LAW SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 53

LAW SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS.

WELLINGTON, January 27. \ At the sitting of the University Senata this afternoon Mr.Baumo moved — "ThaiH one senior scholarship be offered annually' 1 " for law?' ' There was no subject, ha thought, more worthy of a scholarship than the study "of Roman law. They had recently instituted an honours course in law, and -modified, rightly or -wrongly, the course for the LL.D., and he believed thesenate could well advance in the direction he proposed. There was too much temptation nowadays for students, es soon as they had got*, through their examinations, to start practice and to disregard anything) ' further in the way of study. Dr~ Fitchett seconded the motion. He. stated that under the present system there /were two classes of students of law, those Who came into the university^ (a - comparatively small 1 number) and graduated in law, and* those outside^ who passed the necessary, examination. ,' If\ they could in any way, induce a large number of men to graduate before they entered the profession, it would not only profit the university, but law itself, by greatly raising its status. Mr L. Cohen pointed out that the highest culture was required at the Bar, and the public would have more confidence,' in the judicial Bench by knowledge o£ the fact that those who sat on it were; drawn, from the most 'cultured persons.

Professor MaoMillan Brown thought the line they should take' was to strengthen the stimulus to men to go through the general, arts, or science course before they entered on* their professional career.

Mr Hay said it was very desirable tS encourage students to come to the university and take the full course. The carrying of the motion would tend to give that encouragement.

Mr Hogben supported the motion. The < Chancellor said •no honours werei now given for medicine. He thought ifc very 1 unfair, seeing that ;the medical 1 students exceeded the law students, that;, the former should be denied whilst the* law, students should get a scholarship. Mr yon Haast considered that if they] gave this scholarship it would encourage students, instead of starting practice straight v away, to make researches in the higher branches of law.

The Rev. A. Cameron moved an amend lment that the question be deferred and referred to the Finance Committee.

This was lost and the motion was agreed