CAPPING CEREMONIES

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1932, Page 7

CAPPING CEREMONIES

PROCEDURE CRITICISED. METHOD “RATHER GROTESQUE.” The procedure at university capping ceremonies was criticised during an informed discussion at a meeting of the Auckland University College Council on Monday. The question arose when arrangements were being made for the jubilee celebrations of the college, which are to be held in May. The 1 graduation ceremony will be held in the Town Hall on May 23, the third day of the celebrations. Professor C. W. Egerton said he had heard certain members of the college staff express disapproval of the procedure at present in force, involving the presentation of diplomas and the gowning of the graduates. “They think the method'is rather grotesque,” he said. The procedure was described by one member as “looking like a trying-on process at a costumiere’s.” Mr. S. Irwin Crookes said the Auckland ceremonies were “gowning,” not "capping” ceremonies. , ' | Dr. Kenneth Mackenzie referred to the method in use elsewhere of touching the graduate’s head with a cap, which was used repeatedly for all the graduates presenting themselves. - Mr. H. Horton drew attention to the unnecessary length of time it took to gown and present with diplomas the large number of graduates offering. It should be possible for them to be presented with less delay. “At present the ceremony bores those who attend it,”, he said. “It will be more dignified and the public will be less critical if it is not drawn out to such lengths.”

The president, Sir George Fowlds, said at present it was the custom to present the .graduates in' sections. That might occasion delay and consideration would be given to presenting them in a continuous line. “We will bear these suggestions in mind,” he said, "and see if it is possible to speed up the ceremony.”