NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY SENATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7270, 7 March 1885, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY SENATE.

The Senate of the New Zealand University met at Government House yesterday. Present : The Chancellor (Dr. Hector), in the chair; Professor Shand, Professor F. D. brown, Rev. Dr. Salmond, Professor Maceregor, Mr. Fitchett, Professor Von Haasfc, Dr. Giles, Bishop Redwood, Rev. J. Patcrson, Profeesor Sale, Bishop Cowie, Rev. Dr. Roseby, Rev. D. Bruce. HANDBOOK OF NEW ZEALAND FLORA. Rev. Dr. Koskby moved, "That, inasmuch as botauy is no\v made the natural science subject for the junior scholarships of the University, and will therefore require to be taught in the secondary schools, the Government be urged to make arrangements, with a3 little delay as possible, for the publication of a new edition of Sir J. D. Hooker's • Handbook of the New Zealand Flora.' " The request made in the resolution had already been brought before the Government, and there was no donbt it would be done, but he thought the voice of the Senate would expedite the work. The old edition of this handbook was superseded to a larce extent by very numerous additions, and by some noteworthy corrections. It was, moreover, practically out of print. He had himself some time ago very great difficulty in securing a copy, and then at considerable advance on the published price. The natural science section of the junior scholarships made provision almoat # exclusively—he thought exclusively—for botany. Therefore it was necessary that this subject should be taught in the secondary schools of the colony, and taught, he thought, with a special reference to New Zealand flora. Great dilficulty was experienced by teachers through not having this handbook in the hands of students, and it was urged that something of the sort; indicated ahould be done. On his way to the Seaate he had a conversation with Professor Kirk, of Lincoln College. Professor Kirk was well known as an accomplished botanist, who had done much in the advancement of this branch of science in the colony. He (Dr. Roseby) learned from Professor Kirk that he had had considerable correspondence with Sir Joseph Hooker, and Sir Joseph was anxious that he should undertake the editing of a work of this character. Professor Kirk had accumulated a considerable amount of materials, and with some assistance from Government they could be published without delay. Professor Von Haast said what was wanted, in the secondary schools was a condensed book of New Zealand flora. If Dr. Roseby concurred he would add the words, "also "a small handbook of New Zealand flora," to supply the want, and a new edition of the work mentioned.

The Chance lor said the real reason why a new edition had been printed was that the old one was out of print. What was wanted was a text book of botany, with epecial reference to the New Zealand flora.

Rev. Dr. Salmond thought it was Hot the function of the Government to publish a book on botany; it would be better to ask the Professors of the Universities to put their heads together and isaue a book on botany. To ask tue Government to do so was asking them to take a very pa'.ernal position indeed.

Rev. Dr, Roseby said it was well understood what was meant, viz., to assist in the publishing of some book, having secured some competent person to edit the work. Professor Shand thought it was qui'.e within the functions of this university to ask the Government to subsidise the publication of this book. One of the teachers should compile a small manual. It was mentioned that the Government had subsidised a small book on science, and two works on biology by Professors Parker and Uutton,

The Chancellor thought it would be best if the Government requested Sir J. Hooker to bring oat a second edition ; but that had nothing to do with the text book. The resolution was agreed to in the following form, " That the Government be urged to make arrangements, with as little delay as possible, for the publication of a new edition of Sir J. D. Hooker's 'Handbook of New Zealand Flora.' " BIOLOGY. Professor F. D. Brows moved "That the consideration of the syllabus for the examinations ia Biology, laid on the table to-day, be made an order of the day for Monday next." It was agreed that the portion relating to houours examination be referred to the select committee already appointed to consider the honours examination. Tne other portion of the resolution was made an order of the day for Monday. EXEMPTION* VROM LECTURKS. Dr. Giles moved, "That no exemption from attendance on lectures, unless by special resolution of the Senate, be hereafter allowed, except in the case of students who at the time of commencing to keep terms shall have attained the age of years. That no exemption ahall be given, except in the case of those subjects a knowledge of which can be acquired from books alone." At the request of a number of members of the Senate, the mover agreed to allow the matter to stand over till next seseion. JUNIOR SCBOLARSHIP EXAMINATION. Professor Von Haasi , moved, " That a select committee should examine the relative position of the value of the marjfcs in the junior scholarship examination, both for the arts and science courses." Carried. VACANC? OX THE SENATE. Professor Sale moved, "That on Tuesday, the 10th instant, the Senate proceed to the election of a Fellow of the University in the room of the Rev. Charles Fraser, and that nominations for this election be made in Senate on or before Monday, the 9th instant." Carried. DEGREES IN* SCIENCE. The Senate reaolved itself into committee for further consideration of a scheme for degreee in science.