H.—3

1. Classics. —In this branch, several of the candidates acquitted themselves with considerable credit. The answers of one of the successful candidates especially were deserving of great praise. The Examiner expressed his satisfaction at the fact that, in future, under the regulations now in force, so good a paper will insure the reward of a scholarship, which might, under the former regulations, not have been awarded, owing to a want of proficiency in some other subject. This paper would, he says, do credit and insure emolument, in the shape of an exhibition or a scholarship, to a first-year man, either at Oxford or Cambridge. It may be worth noticing further, that in this examination the number of good Greek papers is a little in excess of those in Latin, there being seven papers in Greek and only six in Latin, which obtained half marks or upwards. In the two subjects, six obtained half marks. 2. In Mathematics, the work, taken as a whole, appears to have been creditably done, and the candidates of more equal merit than those of the previous year; but there were none who acquitted themselves as well as those who stood highest in that year's examination. The diversity of text-books in use at the different institutions makes it more difiicult to apportion the marks with perfect fairness than would otherwise be the case. In this subject, there were seven candidates who obtained half marks and upwards. 3. In Physical Science, the average excellence of the papers was inferior to that of the previous year ; and the deficiency was most marked in the knowledge of Chemistry, in which subject only three candidates obtained any marks at all, and in all the branches only two obtained half marks and upwards. 4. The fourth group of subjects comprises—History, English Literature, and Modern Languages other than English. In History and English Literature, six of the candidates obtained half marks and upwards. In French, the greater portion of the papers were answered clearly and well. It will be observed that the papers on this subject were the most successful of all, as the number of candidates who obtained half marks and upwards was fourteen. In German, on the other hand, the result of the examination is eminently unsatisfactory. Only one of the candidates has shown that he possesses any real knowledge of the language. The book proposed for study was Schiller's "Thirty Years' "War," and the papers set contained questions framed for the purpose of testing the knowledge of the language as well as questions on the events recorded. It is to be regretted that in neither of these branches did the candidates appear to have mastered their subject. The marked deficiency in one important branch of learning which the general ignorance of the German language reveals is an evil much to be deplored, because it shows how little is being done to cultivate a knowledge of the literature which this fine language possesses. During the past year, negotiations have been entered into with the authorities of the governing bodies of the University of Otago and the Canterbury College, which it is hoped will result in an adjustment of those questions which have been for some time pending between the former institution and this University. These negotiations have led to an agreement between all parties concerned upon the main points at issue. The Council has during the present meeting, besides disposing of the ordinary business of the University, been engaged in conferences with gentlemen authorized to represent the University of Otago and the Canterbury College, with a view to a modification of the existing University Act. The draft of a measure for effecting the desired alterations has been agreed on and submitted to the Government, with a request that the Government should promote a Bill in the Assembly for giving the force of law to the proposals as agreed to. In the meantime, on the application of these two bodies, both have become affiliated to the University. "Bowen Peize" Account. £ s. d. To donation from Sir G. P. Bowen ... ... ... ... 105 0 0 Interest to 31st December, 1873 ... ... ... ... 216 0 £107 16 0 By deposit, Government Savings Bank ... ... ... 105 0 0 Interest deposited, ditto ... ... ... ... 2 16 0 £107 16 0 Henby John Tancbed, Chancellor. Univeesitt of New Zealand—Geneeal Account.—Statement of Eeceipts and Expenditube. Receipts. Prom the General Government— £ s. d. £ s. d. Grant under " New Zealand University Act, 1870 " ... ... 3,000 0 0 Pees for matriculated students ... ... ... ... ... 14 14 0 " Bowen Prize" donation ... ... ... ... 105 0 0 Interest ... ... ... ... 2 16 0 107 16 0 Petty cash ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 Bank balance, March 31st, 1874 ... ... ... 4,289 14 3 Less unpresented cheques ... ... ... ... 72 10 0 4,217 4 3 £7,339 19 3

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