THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1882.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6342, 16 March 1882, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1882.

The proceedings of the University Senate yesterday, which are reported fully in another column, will be ± - ead with the greatest interest by those who take an interest either in general or! higher education. The Vice-Chanpellor (Dr. Hector) moved that effect should be given to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Higher Education by the establishment of a University College in Auckland, and in aid of such object that the hands of the Government should be strengthened by a resolution of the Senate in favour of the employment of the £1500 voted in the last session of the Assembly for the appointment of at least two professors. The speech of the Vice-Chancellor manifests a comprehensive liberality which is worthy of his great reputation. He says in effect that if the thing is to be done at all, it were well it should be done quickly. The Commission on Higher Education recommended two colleges, one at Wellington and one at Auckland. The Government, according to Sir Maurice O'Rorke, have determined, whether by reason of the necessity for it or not, it is not material to consider now, that the first college shall be in Auckland. The House of Representatives voted £1500, and left the disposal of the sum in the hands of those whom the Government might nominate. The Attorney-General and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are the persons with whom the approval of any proposal now remains. Only ilie other day, a number of young undergraduates waited upon the Attorney-General and made certain proposals, representing that they were (in Auckland) wholly destitute of any means of university tuition. It is curious that this proposal is practically ancl in substance the same as that which the Senate now recommends. It will be seen that the final decision remains with Parliament, but Parliament will scarcely hesitate to ratify an arrangement in whichall shades of opinion acquiesce, and the necessity for which is admitted 011 every side.