19

E.— 7

The landscape classes have grown so much that it was found necessary to rearrange the time-table so that three classes, each containing about twenty students, could be instructed. This increase has not in any way affected the attendance at the classes set apart for life and still life. Satisfactory arrangements having been made with the Master Painters' Association, a class, with a course of instruction extending over five years, has been established for apprentices, and the employers have agreed to allow these to attend day classes. This must prove of very great value, especially if the Education Department make attendance at evening classes compulsory. If this is done and the support of the master painters is continued, as good results will be obtained in this section as have been obtained by the recognition of the Architectural Section by the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. In this section the Director reports that excellent results have been obtained. It was disappointing that the Government could not see its way to grant a pound-for-pound subsidy to enable the Board to make additions to the buildings. In the place of these additions the Director made suggestions for structural alterations in the present building. These were approved of, and completed in time for the assembling of the classes in 1916. A great improvement in the accommodation has thus been made, but if the attendance continues to increase it may yet be found necessary to make additions to the buildings. The thanks of the Board are due to Mr. Hurst-Seager for continuing to devote so much of his time as honorary lecturer in architectural history, giving a course of lectures which are not only of value to the students in architecture, but are much appreciated by others who are at present not entering upon the professional course. Report oe the Chairman of the Professorial Board. The War. —The most noticeable thing about college life at, present is the effect of the war as seen in the greatly reduced number of male students. Such students in their later college years are now a very small number indeed. It is felt that Canterbury College has given nobly of its best in this time of national crisis. Professor Stewart has continued to distinguish himself in his military capacity. He is now Major Stewart, and has been awarded both the British and the French Military Crosses. The Library. —The most important event of the year has been the opening of the new library. Not only is this fine building an ornament to the College, but, it is felt that the establishment of our library on this new footing'is an important step forward in the life of the College. The opportunity to have such easy and pleasant access to the sources of knowledge is bound to have a strengthening and deepening influence on the life ol' the students, who are showing their appreciation by making good use of it. Supervision of Students' Courses. —The recently adopted card system is more find more justifying itself. This year more students than formerly attended to have their courses arranged during the two days set apart for that purpose before the beginning of lectures. This year's report on students' courses shows only 83 undergraduates as against 101 of last year. Of these, out of 71 who could repeat (law and commerce students cannot repeat) 67 repeated, 37 one subject, and 30 two subjects. Only five students are this year sitting for honours, which helps to show how the College has been depleted of students in their later years. The Board of Studies. —The first meeting of the newly constituted Board of Studies of the University was held in Wellington from the 2nd to the Bth November. The chief proposals discussed were those of the representatives of Canterbury College (Professors Blunt, Gabbatt, Hight, Scott, and Wall) respecting (1) examinations for degrees and (2) courses for degrees. The essential principle of the first set of proposals was the abolition of the present system of examination, and the creation of Boards of Examiners, consisting of the teachers of the several subjects, provision being also made for the appointment of external moderators. With regard to courses for degrees, it was proposed that an intermediate system resembling that in vogue in all the English provincial universities should be adopted. Both proposals were carried with modifications in detail, the first by a majority of two to one, and the second by a bare majority; but the essential principle of the latter proposals—namely, that every student desiring to proceed to a degree should take at least one subject to a higher standard than the present pass standard — was carried unanimously. The Senate, however, rejected both proposals.