AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9030, 17 April 1888, Page 3

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE COUNCIL.

The regular meeting of the University College Council was held yesterday afternoon. In thfi absence of Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Colonel Haultain was called to the chair. There were present Mr. Justice Gillies, Mr. A. Devore (Mayor of Auckland), Mr. E. Hesketh, Reva. D. Bruce, and A. Reid, and Mr. Upton, the chairman of the Board of Education, took hie seat for the first time since his election.

Entrance Scholarships.—The Professorial Board of Examiners recommended Arthur Withy and George Howard Plummer for election to the entrance scholarships. An offer was received from a gentleman who did not wish his name made public, offering to subscribe the cost of another scholarship. On the motion of Mr. Justice Gillies it was agreed, " That in consequence of the liberality of a donor, who wished his name withheld, the Council are now enabled to give a third scholarship this year, and in view of the recommendation of the examiners it be awarded to Edward Schnackenberg." The motion was agreed to. Sinclair and Gillies Scholarships.— Sir G. M. O'Rorke wrote that in consequence of the falling off in the interest on this grant, he thought it would be necessary to reduce the scholarships from £100 to £75 a year; and if this was not adopted, that only one scholarship at £100 be awarded this year, Professors Brown and Thomas to suggest which should be retained. He thought two euoh valuable scholarships should not be awarded each year. In reply to the chairman, the Registrar (Dr. Kidd) said that the two scholarships would terminata this year. Mr. Devore recommended that action should be taken on the basis that the interest would be £150. Mr. Bruce was of opinion it would be better to adopt the suggestion that both scholarships be not presentable this year. The Registrar pointed out that there were two scholarships of £100 each announced in the calendar available for this year. Mr. Justice Gillies thought it would be very awkward to alter the calendar announcement, and if £300 interest was coming in then, if they only got 5 per cent, for the next three years it would only require £6 to make up the deficiency. Besides, it was quite possible, as had once occurred before, that there might not be two qualified candidates. In answer to questions, the Registrar stated that there was £40 to croditin addition to £330 due. Under these circumstances it was decided that it was not necessary to take any steps on the suggestions of Sir G. M. O'Rorke for the present. Leave of Absence.—Sir G. M. O'Rorke was granted leave of absence from this meeting. Mr. H. G. Seth Smith wrote stating that he was leaving for England. If there was any difficulty in obtaining a quorum he would resign, but if not he would ask for six months' leave of absence. On inquiry it appeared that Mr. Smith's term of office expired on the 21st oOlay, and it was agreed to grant him leave of absence till that time,

Admiralty House. —An application from Professor Aldis re removing a partition in the lecture hall at Admiralty House, was received, and it was agreed, after first getting an opinion from the Public Works Department as to whether it would not be injurious to the building, to obtain the consent of the Government to the removal of the partition. Laboratory Requirements. —Professor Thomas, owing to increased attendance at lectures, applied for additional requirements, a bench, stools, seats, etc., estimated to cost £30. On the motion of the Mayor the application was referred to a committee with power to act in case of urgency, and that stock taken by the Professors of material, etc., in hand, be sent to this Council.

Reduction ok Fees.— The Professorial Board wrote suggesting an alteration in the latter paragraph of Clause 2, page 31, in regard to fees. The paragraph proposed to be altered was this : " Every student taking throe or more courses of lectures, each or such course being of not less than two hours per week, shall pay only two-thirds of the amounts above stated." It was proposed to alter this to read so that any person attending six lectures each week should be entitled to the reduction provided in Rule 2. It was finally agreed to refer the matter to a committee. This was agreed to, and the registrar was in the meantime instructed to take fees on the existing scale, the difference to be refunded if there was a reduc tion made. Messrs. Upton and Bruce were appointed a committee to confer with the professors on the subject. Retiring Members.—The Registrar announced that the terms of office of Mr. E. Hesketh, Rev. A. Reid, and Mr. Seth Smith would expire on the 21st of May. Mr. Hesketh was elected by the members of Parliament residing in the provincial district, and Messrs. Reid and Smith by the Governor-in-Council. The Registrar was instructed to take the necessary steps to provide for the election of successors to these gentlemen. Chair ok Musio.—Mr. A. Devore, on behalf of the committee appointed to confer with Herr Carl Schmitt, stated that the committee had no report to make. Accounts.—Current accounts amounting to £304 17s 9d, as certified to by the; Finance Committee, were passed for payment. The meeting then adjourned bill Monday, the 21st of May.