8.—7

20

For the degree examinations two were successful in the final examination for the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), and one in that of Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) ; while of the others who ■ sat, four and seven respectively passed the earlier stages of their professional examination in their first and second years respectively. At the last January meeting of the Senate the question of shortening the period of residence for engineering students at Canterbury College, so far as affecting students from Auokland, was discussed, and it was decided that no alteration was possible or needed. The principle is thus affirmed, that for such an important professional education it is necessary that students should spend the whole of the time at the recognized school. In order to avoid any of the disabilities that were brought forward in support of a change, it woidd be a wise thing if more scholarships in engineering were offered, so that the cost of the eduoation of the best students offering might be reduced. It is pleasing to note that many of the old students have been successful during the year in obtaining important positions in New Zealand and Australia. During the second term and during the vacation twenty-three of the students enlisted in the Expeditionary Forces, so that the year opens with a smaller number of students than usual. School of Art. Last year the Director reported a higher attendance than in previous years, and again this year he states that it is the highest in the history of the school. It is a pleasing feature that the Sfihool is thus growing and its educational value is so fully recognized, and that students are anxious to at'ail themselves of the instruction given. This points to the fact that the building itself must be enlarged. The Board of Governors have recognized this, and have had plans prepared for a considerable addition to the building. Though by careful management a certain amount has been able to be set aside for this purpose, there are not enough funds in hand to carry out the necessary work, and up to the present the Education Department has not been able to make a grant-in-aid. As soon as suoh help is forthcoming, however, the necessary additions will be put in hand. The work of the school has been very successful this year, for again in competition with the students of the schools of art in Great Britain one student was successful in obtaining a National Bronze Medal, anotherjobtained a National Book Prize, while there were also several special mentions. In the local exhibition held by the Art Society the majority of the diplomas were gained by students of the school. During the year a special course, in architecture was introduced, with a definite syllabus laid down, the aim being that those who successfully completed the requisite course should obtain an associateship of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Of course, a large number were not expected to undertake the course, but satisfactory work was done by those who were enrolled. In connection with this course, a series of lectures on the history of architecture was delivered by Mr. Hurst Seager, which was attended not only by those; who were actually taking the definite course, but by others who were specially interested in this portion of the work. The Council of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, who were in session in Christchurch, visited the school and expressed the opinion that it was facile princeps. The Director gave during the year a special series of lectures to the teachers in the city and suburban sohools, and these were largely attended by head teachers and also by assistants, who much appreciated them. Other special lectures on art were given to large audiences ; such lectures arouse and keep up interest in art and in the school. Report of the Chairman or the Professorial Board. The War.—A large proportion of the students have enlisted and are either at the front, in the Dardanelles, or in training at Trentham. The Professor of Classics. Lieutenant Hugh Stewart;, is reported wounded on the lOth June ; the Assistant Professor of Mathematics is shortly to leave on active service. Very great credit is due to students who enlisted within a very few months of their final Honours examination. A number of students who have offered their services have been rejected for one reason or another ; altogether it is felt that the College as a whole has done and is doing its duty in our great time of strain and trouble. The Library. —Very nearly the whole amount promised by the public for the library building has now been collected. Valuable gifts of books have also been made to the library by Messrs. R. In wood and •). 11. Orford. The progress made with the building itself is very satisfactory. Heating and Lighting. For many years the arrangements for heating and lighting tin; College have given cause, for complaint, and it is hoped that the Committee who no w_ have the matter in hand will succeed in putting these very important matters upon a sound footing. The feeling among the teachers and students of the College is that a great expense would be amply justified if the present bad atmosphere and poor light could be improved. Supervision of Students' Courses. —The tutorial system which was initiated last year has proved very successful. A further step has now been made, and in future a Director of Studies in Arts and a Director of Studies in Science will be appointed. This reform was much needed, and is proving of great benefit both to students and to teachers. Board of Studies.—The new constitution of the University comes into force this year. The Board of Studies, which consists entirely of professors and lecturers of the colleges, and has sole control of the syllabus and other important matters, has now been elected, and the first meeting will be held next < November. The representatives of Canterbury College are Professors Blunt, Gabbatt, Hight, Scott, and Wall. It is hoped that the regrettable friction which has taken place in the past between the Senate and some of the teaching staffs will now be a thing of the past, and that some reforms, not of the extreme kind, which have long been urgently needed, will now be achieved.