Auckland University College.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XXVI, 27 June 1903, Page 1823

Auckland University College.

“CAPPING” DAY. Graduates and undergraduates, professors and directors of education, and a large number of the general public gathered on June 18 at the Choral Hall to witness that time-honoured ceremony known as •'capping, ’ to see the successful graduates of the Auckland University College receive from the hands of the Chancellor’s representative the reward of tLeir labours. At three o’clock the hall was filled. At that hour. Sir Maurice O’Rorke, who presided in his capacity as representative of the Chancellor of the University, took his seat. On the platform with Sir Maurice were His Lordship the Anglican Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Neligan), Mr J. W. Joynt, M.A., (Registrar of the New Zealand University), the Hon. J. A. Tole, Mr G. L. Peacocks, and Dr. McDowell (members of the College Council), Professors Brown, Meager, Egerton, Thomas, and Tubbs, Messrs S. Luke and L. J. Bagnall (Board of Education), Mr G. Fowlds, M.8.R., the Rev. Dr. Purchas, Mr J. W. Tibbs, M.A., Mr G. B. Bigg-Wither, 8.A., ani a number of graduates As those on the platform took their seats the students, who had been entertaining the audience with songs and musical medleys, burst into a college song, which goes to the tune of “There is a Tavern in the Town,’ and which describes the capping ceremony. Coiue along, you mustn't miss it. You will surely say "Is this it? I had no idea that anything so fine could be,” Oh see those fellows there upon the stage, The funny things they say—they'll soon be all the rage. Not a circus, not e’en Dix’s Comic show. Was ever up to this. I trow! Interesting speeches were given by Sir G. M. O’Rorke, the Hon. J. A. Tole, Bishop Neligan, Professors Segar and Egerton. PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS. Mr. Joynt, the registrar of the University, then announced the various degrees which were to be conferred, and referred to the pre-eminent position of the college on this occasion. He mentioned that double-firsts had been gained seven times previous to this, and on each occasion by a Canterbury College student, so that Auckland was the first college to break this line of success. Mr. Joynt also referred to the degree of Doctor of Laws to be conferred on Mr. H. D. Bamford, and regretted that Mr. Bamford was not present to receive his diploma. The diplomas were then presented to the various graduates by Sir Maurice O’Rorke, the graduates being introduced by Professor Segar. Some of the new graduates were not present, and in these cases the degrees were formally conferred. All the recipients received very hearty receptions from the students and the audience, the gallery cheering everyone vigorously. The following were the diplomas conferred: Doctor of Laws: Harry Dean Bamford, B.A. Masters of Arts.—Philip Sydney Ardern, Arthur Rainsford Crump, Gertrude

Annie Drew, Luther Vincent Halliwell, Ethel May Mclntosh, Florence Isabella Paterson, Frederick Sinclaire, Ebenczer Wilson. Honours in Arts —P. S. Ardern, firstclass io languages and literature, Latin and English; A. R. Crump, second-class in mathematics and mathematical physics; Gertrude A. Drew, third-class in political science; L. V. Halliwell, first-class in mathematics and mathematical physics, also first-class in chemistry (physical and inorganic); Ethel M. Mclntosh, third-class in botany; F. Sinclaire, firstclass in languages and literature (Latin and French: E. Wilson, first-class in mental science. Honours in Science—G. B. Stephenson, first-class in botany. Bachelors of Arts—Leia Cowell Button, John Caughley, Cecil Lina Frances Hull, Edward Herbert Scverne, Martha Steven, Thomas Theodore Thomas (of Canterbury College), Cecil Alexand r Burns Watson. Bachelors of Science—Willie Donovan (senior scholarship in chemistry), Cyril James Anthony Griffin (senior scholarship in mathematics), Hugh Vickemian. Bachelor of Laws—Robert James Coates. The chairman then asked Lady Ranfurly to present the two medals given by her for competition among the students of music, which Her Ladyship did. the recipients being Miss Florence B. Williams (senior) and Miss Edith R. Park (junior). The chairman announced that Lady Ranfurly would present medals for ths ensuing year, whereupon the .students sang “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” to the evident amusement of Her Ladyship. THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH. Sir Maurice O’Rorke then called for three cheers for the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, which were given with enthusiasm. His Excellency said he was very pleased to be present on this occasion, and he hoped it would not be the last, for he would be present in Auckland next year, though, unfortunately, Lady Ranfurly would not. He hoped that a start would soon be made in establishing residences in connection with the colleges, and he had always urged the necessity for this step, which would improve the scholastic life. His Excellency referred to the special faculties in the Southern colleges, and said that these faculties made residential establishments all the more necessary. It was quite impossible for a colony like New Zealand to have all these faculties in one town, and it would be better to unite and put away all spirit of provincialism. There were renewed cheers as the Governor resumed his seat. As the gathering broke up “God Save the King” and the immortal “Gaudeamus” were sung.