The discussion on Universities and the Empire at Thurs- day's
meeting, opened by Dr. Headlam, was maintained on a high level throughout In an extremely suggestive speech Mr. Balfour condemned the excessive deference paid to examinations, and described the modern plan, under which the highest work of the Universities seemed to consist "in a perennial contest between the examiner on the one side and the 'coach' on the other over the passive body of the examinee," as a fulling away from all that was highest in the idea of study and investigation. On the other hand, he welcomed the growing recognition of the post-graduate course as a healthy sign of emancipation from this intel- lectual servitude. In conclusion, Mr. Balfour expressed the hope that the Conference would result in such a develop- ment of this system, and such a mutual arrangement between the Universities in all parts of the Empire, as would not only stimulate post-graduate. research, but enable and encourage the carrying on of that research by members travelling from one part of the Empire to another. At the close a an interesting discussion a resolution was unanimously carried recommending the forming of a Committee representing Universities "to investigate the question whether it is possible to facilitate the exchange of information as to their courses and standards between the Universities of the Empire, and to take action accordingly."
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