UNIVERSITY COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 7470, 14 March 1888, Page 2

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL.

The meeting this afternoon was attended by the Chancellor (Dr Stuart), Hon. W. H. Reynolds, Mr E. B. Cargill, Mr R. L. Stanford, Dr Hocken, Mr J. Fulton, M.H.R., Dr Burns, and Mr G. G. Russell. Apologies were received for the absence of Mr joi:n M'Lean and Mr J. Roberts. SPECIAL MEETING. It was resolved to hold a special meeting on the 26 th inst.

FOREST HILL ENDOWMENT. Complaint having been made by one of the Council s tenants that there was no road to his farm at Forest Hill, the Registrar had communicated with the Lindhurst Road Board on the subject. That body now replied to the effect that a fair share of the rates had been expended on roads leading to this property..

THE UNIVERSITY OK BOLOGNA. . A communication, of which the following is a translation, was received in reference to the eighth centenary of the University of Bologna

The Rector of the University of Letters and Arts of Bologna, to tbo most distinguished Council of the University of Otago. Ureeting : 1 he Senate of our University, in a full meeting of doctors, has ordained that our eighth ?u ll *?o a i!7i es *' va l shall be held next year, on the 12th day of June ; for although the exact day and year of the birth of this University cannot be ascertained with any certainty, inasmuch as it started from small beginnings and grew by slow degrees, yet it is the general belief of learned men, derived from historical records, that at the close of the eleventh century after Christ public instillation in Roman law was given in this city, which im struction first broke through the darkness of the Middle Ages, as they are called, atid shed the light of wisdom and liberty upon the nations arid families of the world, and that from this cradle as it were with growing years came forth this fostering mother of learning. In order that the memory of our ancient mother may be celebrated with greater dignity, it has also been decided by the Senate that the appointed centenary festival shall be the occasion of the gathering of the greatest possible number of doctors and persons of eminence and distinction, not only from Italy but from all parts of the world.

Therefore, in the name of the Senate, we invite you, most distinguished and learned gentlemen and your colleagues, and beg you, if it consists with your convenience, to send one or two delegates to us to be present on the appointed day and take part in our celebration. We confidently hope that of your great courtesy, and in consideration of the bond of union by which we are mutually bound together in virtue of our common duties and pursuits, you will give a kindly welcome to this invitation. If so, we shall esteem it a favor if, so soon as you have appointed a delegate or delegates, you will inform us by letter. In conclusion, most distinguished and learned gentlemen, we wish you and your University rich and permanent rewards of your labors and studies, together with all other blessings. Bologna, 13th December, 1887.

A committee was appointed to frame a suitable reply, and it was resolved to ask Mr Strode, a former member of the council, to represent the council on the occasion, A ROYAL CHARTER. A_ letter was received from Sir Harry Atkinson enclosing a communication intimating that Sir H. Holland could not at present advise Her Majesty to issue a royal charter to the University of Otago. A GIFT. A copy of the Rev. C. S. Ross’s work, ‘ The Story of the Otago Church and Settlement,’ was laid on the table as a gift from the author. THE PUBLIC BODIES’ POWERS ACT. An application was made by the Otago University to be brought under the Pubfic Bodies’ Powers Act.—Mr Fulton said that the High School Board had declined to come under the Act. By coming under the Act the council would have unlimited Eower over their own property, but might e liable to be attacked in all directions, by their tenants and otherwise.—Consideration of the matter was postponed. THE BOTANICAL GARDENS. The committee were requested to carry out the arrangements made as to plants, at a cost not exceeding LlO. INAUGURAL ADDRESS. The Chancellor mentioned that the Finance Committee had suggested that Dr Lindo Fergusaon be asked to deliver the inaugural address.—lt was resolved that the steps taken by the Chancellor be sanctioned.