E.-7

22

For the past fey. years, owing to the proposals submitted by the late Professor Haslam to the Council of Trinity College, Cambridge, a close scholarship from Canterbury College has been tenable at Trinity. During the past year notice was received from Trinity that, owing to the success ol the scheme adopted, it was intended to offer the scholarship on a wider basis, i Qg confined to students from Canterbury College, to make a selection of one or more scholars nominated by any or all of the university colleges in the Empire outside the Cnited Kingdom. While it is very gratifying that success has rewarded the efforts of the students sent from here, it seems a pity that such success should mean the withdrawal of the conditions affecting the tenure of the scholarship as obtaining until now. Of course, if a student be chosen from here in the face of selection from such a wide field the honour will be the greater, but it was hoped that the Gondii ions as at first proposed would mean a close knitting together of one of the old colleges of Cambridge with this comparatively new one established at the Antipodes. Hitherto whatever provision has been made for graduates to pursue their studies in England has been in favour of the male student, but I am glad to be able to report that negotiations are being carried on with Holloway College with a view of securing for female graduates a somewhat similar concession to that hitherto granted by Trinity College. Should the conditions prove satisfactory, the Board will be then in a position to help those female students whose work makes it probable that they will benefit by such a scholarship, so that they may continue their post-graduate studies in England. Each succeeding year shows one or more female students well up in the honours list, and the possibility of obtaining the help necessary for further study may induce still more to read for honours instead of being content with the ordinary pass degree. This year the provisions of the Teachers' Superannuation Act have been extended so that the permanent, staff of the College is enabled to join and receive the benefits of that fund. For some years endeavours have been made to alter the Act in this direct ion. but without success, but the change now made renders it optional for permanent members of the staff who held their appointments before 1913 to join, if they so wish, and renders it compulsory for all future appointees to join. The benefits accruing therefrom will be advantageous to those who give their life service ro the Board, but in this, as in all cases under the Act, the benefits (if those who retire before the expiration of the term agie< <l on are not so advantageous; still, generally speaking, the provision foi a retiring-pension will be of considerable value. Some three years ago. on the oombined suggestion of Canterbury and Lincoln Colleges, alterations were made in the order in which certain subjects could be taken by those who were anxious to take a degree in agriculture. These alterations were not made with the intention of lowering th< standard of the degree, but with that of enabling the student, to pursue his studies in such a way that the pracl ical and theoretical work were better correlated. The result has been beneficial, and it is pleasing to see that a greater number are coming forward for their degrees in this subject, for in this year's class lists there are four who have passed a section of the degree examination and one who has obtained the lull degree. Those who have been considering a possible change in the method of examination of degrees have arrived at a decision that seems to approach somewhat closely to a combination of both internal and external examiners. Oftentimes a student who has done good solid work throughout the year fails to do himself justice in the paper work submitted to the Home examiner. The following resolution of the Senate comes into force this year : "' That a report of the work of each student sitting for his degree in arts or science be furnished by the Professors through the Registrar for communication to the examiners at Home." Tims by such means something approaching a conference between those who have taught and examined the students in New Zealand and the external examiners is set up, and the result will not depend solely on the judgment of one set of examiners. This will in no way lessen the value of the degree, but will enable a fuller judgment of the work done to be arrived at. Though not all that may be desired, yet it is a recognition that the fairest way of determining whether a student should proceed to his degree is by considering as fully as possible every factor in the course of study. It is a pleasing fact to note that at the reoent degree examinations a fair share of honours has fallen to Canterbury College. Professor Haslam, after thirty-two years' service Under the Hoard, sent in his resignation, and he was granted leave of absence for the second term, thus relieving him of his duties soon after his resignation had been accepted. During his term of office he had identified himself with almosl every phase of College life, taking great interest not only in his actual duties, but in those many branches thai go to make up collegiate life. Of the work done as Professor of Classics, the results both in the class lists from year to year and in the positions gained by many of bis students showed how thoroughly he carried out his share in their instruction. The vacancy has been filled by the appointment of Mr. Hugh Stewart. M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, who, bringing with him a high reputation, will undoubtedly keep up the former high standard of classical attainments. School op Engineering. This year shows a slight increase in the number of matriculated students who purpose taking the full course for one or other of the degrees. This is due in all probability to the resolution passed by the Senate, which enables the whole course to be completed in four years instead of five years. 11 is more than probable that as the years pass the number will be materially increased. I have pointed out in another portion of the report that this shortening of the course has made it imperative that more accommodation should be provided. The alterations and additions decided on and now being undertaken provide for ati additional lecture-room, a departmental library, workshop, a room for applied mechanics, a private room for a lecturer, and a preparation-room. By such means every facility will be given the students to pursue their studies under more advantageous surroundings. It is to be regretted that the serious illness of Professor Scott has necessitated a lengthened leave of absence, and this at a time when alterations and additions designed by him are being carried out.