UNIVERSITY SENATE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9568, 26 January 1917, Page 5

UNIVERSITY SENATE

' HEALTH OF GIRL STUDENTS. Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 25. The question of over-pressure of studies and the consequent risk of injury to pupils in girls’ secondary schools was tho subject of a discussion in tho University Senate to-day. Tho matter was introduced by a recommendation from the entrance examination committee to the following effect; —“That the Senate bo recommended to ‘make a comprehensive investigation into the question of overpressure in girls' secondary schools.” Professor Chilton, convener of tho committee, in presenting the recommendation, said it was the outcome of a ((iscussion at the secondary conference at which the fol-lowing-resolution was carried;—“This committee of lady members of the secondary, schools’ conference is of opinion thft the promsions for free secondary education now available for girls have jo minimised tho risks of overpressure that no injury to, tho health of candidates for university entrance examinations is likely to occur provided judicious, care is exercised hy tho head mistresses of girls’ secondary schools.” Tho committee desired tho conference to forward this resolution. The Board of Studies felt that it was not in a position to come to a definite conclusion upon it because it had no information except that from persons more or less interested. The board therefore passed a resolution asking tho Senate to make an investigation. Professor Scgar moved as an amendment that the words "at some future date” bo added to tho recommendation. He did not see that there was anything to be gained from an order for an investigation when tho principals of girls’ secondary schools had asserted that no over-pressure existed. It was a known fact that many lady students took up tho study of' music and other accomplishments outside school work, and it was generally owing to these additional tasks that their health broke down. The amendment was lost and tho clause was rejected, it being considered that no necessity existed for an investigation, Tho -Senate adopted the following advanced subjects for tho B.Se degree:—Pure and applied mathematics physics, chemistry, botany, geology chemical engineering, physiology, agriculture, and technical physics, the degree to consist of five pass subjects and ono advanced subject.