UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6342, 16 March 1882, Page 6

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND.

Tiie Senate sat yesterday at 2.30 p.m., the Chancellor (Mr. H. J. Taucred) in the chair. Present: The Vice-Chancellor(Dr. Hector). Professors McGregor, Brown Salmond Sa e, Sliand Von Haast, Bishop Cowie, Re\. Mr. Habeu's, and Rev. Dr. Roseby. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FOR AUCKLAND. The Vice-chancellor moved, "That a respectful address be presented to the Minister for Education setting forth that in the opinion of this Senate there is urgent necessity for the establishment in Auckland of a college able to provide a proper university course of instruction, and whereas the sum of £1500 was last year voted by Parliament for the purpose, it is desirable that steps should he taken for the immediate appointment of at least two professors." He said : This motion is the natural sequel to a very interesting discussion which took place earhei in the session, but without being followed by anv practical result. I bad hoped that some member would have brought forward a substantive motion upon the subject. It was stated, however, that it would be an unfortunate circumstance if the senate should conclude its session without pronouncing an opinion upon this question 1 need hardly remind the Senate that this matter is by no means a new thing. At our last meeting, in Wellington, a resolution, but of a more comprehensive purport, was passed in connection with it. It was agreed, according to the recommendation of the Commission upou Higher Education, that there should be two university colleges, one at ellington one in Auckland. The advantages of such an establishment in Auckland were put before the Senate bv Sir G. M. 0 Rorke so ablv that I shall not say anything turther upon that view of the subject. It appears to myself, and I understand thatotheis have | been equally impressed by the fact coining under their observation, that the interest in hi'dier education is greatly extending in Auckland, and the same may be said ot its progress throughout the colony. \> e have had"the matter before us when the means of adopting any practicable course were not available. The subject lias now engaged the attention cot only of this Senate, but of the Legislature of the colony, who have expressed the desire that something should he done in this direction, and have manifested the temper in which they were prepared to receive practicable proposals by a of money for the purpose, with a view to facilitate the advancement of collegiate education where the necessary machinery to carry it forward does not exist. So long as there are placcs where the means do uot exist for higher education, the consequences may be rather serious. Our own proceedings aie impeded by them to some extent, and the result of our action rendered comparatively abortive. The "higher education" is impeded throughout the colony. I therefore think that it is our dutv to push on the work of establishing such colleges wherever practieable, so as to be able to do something eti'ectually. The fact that in the last session the Colonial Parliament voted £1300, was an argument in favour of something 'jcing done without delay. The Government did not apparently have an opportunity of giving etl'ect to their intention by parliamentary enactment, but it was the result rather of au accident that the Bill did not pass. It was hoped that the Government would have been able to take some practicable step toward the establishment of a college in Auckland u ithin the present financial half-year, From conversations X have had with influential persons iu Auckland, public feeling is strengthening on this subject ot the " higher education, and that the spirit which was formerly somewhat feeble iu favour of the establishment of a college here, has now so tar ripened that some step of this kind is absolutely necessary, or the whole scheme of education forthe Auckland province will rapidly deteriorate, and no <*ooJ result can be obtained. I hope that tiie°resolution I am about to propose will be adopted unanimously, so that it may have due weight ; that it may lead to the emphatic expression of public opinion on the part of the inhabitants of this part of the colony, and further, so as to strengthen the hands of the Government that they may be induced to expend this £1500 in the direction that will secure the greatest benefit to the object contemplated. I do not say what extension the proposals made may be capable of. The Government may have committed themselves to a resolution that a college shall be established in Auckland. I have mentioned Wellington and Auckland, my desire simply being that whatever step is taken it should be in the most practicable direction. Now, as everythin" in a movement depends upon the men° connected with it at the comniencement, I think that the pi opened appointment of two professors presents a practical mode of carrying forward the object in view. If we can get two thoroughly competent men to work together, so as to fonn the nucleus ot the new college, I feel that the institution would rapidly increase and grow up in a healthy and useful way. Ido not wish that the Senate should indicate any opinion as to what should be the course the Government ought to adopt. It is not stated that the two professors should be kept within the figure of £1500. But this sum might be found su Hicient for a limited period, and if the Government feel assured at the end of that period that they are proceeding in the right direction, they could, if they pleased, continue the scheme. At all events, this sum would be sufficient for the establishment of at least two chairs of the proposed college. If the proper means are taken to secure the services of men of extensive culture and experience, there can be little doubt that the Auckland College would progress as rapidly as similar institutions have progressed in other parts of the colony. I have made inquiry, and have been told that there will be no dillieulty in providing the temporary use of the necessary class-looms for doing"the work immediately, or at furthest, within the next few months.

Bishop Cowik : I certainly hope that the Senate will be unanimous oil this subject. I think that it will le a great misfortune if we should do anything to impede the liberal proposal that is made. Rev. Mr. Haiskxs : I am prepared to support with the utmost cordiality the first part of the proposal. Hut I think it would be imprudent to engage professors for a permanent olliec upon one year's vote. My experience on this subject justifies the maxim jrntma h ull'. I acquiesce in the statement that the rrrowth of feeling favourable to the promotion of the higher education in Auckland has of late been very rapid. I think we would do no harm in waiting a little longer. But I must dissent from the last part of the resolution. and would be disposed to suggest to the .Senate to stike out all words after 4 ' instruction/' I'rotessor llaast : I also cordially assent to the desirability of establishing a university in Auckland. I agree with Mr. Habcns that wc ought not to proceed without being careful that no false position should b created. I shall move "That all the words after ' instruction ' be omitted." Professor Sai.mond: I shall second the amendment. X do not think that any competent man would accept the position if all the circumstances were made known to him. I think also that time should be allowed to mature a scheme that would afterwards fulfil all that the Senate might expect. Mr. Healk : I think that if the appointment is left to the Government that all the

circumstances will be known and the conditions will be thoroughly understood. The Vick-Chanceli.or: It is suggested that the words to " send Home " should be inserted, and that the appointments should be made by commission. Bat I think we can guard against any evilclrect. I feel that if the appointments are made that will be done by commission. Professor McGkkgor : I observe that in these colonies there i 3 a tendency to favour the locally-produced article. I have observed some appointments in Australia lately which confirm that opinion. X do not think that the locally-produced article would be most suited for the formation of an establishment of this kind. I do not wish to insinuate anything like disrespect, but a new college should have men, not only of admitted scholarship, but of the most recent experience.

Bishop Cowie : I should be glad if Protessor von Haast could see his way to withdraw his amendment. Professor Br awn : Although I dissent from a part of this motion, I shall vote for it. I do so because the Auckland people must know what is best for themselves, and the opinion of this Senate will place the decision in the hands of the Government. Rev. Dr. Roskby : I shall support the motion, because I do not think there is any reason for apprehenson that any evil result will follow from it. The people of this district had a reasonable claim upon the Senate. Professor Sale -. I shall vote for this motion. I shall do so because the Government is committed to this proposal of a university college in Auckland, because the Senate is also committed to sustain such an institution when established. It is also apparent that the want of higher education is being felt in Auckland. I observe that deputations have waited upon the Govern* meat on the subject in which the speaker *pokc ver\ strongh of the absence of any such access to tuition in this part of the colony. I also think it would be well it Professor Von Haast would withdraw his resolution. The Vici-:-CiiANCKLU>n : I am sorry that we are not quite unauiinous on this subject. The desire of my motion is to secure the , Parliamentary vote for the Auckland disI trict. No doubt the money was voted for , a specific purpose. Nor do I believe there is any necessary objection to starting a scheme in a small way. I must confess that I have greater faith 111 small beginnings than the appearauce of being fully equipped. It is not for us to think for the Government in this matter. They know the political aspect of the question. If they are not iu a position to make an appointment 110 appointment will be made. But is is natural for us to express au opinion upon the general subject. It is within our province to suggest a course which we think reasonable to adopt. More particularly so if the effect of it will be to strengthen the position of the Government when they apply to Parliament to enable them to obtain the means of carryiug out the scheme. It would aid the matter if the Senate affirmed by resolution their approval of the proposal that has been made. The 1 Government will no doubt be influenced by

the political environment, but with that we have nothing whatever to do. It is in no manner before us. The only question is whether in the opinion of the Senate this is the best way. to begin by obtaining the services of competent men to be the nucleus of the future university of Auckland. I remember that the universities of Otago and Canterbury started with very small beginnings. They had not for a long time anything like a full equipment. But they soon to co-operate, aud did some splendid work for education in the Southern parts of the colony. If the money were handed to us we might deal with it. But the question ot permanence rests entirely with the Government. I may also state that if the last part of the clausc shall not be accepted I shall ask leave of the Senate to withdraw the first part. After some conversation Professor Yon" llaast consented to withdraw his amendment.

The motion was then put, ami declared to be carried. accounts. Ou the motion of ProfessorSjian'D, it was ordered that the accounts for the last year be audited. EXAMINATION* OF STUDENTS. On the motion of the Rev. Dr. Ro.SF.nv, it was agreed tliat the cost of the examinations of students exempted by the university from attendance at lectures in affiliated institutions, which arc conducted by the affiliated institutions ou whose books the names of the students appear, be borne by the university. ©eoi-OOV. The motion of Professor Haast that geology be added to the subjects of natural science for matriculation and junior scholarship was negatived on the casting vote of the chair. The Chancellor said he gave his vote with the noes bccause the whole subject had already been fully considered and a resolution come to. DENTISTRY. On the motion of Professor McGreoor, Mr. B. Thropc of Uunedin was appointed a member of the Examining Board under the Dentistry Act, ISSO, as a ''.skilled dentist." CEREMONTBS. On the motion of Dr. Roskp.y, it was resolved, that, whenever practicable, the Chancellor, in conferring degrees of the university, and the members present on such occasions, should wear the habit of their status or degree. KXTKNSION OF CHARTER. On the motion of Professor Von Haast, the suggestions of the committee on this subject to consider the petition to the Queen, praying that the university might have power to confer degrees in science, were considered. The petition was adopted. The Senate adjourned at 5 o'clock.