AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10832, 16 August 1898, Page 3

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

TO THE EDITOR. There is one remark made by your correspondent " Mahara" in your iseue of last Saturday that well illustrates the slovenly way in which lie collects the facts which form the basis of his strictures on the above institution ; a remark, indeed, which must either be attributed to gross carelessness or else be considered a wilful falsehood, penned with the idea of misleading your readers. !n the course of a criticism on au article published in the university magazine, " Mahara" makes the following assertion, ostensibly summarised from that publication:—"The figures show that in 12 years the number of graduates has increased from five to nine; the number of undergraduates, 27 to 84; non-matriculated students, 69 to 115.'* Now, if " Mahara" will re-read the article in question, lie will see that these figures represent the increase in the number of students attending lectures, and that consequently the whole of his criticism oi this point is based upon a gross misstatement. For his information I would point out the factwhich lie could have learnt in five minutes from the college calendar—that the total number of students who have graduated from the college, excluding this year's passes, is 79. "Maliara" the careless is also "Mahara" the modest, "My article," says ho (or she!), referring to that published a fortnight ago in the Herald Supplement, "seems to have had its effect. It has hastened into existence a colloge magazine, a publication which may do much to bring the college into better touch with the public." Such modesty, surely, is only equalled by the wondrous power by which in 10 short days " Mahara" could call forth a magazine from those very students whom lie so despises for their lack of energy. —I am, etc., Uxdergiiad. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —" Malmra's" letters will do good if they draw attention to the state of obscurity and stagnation into which the university lias fallen. Let me point to one instanco of remissness which has not hitherto been noticed. The universty has in its possesion a fine astronomical telescope, the gift of the late Mr. McCosh Clark. So far as I know, it is never used from one end of the year to the oilier. Why the mathematics' professor neglects this work, which falls so clearly within his province, I do not know. The instrument might he put to most profitable use, as regards not only the students and the public of Auckland, but tho whole colony. When a similar gift was made to Canterbury College, a special tower was erected for it, and periodical de--1 monstrations given to students and the public. I know at least one old graduate of Auckland who would be highly competent to take chargo of this instrument.—l am, etc., PUKAKI. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—"Divinity Student" has been taken lo task for tho letter which appeared in your issue of tho 12th inst. With the criticisms that have been passed upon that letter I heartily agree. The .writer has been more anxious to air his Latin and high-sounding phrases than to speak tho truth. i?or myself, I seriously doubt whether a divinity studentwrote tho letter at all. There aro several such students attending the university, all so far as I am aware, in full sympathy with tho Students' Association, and I will make bold to say that we all have the courage of our opinions, and are not ashamed of our names* Your anonymous correspondent should make sure of his facts before he rushes into print, and not be in such a hurry to display his pedantic ignorance.— am, etc., J. 11. Haslam. Prince Albert College, August 15, 1893.