of the college president, Sir George Fowlds, and the presentation of the awards. , LOWER ATTENDANCE Observing that the annual increase in the college rolls had not been maintained in the last two years, Sir George said that the trouble Was world-wide. In spite of the council’s efforts fees had mounted steadily, and he was strongly of opinion that no further increase should be made. It was regrettable in New Zealand that students’ fees must constitute such a high percentage of university income. In Sydney in 1924 they were approximately 23 per cent, of the total income and fn England in 192-27 they ranged from 14 per cent, to 22 per cent. This year the Auckland fees would be about 40 per cent, of the college income. “Bursaries are now available for most students of fair ability,” he said. “It is surprising how few parents can afford to keep their child- | ren at a secondary school long enough | to qualify.” “We have carefully considered the School of Fine Arts proposal,” said Sir George. “Such an object must be worthy of full support and its attainment would reflect t great credit on Auckland.” After congratulating the staff and students on the success of the academic year he referred to the work of the Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, instituting the courses in local body government and finance. His own proposals for past-graduate study had also borne fruit. EXCELLENT RECORD After the degrees and diplomas had been presented, the successful students w(#e congratulated by Professor ■T. Maxwell Walker, chairman of the University Professorial Board. He drew particular attention to the fact that the college had been uncommonly j successful with its higher scholarships, | having eight out of the twelve senior i scholarships for the whole of New Zealand. Further, the university had again secured the Rhodes Scholarship award, which had been won by Mr. E. E. Bailey. This was the eighth Rhodes Scholarship secured by the college since 1908. In paying a tribute to the secondary schools of the Auckland Province, Professor Walker said that without their good work such results at the college would be impossible. It seemed invidious to particularise, but no one would mind his mentioning the Auckland Grammar School, now celebrating its diamond jubilee. On behalf of his board, he congratulated that school for Its services in the cause of education. Of course, the work of the university was not fully represented by examination successes, he said. A great deal of valuable research work was done by the staff in collaboration with the students, and papers of great value to science were published from time to time by the college. Sports and social life was also of value, though there might be a tendency of iate to overdo this side of university activity. In congratulating the successful students on behalf of their fellows, Mr. A. K. Turner, president of the Students’ Association, urged them to recognise that the days of their service to the university were not ended. At one time, he said, it was the custom to regard graduation as the last act of one’s university existence, but today the services of the university were so extended that no longer was it possible for the affairs to be performed by present students and undergraduates. The university looked to its graduates for continued help. The playing and singing of the National Anthem closed the ceremony.