The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 2, 1903. CANTERBURY COLLEGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 931, 2 July 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 2, 1903. CANTERBURY COLLEGE.

From an educational and monetary point of view the people of the colony. have reason to take a strong interest in the welfare of Canterbury College, and the deficiency in the honors department this year has of course been the subject of considerable comment. At the capping ceremony the registrar of the University expressed a hope that there had 'been only a temporary lull in the glory of the college. In an article! on the subject the Press declares that colleges have their good years | and bad years in regard to the calibre of the students on their rolls. In 1902 Auckland took all the firstclass honors except one, both in the arts and science courses. No university honors at all went to the Canterbury College, while its young rival, Victoria College (Wellington), scored two second-class and two third-class honors. “ This,” states | the Press, “ is so marked a contrast to the brilliant record of the Canterbury College in the past that the •Professorial Board might very well direct their serious attention to the subject. . What is really wanted is a sort of principal, a sympathetic all-round scholar, to whom the students could go for advice in regard

to mapping out their course or any special difficulty, ’and who could be relied upon to take a real interest in the progress of the students, keeping individuals up to the mark where necessary.” These suggestions imply the need for reorganisation of some kind, but it is pointed out that the Professorial Board might, if the funds are not available to do otherwise, elect one of their own number to fill the position. There need be little wonder at the statement as to the calibre of the students, when their peculiar sense of humor is taken into account, as displayed for the public benefit on capping day. Their behavior stamped them as a band of idiots rather than sober students desirous of winning honors in the paths of learning. The procession reminded the Press Bpi noth-

ing so forcibly 'as a rather badly organised Guy Fawkes’ parade, and one fully expected to be beset with the customary request for coppers which forms such a vital feature of the fifth of November celebrations. It is certainly not the sort of exhibition which ought to be seen in an association with college cap and gown.” ■Among the pranks or the larrikin students was the decking of the Godley statue in huge mortar boards, | and gown, and a long white shirt, { and, assembling in front of it, the hoodlums performed a haka. Some may say that this larrikinism was only a diversion for a day from arduous, toil, but the results show the College to he in the background the year through, and sympathy must be felt for masters who have to deal with such material.