NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY.

Press, Volume XXI, Issue 2402, 17 April 1873, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY.

The following report by the Chancellor for the consideration of the Council has been handed to us for publication :— I herewith submit to the Council a report of the action taken during the past year for giving effect to the regulations passed, and other proceedings of the Council, taken at the last and previous meeting of the Council, together with suggestions for supplying some omissions, and for improving the machinery of the University. I am happy to be able to announce that all the most important of the regulations passed have received the approval of his Excellency the Governor.

It will be remembered that at our last meeting our proceedings could only be provisional, because the regulations which were essential for the performance of our functions were approved of in a form which rendered them valid only for a limited time. Thus the provisions for the affiliation of Collegiate institutions, the regulations for scholarships, and the regulations for the appropriation of funds, were made to expire on tbe 12th of October last, and after that day became inoperative. The Council, it will be remembered, passed at its last meeting regulations on these subjects, reviving on the next day, that is to say, on the 13th of October, the regulations which had thus expired, and his Excellency has been since advised to give his approval to them.

The provisions made for these purposes may now be considered as permanent, and accordingly those affected by them —the collegiate institutions as well as the scholars —may now make their arrangements accordingly. UNIVERSITY CALENDAR. I have to present to the Council copies of a University calendar, prepared in accordance with the wishes expressed by the members of the Council at its last meeting. This publication will be found to contain, in a form convenient for reference, the principal points in the position and constitution of the Council, together with the statutes and regulations now in force, and may thus, it appears to mc, be a means of affording information on these subjects not only to the members of this Council but also to that portion of the public at large which is affected by our proceedings.

It will, no doubt, be found that many omissions exist, and I would suggest that the Council should undertake a revision for next year's calendar, and suggest the precise form in which it should appear in future. This calendar was printed at the " Press " office, Christchurch, which, so far as I am aware, is the only printing office in the colony which possesses Greek type, and which accordingly alone can undertake the printing of all the examination papers. OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL. It will be seen by a reference to the minutes of proceedings of the 7th June, 1871, that the present Chancellor and ViceChancellor were on that day elected to their respective offices for two years, and accordingly, on the 7th June of the present year, that term will have expired, and a new election will have become necessary. It will also be in the recollection of the Council that on the Bth June, 1871, I was instructed, pending a permanent appointment of registrar being made by the Council, to appoint an acting registrar. Under the authority of this instruction, I appointed to this office in the first instance Randolph Mainwaring, Esq., of Christchurch, and on his resigning it, Frederick de Carteret Malet, Esq., also of Christchurch. Both appointments were notified in the Government Gazette. The duties of this office, although not onerous, require great care and attention on the part of the holder as well as trustworthiness, and I would suggest that, in making a permanent appointment, the Council should attach to it some small remuneration—say J630 per annum. REGULATIONS APPROVED. The following is a list of the subjects on which regulations, since approved by his Excellency, were passed at last meeting, and are consequently now valid :— 1. Scholarships not tenable after twentyone years of age. 2. Persons holding certain degrees in other Universities may be admitted to the same degree in this University. 3. Fixing fees on matriculation. 4. Examination not required on matriculation. 5. Regulations respecting affiliation of colleges, scholarships, appropriation of funds, to be in force only till 12th October, 1872. 6. Matriculated students to be examined during Lent term. 7. Minimum age for matriculation. 8. Declaration to be made at matriculation. 9. Conditions on which scholarships are tenable. 10. Conditions of affiliation for scholastic and collegiate institutions. 11. Appropriation of funds. All these regulations will be found in full in the calendar, and therefore do not require any more detailed notice. REGULATIONS NOT APPROVED. The following are the regulations which, for the reasons to be mentioned, have not received his Excellency's approval:— That the powers of the New Zealand University Council in the matters hereinunder specified may be exercised until next meeting of the Council by an Executive Committee, such committee to consist of the Chancellor, the Right Rev the Bishop of Christchurch, Mr Rolleston, and Mr Acland ; three to be a 1 The management of the landed endowments belonging to the University, so far as provision shall not have been made in that behalf. . . 2 The giving effect to and bringing mto practical operation all resolutions, statutes, or regulations of the Council. ... The Colonial Secretary observes upon this, that the Government is advised that such a regulation is invalid, inasmuch as the Council cannot delegate its powers to a committee. " A committee," he proceeds to state, '-may no doubt be appointed to inquire or to do matters not having any binding effect; but without expressing legislative enactments, the Council itself must do the necessary acts, and for this purpose six members must

attend. The language of the regulation would admit of the committee doing practically all the work of the Council (except that of making regulations) even that of giving degrees, Sec."

The Colonial Seceetary, however, expresses it as his opinion that the officers of the University may, without any express regulation, do much of the administrative work of the Council. The next regulation under this head runs as follows:— That no undergraduate of the University of New Zealand be admitted to the degree of Batchelor of Arts until he shall have kept nine terms and have passed the examination required by the University : Provided nevertheless that undergraduates of the University of New Zealand who shall study at the University of Otago shall be admissable to a B.A. degree in tbe University of New Zealand after having kept three years' terms in accordance with the regulations of the University of Otago. Upon this the Colonial Secretary remarks that, as the regulation in question professes to provide that students of the University of Otago are not to be required to pass the prescribed examination, this regulation ought not to be assented to, because the University Council have not the power to confer degrees without examination except in cases of an ad eundem degree as provided in section 13, of The New Zealand University Act, 1870.' It appears to mc, on looking over the correspondence on this subject, that the objection is founded on a confusion in the mind of the Colonial Secretary of the annual examinations which matriculated students are required to undergo with the final examination for a degree.

My impression is that the regulation does not touch this latter examination, but only dispenses, in the case mentioned, with the annual examination.

The reasons for this special exemption in the case of students of the University of Otago were, as I understood, the following—

Firstly, it was assumed that the University iof Otago would itself sufficiently test the progress made by its own students during the University course, and thus render unnecessary the application of any additional test on the part of this University. Secondly, it was considered that the fact that the terms of this University do not correspond with the terms adopted by the University of Otago, and that the Lent term, during which the annual examination takes place, falls in the vacation time of the University of Otago, made it likely that complications would arise if an annual examination were required in the case of students at that University at any particular time. Thus, according to my impression, it was thought that an annual examination, in this case, was both unnecessary and inexpedient. The language of the regulation may possibly admit of the interpretation put upon it by the Colonial Secretary, and dispense with an examination required bylaw ; and it may therefore be desirable that a new regulation should be passed so worded as to meet the objection raised. It will further be necessary, in order to carry the intentions of thp Council fully into effect, that definite and detailed instructions should be drawn up as to the way in which this examination is to be held. Regulation numbered XXI in the Calendar requires matriculated students to present themselves annually for examination during Lent Term, but as yet no provision has been made for-fixing the place or places for such examination, for determining the way in which it is to be conducted, or for the appointment of examiners. This together with the course to be adopted for conducting the examination for degrees, will require the consideration of tbe Council.

The third regulation to which I have to refer is as follows :—" That in the opinion of this Council, students who have matriculated, other than those who are holding University Scholarships, are not required to enter their names upon the books of any affiliated institution, or to attend the lectures of such institution, provided that they present themselves annually for the University examination as prescribed by regulation in that behalf." The objection raised to this regulation is rather one of form than of substance, to the effect that it is framed in the language of a resolution. I think I have now noticed all the regulations passed at last meeting, both those which have received His Excellency's approval, and those from which that approval has been withheld. EXAMINATIONS. There are four classes of examinations contemplated by the Council (as will be seen from a perusal of the minutes), to be held under the directions of the University :— Ist. Examination for sholarships, first year. 2nd. Examination of scholars, second and third year. 3rd. Examination of other matriculated students. 4th. Examination for degrees. j I.—EXAMINATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.

With regard to the first of these—the examination for scholarships—the provisions are tolerably complete, but nevertheless I wish, under this head, to draw attention to some questions which have arisen out of the past examination. Firstly, as to the more valuable of the scholarships offered for competition, of the value of £70. I draw attention to the following words in the regulation referring to them : —" There shall be one scholarship in each of the above branches of study, [meaning—l. Classics ; 2. Mathematics ; 3. Physical Science; 4. Modern Languages, History, English] of the value of £70." It is not clear from this whether peculiar excellence in any of these, in conjunction with total ignorance in all the rest, would entitle a candidate to the most valuable of the scholarships in preference to one who possessed a competent knowledge of all. To mc it appears that no such scholarships should be awarded to any but those who, in addition to very high excellence in one, gained a certain minimum of marks in each of the other subjects.

The obvious effect of the regulation, interpreted in the former of these senses, would be to induce a teacher who had discovered a peculiar aptitude in any of his pupils for any special branch of study to devote his whole attention to that branch, and to neglect every other. I would in any case recommend that some regulation should be passed defining more exactly the conditions under which these scholarships should be awarded.

The members of the Council have, as I am informed, been furnished with a printed statement together with copies of correspondence by Mr Abraham Solomon, in reference to his son's claim to a scholarship.

I have promised to submit the whole question therein raised for the consideration of the Council, and I do so by. laying that statement on the table.

I need not enter minutely into the circumstances of the case, because the correspondence speaks for itself ; but I feel compelled to make one or two observations with a view of correcting some errors into which Mr Solomon appears to have fallen. In the first place, Mr Solomon appears to think that, after his son was once admitted to the examinations at which scholarships were competed for, it was no longer competent for the Council to raise any objection on the score of age. On the other hand, it is to be considered that the Council has no power by any act of

its own to put aside a regulation approved of by the Governor, which, by that approval, has acquired the force of law. If the Council had assumed this power its action would be illegal, and consequently, as it appears to mc, invalid. I draw attention to the following resolution of the Council, which appears to mc to indicate the terms under which those disqualified on account of age were admitted to the examination. In the minutes of 13th April, 1872, a resolution to the following effect will be found:—"That persons disqualified by reason of being under the prescribed age from obtaining scholarships in the University of New Zealand shall, nevertheless, other conditions being fulfilled, be allowed to offer themselves for examination, and be classed by the examiners." Secondly, Mr Solomon infers from the cor

respondence between him and myself that so arly as March, 1872—that is, previous to the examination—l was already aware that his son was under age, and that yet, with that knowledge of his son's age in my possession, I forwarded to the boy. after the examination, a circular to the effect that he was entitled to a scholarship. I have, however, to remark, in the first place, with regard to that circular, that it was therein stated not that the person addressed was absolutely entitled to the scholarship, but that he was entitled to it only on the fulfilment of certain conditions.

The circular was accompanied by a copy of the minutes of proceedings of the Council, and the person addressed was referred to these for information as to what these conditions were.

One of these conditions was. that no candidate under sixteen years should be admitted to an examination for a scholarship. In this it appears to mc there is no conflict with the resolution above quoted, which permits of admission to the examination for other purposes, viz., for classification.

I think I shall be able to show that it was understood by all the parties that these were the terms under which Solomon. junior, and others disqualified by reason of age, were admitted to the examination.

Moreover, Mr Solomon is mistaken as to my previous knowledge of his son's age. It is possible, and indeed I am prepared to concede the point, that the wording of my letter of November 29, 1872, fairly bears the interpretation put upon it. But it must be remembered that as the letter was written some time after the question in debate had arisen, it could not alter the position of either party.

As a matter of fact, I have no recollection of having been informed of the age of this particular lad until I received a statement from himself in accordance with the terms of the circular above alluded to, under date September 2, J 872, that his fifteenth birthday occurred on the day on which the competition commenced.

The facts of the case alluded to in my letter of 29th November, 1872, are as follows :—

I received a letter dated 13th March, 1872, from the gentleman who had accepted the office of Supervisor at Dunedin, stating that " Mr Hawthorn, rector of the High school here, wishes to know whether permission would be given to four of his boys to send in their names for the examination for scholarships. They are the best boys in the school, but unfortunately are under the age of sixteen, and therefore, if successful, cannot hold scholarships."

Here was a clear understanding beforehand that those under age could not hold scholarships, and it was with this understanding in the minds of the persons authorised to send in the names of those offering themselves for examination that Solomon's name was sent in.

The letter in which Solomon's name was sent in by Mr Hawthorne was dated the 4th of the April following.

There was no intimation, either in the Supervisor's letter or in any other received by mc, informing mc, so far at least as I can recollect, that Solomon was one of those disqualified on account of age.

On the contrary, I had every reason to suppose that none so disqualified had sent in their names, because in my answer to the Supervisor's inquiry, I requested that any under age wishing to offer themselves for examination should, in sending in their names, notify to mc the fact that they had not reached the prescribed age.

So far as I am aware, I had neither direct nor indirect information as to Solomon junior's age when I forwarded to him the circular informing him that he was a successful candidate.

Mr Solomon slates further, that in reference to his son's matriculation I sent to him a form to be signed and returned to the effect that the candidate declared his belief that he had attained the age of fifteen.

This, I presume, is adduced for the purpose of showing that fifteen, and not sixteen, was the minimum for qualification for a scholarship.

-It will, however, be observed, that this fact has nothing to do with the question of a scholarship ; it refers only to matriculation, the minimum age for which is fixed at fifteen.

I allude to this case under the examination for scholarships for the purpose of bringing to the consideration of the Council the question as to how far it is desirable to admit to the examination any who have not reached the age prescribed for scholars, or whether it is desirable that any minimum of age should be insisted upon.

The object, as I understand, of fixing any minimum age at all, is to prevent any undue stimulus beiDg given to boys at a too early age ; but it will be observed that such a stimulus is already given, possibly in a modified form, by admitting boys under age to competition for the purposes of classification only.

I wish, further, under this head of Examination for Scholarships, to suggest an alteration of rule numbered 10, in the instructions to Supervisors. That rule requires the candidate, before giving in his papers in answer to the questions of the Examiners, to sign them with his own name.

The alteration which I propose is, that each candidate, instead of signing his name to the paper sent in to the Examiner, should have a mark assigned to him —either a letter of the alphabet or a number —by which his papers are to be distinguished. I suggest this because I believe that the Examiners themselves would be better pleased to have no names before them. EXAMINATION OF SCHOLARS, SECOND AND THIRD YEAR. I have to draw the attention of the Council to a resolution passed at the last meeting : — That scholarships shall be held by successful candidates for the term of one year from the date of award, but the holder of a scholarship shall be entitled to select a branch of study in which he shall be examined, without competition, for the holding of his scholarship for the second year, and similarly for the third year : Provided that if he does not show a certain amount of progress by obtaining a prescribed number of marks, he shall cease to hold the scholarship : Provided also that no scholarship shall be enjoyed by the holder for a longer period than three years. This, it will be observed, is merely a resolution, not a regulation possessing the force of law, and therefore, in its present form, it cannot be enforced. Moreover, it is not even a distinct instruction for the guidance of the Chancellor, but only a suggestion for the consideration of a committee appointed at last meeting to revise the regulations. That committee, as will be seen, did not act upon it. One difficulty appears likely to present itself in giving effect to a resolution of this nature. It appears to mc inconsistent with the regulation already in force which forms one of the conditions under which competition for scholarships is invited.

It will be seen by regulation numbered XXVI, the tenure of the scholarships offered is made to continue for a fixed term—that is to say, for the term of the university course independently of the results of an examination. The security which the university takes for the proper instruction of the scholar during the tenure of his scholarship, consists in the condition requiring him to enter his name on the books of some affiliated institution, and to follow the course of studies therein prescribed. It is a question for consideration how far such a condition is a sufficient security for the progress of the scholar, or whether, over and above this, a special examination is necessary. 1 apprehend in any cas°, that the conditions of the tenure of this year's scholarships cannot be altered, but it is open for consideration how far it would be desirable to require an examination as a condition of such tenure in future years. It will be necessary during the present meeting to determine the terms of the university°course, in order to give a definite interpretation to the regulation which connects the tenure of the scholarship with that term. The position of the scholars who gained scholarships at the last examination is,

that these scholarships expire at the end of the first year, because the regulations under which they competed aro -..» lonp" : ". force, having become inopera'v- on tl. : _:U October last, and because ti>« under which they were offered r.v-iiio their tenure for one year.

111. —ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS OF MATRICULATED STUDENTS OTHER THAN SCHOLARS.

It will be seen, from the list contained in the calendar, that there arc now several matriculated scudents following their studies under the rules of the University, and since the publication of the cuii'tuhir others, I understand, have been addrd.

No provision exists, a> y.-r, for conducting the prescribed examination during Lent Term, as required by the regulations ; and it would be well that the Council should take this subject into consideration during the present meeting. The following are among the questions to be determined :— The appointment of Examiners ; the places at which the examinations shall take place ; the mode in which the examination shall be conducted ; the subject of examination. As soon as any of the students have completed their third year, an examination will become necessary for the students of each of the three year 3. TV.—FINAL EXAMINATION FOR DEGREES. This is a question not immediately pressing, as no students cau, during the present year, offer themselves for degrees. V. —BOWEN PRIZE ESSAY EXAMINATION. It will be seen by the correspondence which I lay on the table, that a fifth examination is required for awarding the " Bowen Prize." It is probably known to the members of the Council, that by the liberality of His Excellency the late Governor, the Council has been placed in the position of offering a separate prize for the best English essay, to be competed for by members of the University, under regulations to be framed by the Council.

Two classes of questions will require the consideration of the Council :—

Ist. The regulations under which this prize should be competed for. 2nd. The manner in which the money should be invested. The sum of which the donation consists amounts to £105. I have already taken upon myself to thank His Excellency for this liberal donation, in anticipation of the action to betaken by the Council. VI. —EXAMINATION IN AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS. It will be observed that by regulation numbered XI. examinations are required to be held in affiliated Colleges during the. last fortnight of Michaelmas term. I understand that this regulation has been substantially complied with, but in some cases all the requirements of the regulation have not beeu fulfilled. I would suggest that some precise rules should be drawn up for the enforcement of the details. Affiliated Institutions. The following is a general account of the condition of the affiliated institutions. These are, as the Council is aware, four in number :— 1. Auckland College Grammar School Auckland. 2. Nelson College ... ... Nelson. 3. Wellington College ... Wellington. 4. Canterbury Collegiate Union Christchurch. I.—AUCKLAND COLLEGE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL. It appears from the returns relatingto this institution that lectures have been given during the past year in the following subjects—Latin, Mathematics, Botany, Chemistry, History, Physical Geography.

Of these Chemistry is altogether a new branch of instruction added to the original curriculum in virtue of the grant made by the University. Besides which that grant has enabled the authorities to establish additional lectures in Classics, Mathematics, and General History. The staff has also been increased by two newly-appointed lecturers. II. —NELSON COLLEGE. In this institution, in addition to the original curriculum of Classics, Mathematics, English Literature, Ancient and Modern History, French, lectures on Botany' have been established under a new lecturer in virtue of the grant from the University. 111. —WELLINGTON COLLEGE. This institution has, since the last meeting by Act of. the General Assembly (Wellington College Act, 1872;, changed its name from Wellington College and Grammar School, to Wellington College. The constitution of the institution has also undergone some alteration in details,, which appears to mc to give promise of increased efficiency. The assistance from the University has enabled the governing body to appoint an additional teacher, and has thus placed the senior masters in a position to devote themselves more systematically than before to those students who desire to follow the University course of study. Arrangements have also been made for opening morning classes for students, whether belonging to the College or not. Also, arrangements have been made for the delivery of evening lectures during the University Terms on Classics, Mathematics, and English. The following are the text-books in use and the subjects of study : — Classics —Virgil, Eneid, Book vn, Sallust, Greek Delectus, Latin Grammar. Mathematics —Euclid, Books v, VI, Algebra, Trigonometry. English —Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Morell's Grammar and Analysis. EVENING LECTURES. Classics —Virgil, Georgics ; Xenophon. Mathematics— Euclid, Book ill, Algebra. English —Crombie's Etymology, and Craik. It appears that besides the regular students at the College, five have attended these lectures from outside. IV. CANTERBURY COLLEGIATE UNION. This institution has been formed by an amalgamation of two bodies, Christ's College Grammar School and the Museum and Library Trust, established under- a Provincial Ordinance. In the former of these bodies, instruction is given independently of the University grant, but both combine to make their teaching power available for the amalgamated institution. Outside the operations of each singly, a staff of lecturers has been contributed by both for the purpose of University lectures, and regular courses of study have been established under Separate lecturers in the following subjects : — Classics, Mathematics, Physiology aud Chemistry,. Modern Languages, Geology, Modern History. GENERAL CONDITION OF AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS. It will be seen by the above summary that systematic instruction in a variety of forms is being given upon a great variety of subjects under the direction of the University, and that the sphere of usefulness of the affiliated institutions has been sensibly enlarged. The uncertainty as to the position of the University, and more especially as to its ability to continue the grants made, has prevented these institutions as well as individuals interested from making their arrangements on the faith of the assistance being made permanent. The continuance of this assistance being dependent upon the continued operation oi the regulations under which it was given, nothing of a permanent nature could be undertaken while the regulations were only temporary. These regulations, however, having now been approved by his Excellency, without being limited as to time, it may be hoped that°this state of uncertainty has passed away. The first step towards raising and increasing higher education in the colony generally having now been taken by the establishment of the courses of instruction above enumerated, I submit that a further step in advance is now required. A comprehensive curriculum of studj will be of but little value without real efficiency in the teaching and improvement thus taught. In order to secure this, I suggest that some qualified person should be appointed to visit aud carefully inquire into the conditions of the various institutions affiliated to the University, as well as to assist them by suggestions and advice. It appears to mc that the expenditure of a moderate sum

for this purposo would be well worth the money so expended. DUNEDIN HIGH SCHOOL. It will be in the recollection of the Council that in appropriating the sum available for the assistance of affiliated institutions, the sum of £800 was held iv reserve for the purposes of the Dunedin High School, or of such other institution in Dunediu as might establish a claim for affiliation. The circumstances which induced the Council to adopt this course may be stated as follows :—A telegraphic message from tho then Deputy-Superintendent of Otago, acting as the head of the Board of Education, dated 30th September, 1871, was received by the Council, to the following effect, that au application for the affiliation of the High School would be forwarded by the next mail from Dunedin. On the 15th of April, 1872, while the Council was again in session, a further telegram was received from the rector of tho High School, stating that that application had actually been forwarded six months previously. I informed the Council of the receipt of both these telegrams at the time, but stated that the application alluded to had never reached mc. Under these circumstances the Council acted on the assumption that the application had beeu made, but that from some accident it had never come to hand, and it was thought inexpedient to exclude the High School from all share in the grant merely on this

ground. While unwilling to deprive the High School of the contemplated advantages, the Council felt that it could not, without informing itself thoroughly of the efficiency of that institution, award to it any assistance.

It was for these reasons that the grant was held in suspense until the Council could obtain information as to the facts of the case, and thus be in a position to decide upon any application that might be made. It will no doubt be a matter of surprise to the Council to learn that notwithstanding the official announcement by the head of the Executive as well as of the Board of Education of Otago, that it had been resolved to apply for affiliation, the decision so arrived at was, within a few days at most, reversed, and that it was determined by those authorities not to make the application at all. Those who are familiar with official customs will be still more surprised to learn that not only was the decision arrived at so suddenly reversed, but that its reversal was never communicated to mc by the authorities who made the original announcement. The news of this change of purpose has been indeed communicated to mc officially, but not from the quarter which might have been expected to furnish it, SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATIONS, 1872. The thanks of the Council are due to those gentlemen who undertook the office of examiners for last year's scholarship for the great care and ability with which they have performed their duties, and the real interest which they have taken in producing, under considerable difficulties, a successful result. The labors of the examiners were, as might be expected, rendered more arduous than they otherwise would have been, by the fact that it was impossible to prescribe any particular subjects, or any particular textbooks in which the candidates should be examined.

This made it extremely difficult to estimate the real value of the different papers sent in. It was indeed hardly possible to do more than to aecertain the comparative merit of the different papers with reference to each other, but not with reference to any fixed standard of excellence, and so to test the general knowledge of the subjects of examination possessed by the respective candidates.

The marks allotted to the different papers could only be considered as the private memoranda of the examiners for their own guidance in placing the candidate, but not as representing the real value of the papers sent in, considered in reference to an independent standard of excellence. For this reason the marks allotted have not been preserved in any authentic form j and, indeed, the circumstances under which they were so allotted made it undesirable that they should be published, because, as they do not represent the real but only the comparative value of the different papers, their publication would have been rather misleading than informing. REPORTS OF THE EXAMINERS. The reports of the examiners, taken as a whole, show that the papers sent in disclose generally a higher state of education than was expected. In classics, the knowledge possessed by some few of the best candidates is fully up to the average of that of an English public school, but some of the inferior papers were so bad as to make it impossible to assign any marks at all for intrinsic merit.

In mathematics, many of the candidates appear to have shown considerable ability and careful training.

In physical science, it appears that this examination showed a much more advanced state of instruction in the rudiments than might have been anticipated from the absence of any regular course of study in this branch in the schools generally. The papers on natural philosophy and chemistry were particularly well answered, some of the candidates showing a practical acquaintance with the latter subject.

The papers in zoology, botany, and geologj were not so well answered, showing that the knowledge of these subjects was derived chiefly from books only.

Modern Languages.—lst, French.—ln this subject there were comparatively few good papers, but among those which stood highest on the list the answers were very creditable.

2nd, German—For the mostpart the papers were very unsatisfactory. Of the whole thirty-eight candidates, only two were able to translate with ease and correctness, showing that they had really made a study of the language and acquired a knowledge of its structure and laws. Of the remaining thirtysix only eight gave evidence of having received a few elementary lessons, but none of these attempted to translate ; and the few questions in grammar which they tried to answer were for the most part answered incorrectly. The remainder did not even attempt the subject. In History, some of the papers, indeed it appears the larger portiou of them, were very satisfactory, and, considering that no special text-books were given, showed a fair knowledge of the subject. Some of the papers were excellent; in others, however, some very gross mistakes occurred. In English Literature a great number of the essays were very good, and upon the whole the result was satisfactory in thiß subject. Scholarships Awarded. It will be seen from the list published in the Government " Gazette," under date 3rd August, 1873, that thirty-eight candidates presented themselves for examination from the following places, viz. :— Auckland ... I—St. John's College. Bay of Islands... I—Private tuition. Nelson 10—Nelson College. Wellington ... 2—l private tuition, 1 Wellington College. Christchurch ... 10—1 private tuition, 9 Christchurch College Grammar School. Dunedin ... 12—2 University of Otago, 10 Dunedin High School. Tokomairiro ... 1—) Presumably private Popotunoa ... 1—) tuition. 38 Of these only one was recommended for a scholarship of the value of £70, for peculiar excellence in Class IV. of subjects Modern Languages, History, English Literature. The candidate who gained this distinction was also first in all the other subjects. The sixteen scholarships of £45 each were awarded to the sixteen candidates who stood highest on the list, and were recommended as deserving of these scholarships by the examiners.

Thus it appears that the whole number of scholarships awarded, and tenable on fulfilment of the conditions prescribed by the regulations under which they were offered, was seventeen.

Of these, five are, from inability on tho part of the candidates tb"cbmply with theso conditions, not tenable. The cause of disqualification in tho caso of two arises from tho fact that thoy had not, at the time, reached the prescribed age of sixteen. I havo already alluded to ono of those cases. The other three could not hold their scholarships, because they were unable to attend regularly the course of study prescribed, and are no longer in a position to pursue that systematic instruction iv an affiliated institution which ia required.

I am informed that four more will bo under the necessity of abandoning their scholarships from the same cause, and that two others are disqualified by their being over the maximum age of twenty-one years, after which scholarships aro no longer tenable. The vacancies which have already occurred, together with those which are likely to take place, will thus amount to eleven, so that by tho end of the year for which the present scholarships are held, the number who remain and whose scholarships will then cxpiro will be six. I assume that, if theso desire to continue to hold University scholarships, they must, in order to do so, compete for those which are now under offer under tho regulations now in force. SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION, 1873. It will be seen by a reference to a notice published in the Government " Gazette," of September 4, 1872, that notice has been given of the particular subjects, and in some cases of the textbooks in which the candidates for this year's scholarships arc to be examined. A copy of this notice has, as I observed, appeared iv several of tho newspapers of the colony. The above notice of 4th September, 1872, was, however, not the first intimation given, as on tho ISth May previous I communicated to the several affiliated institutions tho greater part of the information therein contained, by forwarding a list of thoso subjects which had been determined upon by tho Council. English literature, history, aud physical science were omitted from that list, because, by direction of the Council, tho subjects of examination in theso branches were ordered not to be finally decided upon without further consultation with the respective examiners. TEXT BOOKS. In connection with the arrangements to ho made for future examinations, I havo to suggest that a sum of money be appropriated for procuring a sufficient supply of textbooks for those who propose to follow the University course of study. I suggest that for this purpose au order should be sent to England at once. MODE OF PAYMENT ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIPS. The plan which has been adopted in paying the sums due on tho scholarships awarded has been to pay them at tho end of each quarter from the date of award. It will be observed that tho regulations do not prescribe any fixed dates or periods, and it might therefore be desirable that tho Council should give directions on tho subject. . .

The scholarships have .been made payable on a certificate frqta tho authorities of the respected affiliated institutions, certifying that the holder has during tho previous quarter been iv regular attendance on tho lectures and the course of study prescribed. Ad eundeni Degrees. There are several applications for ad eundem degrees for the consideration o£ the Council. I desire to call attention to an omission in the regulations now in force on this subject. The University Act gives to tho Council the power of conferring under statutes the degree of Doctor of Laws among others, but I can find no statute or regulation of the Council which includes this among the degrees to be conferred.

I presume that there is nothing in the Act to prevent the University conferring ad cundem degrees on graduates of Foreign Universities. I suggest that, should my opinion be correct, the Council should consider whether any degrees conferred by Foreign Universities ought to be recognised by this University, and if so, which of such Universities should be so recognised. Charter. It will probably be within the knowledge of the Council that several of tho members signed a petition to her Majesty, prayiugher to grant a charter to this University, aud to direct that the degrees conferred by it may be recognised throughout her Majesty's dominions. « PUBLICATIONS PROCURED. In compliance with a resolution of the Council of 13th June, 1871, I addressed a letter to the Colonial Secretary, requesting that the influence of the Government might bo used in endeavoring to procure such publications for the use of this University aa may be likely to assist the Council in making arrangements for examinations. I have, in accordance with this request, received, sinco last meeting, several publications of the charaster required, a list of which will bo found in the correspondence before the Council. Proposal for Educational Classes. I have to submit for the consideration of the Council a suggestion from the Thames Mechanics' Institute, as to the establishment of classes in connection with tho University of New Zealand outside the affiliated institutions.

I think a plan of this kind might load to very good results, but two questions arise as to the possibility of bringing it into practical operation. In the first place, is it within the powers of the Council, ns conferred by the Act, to make regulations for making grants for tho support of such classes 7 Secondly, Could the University exercise a proper supervision over such classes so as to secure their efficiency ?