COMMITTEE OF CONVOCATION - 2007

THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

A re-creation of the Foundation Plate presented by the Committee of Convocation

21 November 2007

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/convocation/ INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Foundation Stone of the University of Melbourne was laid by the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, Sir Charles Hotham, on 3 July 1854. The Foundation Stone consisted of an engraved plate with an inscription in Latin composed by the Chancellor, Redmond Barry, some British coins and the Constitution of the University, all laid in a special stone buried in the foundations of the Quadrangle Building. The actual location of the Foundation Stone and its commemorative plate continues to be a great mystery. As the contemporary accounts record, they were placed underground but separately from the footings of the east and west wings that were the first parts of the Quadrangle to be built. One possible place would have been where the un-built south wing and entrance tower were to be, just south of the present undercroft, below and in front of the present Council Chamber, but this is only conjecture. During 2006 the Committee of Convocation noted that that there would be significant changes to the longstanding membership of the Committee brought about by the application of the State Government’s 12 year Membership Rule, which would take effect with the elections to the Committee held towards the end of 2007 and 2009. At the same time the Committee’s attention was drawn to the fact that 2007 would be the 140th anniversary of Convocation (as the successor to the Senate of the University which held its first meeting on 2 July 1867) and that it would be fitting to mark both events by presenting to the University an engraved re-creation of the University of Melbourne Foundation Plate. The research work associated with the project has been enthusiastically undertaken by a Working Group appointed by the Committee of Convocation from its membership and comprises Mr David Dodd (convenor), Dr Cecily Close, Dr John Harcourt and Dr Ros Otzen, with Mr George Tibbits as Consultant. The Working Group wishes to record its grateful thanks to the following persons who have generously given their time to the Project: Professor Emeritus Richard Selleck Associate Professor Christopher Mackie Dr Andrew MacMillan Mr George Tibbits The re-creation of the original Foundation Plate and its translation is now presented to the University, in the presence of the Governor, Professor David de Kretser, AC, as the Visitor, the Chancellor Mr Ian Renard and the Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis, AC by the President and members of the Committee of Convocation on 21 November 2007 celebrating the 140th Year of the Committee’s founding as the Senate of the University on 2 July 1867. SOURCES

Minute Books of the Council, the Senate and the RJW Selleck, The Shop : The University of Melbourne Convocation of the University of Melbourne 1850-1939. (MUP 2003) Melbourne Newspapers Stuart Macintyre, RJW Selleck, A Short History of Argus the University of Melbourne. (MUP 2003) Melbourne Morning Herald George Tibbits, The Quadrangle : The first building Banner at the University of Melbourne. (MUP 2005) Australasian Sketcher Geoffrey Blainey, A Centenary History of the University of Melbourne Calendars University of Melbourne. (MUP 1957) University of Melbourne Archives Geoffrey Blainey, Norman H. Olver, The University State Library of Victoria of Melbourne : A Centenary Portrait. (MUP 1957) Ernest Scott, The History of the University of Australian Dictionary of Biography - Online Melbourne. (MUP & OUP 1936) edition contents/

1. Introduction and Acknowledgements...... Inside front cover 2. Sources ...... Inside front cover 3. The Re-created Foundation Plate and its Translation...... 2 The Re-created Foundation Plate presented to the . University on the occasion of the 140th Anniversary . of Convocation, to be erected in the Cloisters. of the Old Quadrangle. 4. The Ceremony of the laying of the Foundation Stone - 3 July 1854...... 3 As reported in the Melbourne newspapers, . Argus and Melbourne Morning Herald, and Banner of Tuesday 4 July 1854, including the Argus Editorial of 4 July 1854. 5. The Senate of the University 1867-1923 - A brief history ...... 7 6. Convocation and the Standing Committee of ...... 10 Convocation 1924 onwards 7. Vignettes of the Lieutenant-Governor, the Chancellor and the first Councillors of .the University of Melbourne ...... 12 8. Wardens of the Senate 1867-1923 and of Convocation...... 15 1924-1975, Presidents of the Graduates 1975-1985 and Presidents of Convocation 1986-2007 9. Members of the Committee of Convocation 2007...... 16 (as at 31 August 2007) 10. The University of Melbourne1858 ...... Inside back cover The Quadrangle Building - An original engraving from the . Illustrated London News. Hand coloured and published in London in 1858

1 THE RE-CREATED FOUNDATION PLATE AND ITS TRANSLATION

Primum hunc lapidem This the first stone Academiæ Melburnensis of Melbourne University in honorem Dei instituted in honor of God ad adolescentes philosophia for establishing young men literis pietate in philosophy formandos literature and piety juventutis ingenium excolendum cultivating the talent of youth artes fovendas fostering the arts scientiæ fines ampliandos extending the bounds of science institutæ was laid on the third day of July ante diem quintum nonas Julias in the 17th year of the Queen’s reign anno reginæ XVII and the third year of the Coloniæ Victoriæ III Colony of Victoria Domini MDCCCLIV in the year of our Lord 1854 posuit Carolus Hotham by Charles Hotham Eques de Balneo Knight of the Bath Coloniæ Præfectus Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony CANCELLARIO CHANCELLOR Redmundo Barry Redmond Barry VICE-CANCELLARIO VICE-CHANCELLOR Hugone Culling Eardley Childers Hugh Culling Eardley Childers SOCIIS COUNCILLORS Reverendo Admodum Carolo The Right Reverend Charles Episcopo Melburnense Bishop of Melbourne Reverendo Admodum Jacobo Alipio Goold The Right Reverend James Alipius Goold Honorando Viro Joanne Fitzgerald Lesley Foster The Honorable John Fitzgerald Lesley Foster Honorando Viro Gulielmo Foster Stawell The Honorable William Foster Stawell Honorando Viro Jacobo Frederico Palmer The Honorable James Frederick Palmer Reverendo Irving Hetherington The Reverend Irving Hetherington Reverendo Alexandro Morison The Reverend Alexander Morison Jacobo Croke James Croke Edvardo Grimes Edward Grimes Roberto Williams Pohlman Robert Williams Pohlman Francisco Murphy Francis Murphy Edvardo Stone Parker Edward Stone Parker Gulielmo Clarke Haines William Clarke Haines Georgio Gulielmo Rusden George William Rusden Normano Campbell Norman Campbell Colino Campbell Colin Campbell Lauchlano Mackinnon Lauchlan Mackinnon Godfredo Howitt Godfrey Howitt ARCHITECTO ARCHITECT Francisco Maloney White Francis Maloney White ÆDIFICATORE BUILDER Joanne Sinclair John Sinclair

The Foundation Stone of The University of Melbourne was laid by the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, Sir Charles Hotham on 3 July 1854. An engraved plate with an inscription in Latin composed by the Chancellor, Redmond Barry, some British coins and the Constitution of the University, were laid in a stone cavity, covered by the foundation stone, and buried in the foundations of this Quadrangle Building. The above re-creation of the Foundation Plate and its translation was presented to the University in the presence of the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, AC, the Chancellor Mr Ian Renard and the Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis, AC on 21 November 2007 by the President and Members of the Committee of Convocation, celebrating the 140th year of its founding as the University Senate on 2 July 1867.

2 THE CEREMONY OF LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE - 3 JULY 1854

The Argus, Melbourne Morning Herald and Banner accommodation of the spectators, and for the convenient provided lengthy accounts in their 4 July editions performance of the ceremony. Ranges of seats in ascending of this important ceremony for the people of tiers had been erected on three sides of a quadrangle enclosing Melbourne. It was the new Lieutenant-Governor Sir the excavation in which the lower stone had already been Charles Hotham’s first public duty in the Colony, embedded. Opposite the opening was a canopy with a chair having arrived in Melbourne only in late June. In placed under it for Lady Hotham, commanding a full view of all the proceedings and the assembled company. From fact, Hotham laid two foundation stones on this day: this position the addresses were made. A gallery running the first and more splendid was for the University of round on each side led to a flight of steps down to the Melbourne. Following this ceremony the Governor stone, and also gave access to the seats.” The Banner adds: laid the foundation stone of the Melbourne Public “From the cross-trees which suspended the top stone, there Library. The common element was the involvement steamed lines of flags of various colours and designs that in both of some of Melbourne’s most powerful men, were discernible from a considerable distance…” of whom the most significant was Redmond Barry, The Herald’s detailed account continues: “The tools Chancellor of the University and senior Trustee of presented to His Excellency to be used on this occasion, the Public Library, and at the time, also Acting Chief consisted of a silver trowel of the usual size and form, with Justice of the Colony. a simple dedication in English. The dedication was to Mr La Trobe, the late Governor, who was to have laid the stone, The Argus aimed to ‘give a full account of the ceremonies but was prevented by family affliction, and by a press of in the order in which they were performed, the University business before his departure. The trowel was therefore having the first place. Our new Governor could hardly have used in an unfinished state, it being proposed to have a appeared in a more welcome character than as the patron new trowel made of native gold, and to send it to the Paris of education, and it will be seen from His Excellency’s Exhibition [of 1855]. The gold trowel is to weigh 16 ounces, observations how highly he appreciates science in the way and will cost 150 guineas. The silver one cost twenty-five we most require it, that is, in its practical application to local guineas and weighed nine ounces. The mallet or setting purposes. Upon this occasion, as upon all others, Sir Charles mall was of a very tasty design by Mr Reed; it was made of was well received, and his concluding address obtained black wood and ringed with silver. The mortar-board, upon for him the heartiest and, we believe, the most genuine which the mortar was handed to the illustrious operator by cheers he has yet received. His Excellency throughout this the architect, was also of blackwood, bordered and corner- morning’s ceremonies exhibited the same traits of business mounted with silver, and with a centre-piece of the same habits, energy, and decision for which he has already been metal. To these were added, for the foundation of the library, given credit. a silver square with a dedicatory inscription engraved on “About twelve o’clock, the officials and other gentlemen who one arm, and a list of the trustees of the institution on the formed part of the procession to the site of the University, other. The other tools were made for the University, and assembled at the Government offices [on the corner of used also for the library, it not being considered necessary William and Latrobe Streets], and their carriages having to have two sets for two similar works on the same day. The been arranged in order, they proceeded to the scene of the whole of the tools were constructed by Messrs Walsh & principal ceremony. Co., and were very creditable pieces of workmanship, both “The procession included, in addition to His Excellency, as regards design and execution. Lady Hotham, Mrs Kaye, and other ladies, the Chancellor “The procession was received upon arrival at the ground by of the University, Redmond Barry Esq., Acting Chief a guard, and welcomed by the music of the band and the Justice, H. C. E. Childers, Esq., Vice Chancellor, the cheers of the people, who were collected in large numbers Council of the University, including the Right Rev. Dr round the enclosure. As soon as all the party had arrived and Perry, the Right Rev. Dr Goold, the Colonial Secretary the ladies were seated, the Chancellor of the University, Mr (J. F. L. Foster), the Attorney-General (W. F. Stawell), J. Justice Barry, having taken the trowel from the architect, F. Palmer Esq., Rev. Irving Hetherington, Rev. Alexander Mr F. M. White, submitted them to the Vice-Regal party Morison, Ed. Grimes Esq., R. W. Pohlman, Esq., Francis for inspection.” Murphy, Esq., E. S. Parker, Esq., W. C. Haines, Esq., G. W. Rusden, Esq., N. Campbell, Esq., Colin Campbell, Justice Redmond Barry’s Address Esq., Lauchlan McKinnon, Esq., Dr Godfrey Howitt, most There followed a long speech by the Chancellor, Redmond of the members of the Legislative and City Councils, and a Barry. The luckless Argus reporter found ‘that when the great number of our principal professional gentlemen, and learned gentleman desired to be most impressive he became other influential colonists.” the least audible’ but the speech was reported in detail in The Herald continues: “The cavalcade, followed by a host The Herald. of ‘colonists on foot’, had to pass through a long range of “Mr Justice Barry, in presenting Sir Charles with the trowel, streets in order to get clear of the town, and to take a very said that it was a source of much gratification that the first circuitous route in order to reach the ground. public act of His Excellency was one of so great interest, “The site is situate on rising ground to the north of the as in laying the foundation stone of so important an city, in a direct line between the cattle yards and the new institution as the University of Melbourne. To all who were Cemetery. Admirable arrangements had been made for the interested in the advancement of learning, this ceremonial 3 must be imposing in no ordinary degree. In the large recording the event and naming the University Councillors. assembly there congregated, graced as it was by the presence The Argus continues, “His Excellency spread a little mortar, of Lady Hotham, and many other ladies, to smile upon and … the [top] stone was lowered into the spot where it the undertaking, there would doubtless be some, though is intended to remain, like the edifices of the old country, probably not many, who had been living witnesses of the for centuries. A mallet … was handed to the Governor, short history of the Colony. Seventeen years since the land who, having gone through the form of tapping the stone, upon which they stood was known only to the adventurous declared it to be well laid. savage, and to the few explorers who had cursorily visited “The band of the 40th immediately struck up; three the coast. The discovery of the vast resources of the Colony cheers were given for the University, in which all parties advanced with singular and unprecedented rapidity. Since heartily joined; three more were as heartily given for Sir the Allwise Ruler of events had shown to them the universal Charles Hotham; three again, and heartily too, for his lady; wealth with which the country abounded, its history had and three, to wind up the business, for Her Majesty the outshone all previous progress. Queen.” “This progress and improvement in the arts had not been Sir Charles Hotham’s Address reported as favourably as they [sic] might have been. Some It was then the turn of Sir Charles Hotham to speak, which of our friends at home would think from the accounts he did at some length, as reported by the Argus. that had been sent home that the country was a scene of anarchy and disorder. The pen of the future historian must “Mr Chancellor, Ladies, and Gentlemen. If a stranger were do us justice. The well-wishers of the Colony had hoped to land here, steaming up the Yarra and then driving over for the event that had transpired, and rejoiced to see their your magnificent city, seeing the extent of your population, anticipations justified. They had relied on the loyalty of wealth, and prosperity, he would say to himself, there was the people in the first years of foundation of Victoria as one thing wanting, and that was science. He would say, a distinct colony; the legislature had voluntarily increased in coming up the Yarra, you wanted docks. (Hear.) He the grant in aid of religion to £13,000 and £50,000 had would look at your wharfs and streets and see how much since been voted to the purposes of education and religion. required to be done there. We have met here today to lay Now, the University had been endowed with £9,000 the foundation-stone of a University, and I hope and believe a year. He hoped that it would not be considered self- it will have strength and energy enough to accomplish what laudation when he said that the people had not neglected is wanted in this community. It is almost needless for me to their religious obligations; and this circumstance has remind you that nearly every man, I might also say without produced, and now continued to produce, a lively and exception, who has raised himself to a high position, and sincere hope that the institution would be crowned with has been distinguished in the world, received his education success, and would be the means conferring lasting benefit at a university; and has it not only been so in England, but on society. He acknowledged the cordial support given by in Germany also. I will just mention Humboldt, Goethe, the late Governor, to this undertaking, and to all others and Liebig, the Professor of Chemistry, to whose works all whose object was the encouragement of education and now appeal as the highest authority. Then cross the Atlantic the promotion of science and art; and he regarded with to the American shores. There we see the same results. Kent pleasure the spirit which had characterised the Legislature and Wheaton received their education at a university, and when treating similar subjects. He looked with confidence were professors of a university. The American judges were to the Constitution of the University itself, containing as great authorities, not only in their own country, but in it did, the elements of cordial union in prosecuting the England also. I speak in the presence of the Judges and the advancement of the institution. There was no appearance Attorney-General, and they can correct me if I am wrong, of any exclusive religious dogmatism, no supremacy of any when I say that these American authorities are looked up creed. It would admit the members of all denominations, to as high authorities in our own country, and they were who might run their course undeterred by any sectarian educated at universities. differences of opinion. He rejoiced that hitherto perfect “This country requires science for the development of its unanimity had prevailed in the Councils. In asking His resources. You know nothing about what is in the bowels of Excellency to lay the foundation stone of the new edifice, the earth; you know nothing about your coal formations; he would observe that no undertaking could be expected you know there is copper in another colony, you say there is to succeed that was not begun and carried on in devout tin in this and iron too, and no doubt all this is reasonably reliance on the great architect of the Universe. To adopt founded, but you must have sciences to develop these the language of metaphor, he would express a hope that the resources. I hope I shall not be taking too much on myself, foundation they were about to lay was in every sense both for my profession has been that of arms, not of learning, in firm and deep, and that by the aid of Divine Goodness, expressing a hope that the German course of education may the institution would flourish, and be an ornament and a be carried out here; that students may be taught not only blessing to the rising nation.” the classics, but modern languages and all the useful arts of modern times, as well as the learning of past ages. No The Laying Ceremony doubt the classics have their advantages. Lord Brougham, “His Honor then handed the trowel to Sir Charles for instance, who is admitted on all heads to be one of the Hotham, and escorted him from the dais down the steps ablest men of the day, speaks in one of his letters of the to the excavation, where the stone was placed. A copy of great delight he had in discussing the classics with Lord the Constitution of the University with some coins of the Wellesley, whose favorite work was Virgil. It is also said of period, were then placed in the cavity of the lower stone, Canning, in later times, by some foreign chargé d’affaires, and covered with a plate …” with its Latin inscription in a book which I do not remember the name just now,

4 that he found Canning amusing himself just before an party was stationed. The efforts of the mounted police to important debate by studying Virgil, and that it was his clear a space as the party approached caused some ludicrous practice to relieve his mind by a cultivation of the classics. adventures, the people backing in crowds to get out of the “I cannot point out any man of eminence at the bar, in the way of the horses, and tumbling in heaps over the stones pulpit, who did not receive his education at a university. that lay strewn about the place.’ The official party arrived Take Pitt and Fox, anybody; take the Government of the at the site at 1:30 pm. The ceremony which followed was day; take them all, you will find them university men. Lord not to finish until 3:00 pm, and no doubt the cold collation John Russell, though he may be considered as an exception, provided thereafter by Redmond Barry at his residence, was studied at Edinburgh, and there received his education. I most gratefully received by the exhausted participants. dwell but slightly on these topics, for, as I have said before, A long speech by the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Dr arms, and not learning, was my profession. I can only say Palmer, preceded the laying ceremony. The Governor laid that whatever I can do towards the advancement of the the foundation stone in the same way as at the University, University, I will do. then spoke to the crowd, as reported by the Herald. “The Chancellor has very properly remarked that this “He knew not (said he) which was the most important of is a proud day for them. I feel proud at attending such a the two undertakings he had had part in that day. For the ceremony such as this, and I hope before I leave this noble people at large, the present was decidedly the most important colony to see the institution occupied by first rate professors, event. The Library, of which he had had the honour of men of superior abilities.” laying the first stone, would afford to all Colonists a solace, The Herald recorded Hotham’s concluding remarks: “He and a source of never-failing enjoyment. To the unmarried, hoped that he might be spared to see the University in full it would yield the most refined companionship, to those operation. He would urge the observation to be made by who would otherwise frequent the public houses and Washington in his farewell to the American people, that indulge in intoxicating drinks, it would provide a means all undertakings must be based on the idea of the world of amusement of a more healthful and edifying character. to come, and that the belief in a future state must be the Most of the greatest men of the day had sprung from the ruling principle. He trusted that the salutary rule of the people, and had received their education through the institution, which he had quoted, would be kept steadily medium of popular institutions. The Speaker had spoken in view. That no religious dogmas would be introduced, of the mighty power, steam – that was an example of the and that no sectarian grasping at supremacy would be truth of his remark. By whom was steam power discovered? attempted. That members of all denominations, Christians By Watt, a working man: and the discovery was further of every sect, Jews, Musselmans might have access to all the developed by another man who had raised himself from the advantages of the institution. That its conductors would ranks by means of study at public libraries. We referred to steadily persevere in their course of duty to God, to the Dr Black and the investigation of latent heat. The father of Sovereign and to the University, and would look forward the late Sir Robert Peel was a working man: Arkwright was joyfully to the life to come.” another. He (the Governor) entreated the assembled people, as their friend and fellow-colonist, to bear these things in “His Excellency concluded amid cheering, and’, eschewing mind, and to remember that this Library was designed the luncheon provided by the contractors, Messrs John for all, but for the working man more than for any other. Sinclair and Son, ‘the company filed off to form a procession He hoped that books of every language and of every order to the next scene of operations; the band playing and the would find a place in it, so that they may never be at a loss guard standing to arms in the meantime.” for the means of reference on any subject that might arise. THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE MELBOURNE As he had already spoken at some length on the subject of PUBLIC LIBRARY IS LAID the University, he trusted that they would excuse him from The second laying ceremony was a less grand and more entering further into the matter. He assured them that impromptu an affair. ‘As no previous announcements had whatever assistance that he as Governor could render to the been made of the intention to lay the foundation stone of undertaking, they would always find him ready to give. the Public Library on the same day, a large proportion of “The speech of the Governor was received with hearty cheers, the company departed under the impression that all the and the popular and practical tone of his observations gave proceedings were finished,’ explained the Herald. There was great satisfaction to the people. The company separated an air of farce about the proceedings. ‘The stone was slung a few minutes after the conclusion of the ceremony and to a triangle just above its ultimate resting place in a hollow the great business of the day, a day that never should be about ten feet square, immediately above which the official forgotten in Victoria, was over.” THE ARGUS EDITORIAL - TUESDAY 4 JULY 1854 The University of Melbourne Now, however, we are beginning to recover the ground we If the institutions of a country afford a fair criterion of have lost. Religion and Education cannot be said to have its character and condition, Victoria will soon be able to met with neglect at any period of our history, and the invite the application of the test. The influence of the liberal endowment provided for both testifies to the deep gold discoveries, while contributing to that rapid increase consideration with which they arc regarded. Science recently of population and wealth which form the material basis forced its merits upon the public, in the establishment of an of a national structure, has had a blighting effect on the Institute for its advancement an object which we trust to cultivation of those elevated tastes and refuted sentiments see fully realized; and yesterday two noble institutions were which give to that structure nearly all its grace, and, we will founded, and dedicated the one to Learning and the other venture to add, not a little of its usefulness and power. to Knowledge. 5 One of the principal features is their national character. direct call for them. He was surrounded by the tinseled They are designed for the use of the People, without and begowned officials in “church and state”, and the respect to creed, clime or color. It is perhaps difficult for associations produced by the scene were aristocratic and an Englishman to look upon a university as anything academical. Perhaps His Excellency thought that there was save a monkish institution, presided over by ecclesiastics, a little too much ostentation of this nature, and that the accessible only to certain classes of the community, and real usefulness of such institutions would be frustrated by adapted mainly to the training of young gentlemen for making them senile imitations of the English prototypes. what are called “the learned professions”. Perhaps it is He laid particular stress on the importance of adapting equally difficult for him to conceive of a public library in a them to the circumstances of the colony, and of making more catholic light. them instrumental in training youth in the knowledge of Exclusiveness a grand characteristic of English institutions. the “useful arts”. Geology, chemistry, mining, agriculture, Education is confined to those who can pay for it. The horticulture, &c., are more useful here than Greek and Universities, originally national institutions, have become, Latin, important as these are, too, in their own place. or at least are regarded as, the private property of a Time has been when an educated gentleman might enjoy privileged sect. The public schools, founded and endowed a perusal of the Bucolics in the arcadian solitudes of the by mediaeval charity for the gratuitous education of the interior, but the sterner enterprise which the colony now poor, have fallen into the hands of the rich, and peers of requires, demands a training of a more practical nature. the realm scruple not to accept a benefit intended for a The most likely way to render the University successful is needier class. The people are admissible almost any where - to render it useful. By meeting the real wants of the colony, trusted nowhere. Picture galleries, which on the Continent and not allowing it to dwindle into a wretched caricature are the promenades of the people, are closed against them of Oxford or Cambridge, it will gather within its halls the in England lest they should injure the paintings. Gardens youthful intellect of Victoria and soon acquire the influence arc closed against them, lest they pluck the daisies or walk and renown which we ever wish to see associated with a seat on the flower plots. Even the churches, which in all ages of learning. and countries have been the common meeting-place of And whatever tends to promote its usefulness in its the high and low, are let out to the highest bidder; and a own immediate sphere will extend its influence in other man of pensive mind cannot turn aside from the bustle in directions. The day has gone by when any university can, the crowded streets to meditate in St Paul’s Cathedral or like Paris or Oxford, in the middle ages, so far monopolize worship in Westminster Abbey without feeing the porters! the faculty of dispensing instruction as to draw thousands The only places really open to all are the public-houses; and from all parts of the world, to sit at the feet of their “learned it is not surprising, therefore, that the outcasts of respectable doctors;” yet though monopoly be no longer possible society should have taken refuge in the only asylums where or desirable, pre-eminence is within our reach and not they are made welcome. beneath our pursuit. If Melbourne is to he the metropolis It must be admitted, at the same time, that in this respect of the Southern hemisphere, she must be great not only things are changing for the better in the old country. in the extent of her commerce, or the development of her The Great Exhibition had a wonderful effect in relaxing resources, or the freedom of her institutions, but in the the grasp of this exclusive spirit, proving as it did that achievements of her science and learning. She would then people were interested in witnessing the wonders of art, be what she is fast becoming, the glory of the South, and and indicating that, if put to the test, they would shew the civilizer of the East. themselves not less interested in exploring the marvels The ceremony of yesterday recalls to our recollection the of science. A new feeling sprang up among philosophers, opinion entertained of the civilizing function of Australia journalists, and the aristocratic classes in regard to the by Dr Arnold, whose fine historic spirit, aided by his warm elevation of the people. Prince Albert’s model cottages were sympathy with the progress of universal humanity, foresaw deemed worthy of a visit by the denizens of Belgravia. The in the position of this continent, and in the reproduction here most eminent savants in London commenced a course in of British institutions, and agency of European civilization lectures on practical geology, to which the working classes to bear upon the dense population of Eastern Asia. Much as only were admissible. The Exhibition Fund was employed England has had to do with that part of the world, she has in establishing an Industrial College, where labor and done little for its benefit. Civilization cannot be introduced science were to he combined for the attainment of skill, in to India at the point of a bayonet, nor promoted in China order to elevate skilled industry into a profession. through the sale of opium. It is no doubt common to speak Public Libraries were started in Manchester, Liverpool and of war and commerce as agencies of civilization: but this is other large towns, libraries which were public in reality as true only in so far as they promote colonization. Soldiers well as in name. And not only so, but several titled lords of and sailors may clear the way for the march of civilization, the soil came forward as lecturers to the working classes. but they do not directly advance it. One nation is civilized Lords Carlisle and Ellesmere lectured to the operatives of by another through coming into contact with the organic Leeds; Sir Robert Peel to the inhabitants of Tamworth; operations of social life, and becoming partakers of the and the young Earl of Belfast (since dead) to the people of same vital impulse through the medium of its language Ireland. and institutions. England is too distant from Eastern Asia It is this spirit which is required here, and it was pleasing in to accomplish this effectively, and the result will he that no small degree to find Sir Charles Hotham is so imbued though she may retain her political supremacy over India in with it, as his speeches yesterday evinced. The sentiments her own hands, her social influence over it will ultimately of consideration which he expressed for the working classes be transferred to Australia. were the more likely to be sincere, as there was the less

6 THE SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY - 1867 TO 1923

It is fitting, at the 140th anniversary of the graduate body now this was the only way in which it could properly consider these known as Convocation, to review the history of its predecessor, difficult and, at times, complex and lengthy legislative matters. the Senate of the University, and, in doing so, to examine the However, on many occasions the scheduled meeting lapsed contribution which the Senate made to the evolution of the through want of a quorum. University during its formative years 1867-1923 by virtue of its The Senate also had time to consider other things and the powers as a “house of review” granted to it under the University’s question of the dress of the Warden saw them agreeing, “that the Act of Incorporation dress should consist of a gown of scarlet cloth faced and lined The 1853 Act of Incorporation, with Royal Assent being given with white silk and embroidered with gold, together with a black by Governor La Trobe on 22 January 1853, provided that the velvet hat and a hood of the Warden’s degree.” University would consist of a Council and a Senate and that the The Australasian Sketcher of 31 July 1880 provides an engraving Senate would be composed of graduates holding the degrees of accompanied by a brief but fascinating insight into a meeting Master and Doctor of the University (women were not admitted of the Senate held in July 1880. “The meetings of the senate of to the Senate until 1915). It would come into being when a total the Melbourne University, of which we depict a sitting, are held of 100 graduates with these qualifications had been reached. The at the University in the afternoon. Members as they arrive on Act also provided for the members of the Council to be elected by the landing overlooking the quadrangle, sign their names, and the Senate. Until it was able to exercise this function, members of pass into the large lecture room on the right. When the quorum the Council were appointed by the Governor-in-Council. (20) is complete, the porter, with the words, “Gentlemen, the In May 1867 the enabling total was reached with 128 eligible Warden,” ushers in that crimson-gowned officer, at present Dr graduates (Masters of Arts 71, Doctors of Medicine 53 and Madden.* The members rising, he takes his seat under a somewhat Doctors of Laws 4), with 88 Bachelor degrees being awarded and quaint canopy, and business commences by the registrar, Mr. E. some 194 undergraduates on the University’s books. F. a’Beckett,† in wig and gown, reading the minutes of the last The Senate’s first meeting, held on 2 July 1867 in the University meeting. The ensuing debate usually reveals the professions of Library, was attended by some 36 graduates. The meeting the speakers. This one is apparently combating opposing counsel, immediately addressed two key matters: first, the Rev. Dr that sees before him a class of grown-up boys, another proceeds Bromby was nominated for the position of Warden and second, through, first, secondly, and thirdly, while a fourth prescribes a committee was delegated to bring draft Standing Orders to something that will meet the case. In accordance with the act the next meeting for the regulation of the transactions of the of incorporation of the University, the senate was constituted of Senate. senior graduates – i.e., masters of arts, and doctors of medicine, Forty-six members attended the meeting of the Senate on Tuesday law, or music – as soon as the number amounted to 100. The 16 July 1867 when the draft Standing Orders were tabled and Dr ordinary meetings are held on the first Tuesday in May, August Bromby was duly elected Warden and took the Chair. He only and November, but the Warden may convene a meeting at any served for one year, and was followed by five Wardens who were time. It is the duty of the Senate, in case of vacancy by death or to play a significant role in the evolution of the University in the resignation, to elect members of the Council, and, in addition to subsequent years. business originating in itself, all proposals of the council to make or alter any statutes or regulations, must before coming [sic] law At the next meeting the draft Standing Orders were adopted receive the approval of the Senate. Questions are decided by the provisionally and a copy was sent to each member of the Senate majority of voices, aye or no, or, in case of doubt, by a division.” and to the President of the Professorial Board with the request that they be published in the Calendar. The Senate was not a body to be trifled with, and the Council felt its sting on many occasions. The minutes of the Senate meetings serve to highlight the enormity of the Senate’s role in considering the ongoing changes to the University Statutes and Regulations referred to it by the Council. Furthermore, if it was not for the meeting procedures and rules for debate embodied in the Senate’s Standing Orders - its adherence to these procedures would shame many present day Parliamentary performances - the Senate would have never been able to deal with the myriad of administrative and legislative matters before it. The hour of the meeting was set at 3.00 pm. In the years to come the Senate met later in the afternoon at 4.30 pm and, after meeting for some years in the University Library (in a first floor room with the bay window in the north-east corner of the Old Quadrangle building), it moved down town to meet regularly in the Assembly Rooms in Collins Street or in the Athenaeum. Invariably, with such a large attending membership, the Senate on many occasions moved into a ‘committee of the whole’, as Meeting of the Senate - July 1880.. Sir John Madden in the Chair. * Dr Madden, later Sir John Madden, Warden 1875-1882. (Wood engraving published in Australasian Sketcher. By courtesy of the State † Mr Edward F. a’Beckett, Registrar 1864-1901. Library of Victoria. A/S31/07/80/189.) 7 In 1870 the Senate pursued the Council on the need to define with the view of preventing the proposed breach of regulations.” the tenure of the members of Council. It strongly objected to The Council’s response did not satisfy the Senate and it moved the establishment of a foundation set up by an Order to provide to seek advice from counsel and subsequently adopted his advice scholarships for the sons of that Order, arguing that “it did not to petition the Governor as the Visitor, “to restrain the Council approve of any foundation in the University which is not open to from proposing a breach of the regulations and that the Warden all classes and denominations of Her Majesty’s subjects.” as representing the Senate be required to allow his name to be In May 1872 the Senate stepped boldly out on a major issue. used as the petitioner.” The Council’s placatory response that Council had in October 1871, agreed to allow females to be “it regretted any misunderstanding should have arisen” and that admitted to the matriculation examination, although they their action, “was dictated by a simple desire to do justice to all were not allowed to matriculate! Under the agenda heading of those who might present themselves for examination during the “Exclusion of Females from University Privileges”, the Senate present examination year”, did not satisfy the Senate. insisted “that having regard to the general policy of the Act of Once again the Australasian Sketcher (13 February 1884, p. 18) Incorporation” - and incidentally enshrined in the inscription provides a remarkable report and engraving, showing the on the Foundation Plate - “there is no sufficient reason why Governor, as Visitor, settling this dispute between Council and females should be excluded from the educational achievements Senate. and corporate privileges of the University.” “His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, as Visitor of the While the Act of Incorporation made no distinction as to gender, Melbourne University, held a visitation of the University on but rather, simply, referred to the Council’s power to confer the 10th January, to decide upon the dispute that has occurred degrees, the Senate’s resolution was considered by the Council between the council and the senate in reference to the examination where it was referred to a committee and languished until 1877. for honours, exhibitions, and scholarships under the regulations A Bill was then introduced into the Legislative Assembly which, recently framed. These regulations were recently adopted in on becoming the University Constitution Amendment Act of August last, and altered the subjects of examination, and the 1881, resulted in the admission of women as students that year number of exhibitions and scholarships. The senate added to the though it specifically excluded them from membership of the new regulations a provision that the old rules should remain in Council and the Senate. force till the commencement of the next academic year, March, The Senate at its meeting on 3 May 1887, was able to adopt with 1884. The council interpreted this to mean that the exam could some satisfaction the following address to Her Majesty Queen be held, and the prizes awarded for the present year, under both Victoria on the 50th Year of Her Reign: the old and the new rules, and published a notice to that effect. The senate disputed the validity of this construction of the To a Queen at Her Jubilee, it may be a source of satisfaction to regulations, and contended that the exams for this year could be reminded that during her Reign women have been admitted be held only under the old rules… A petition was presented to to participate in the educational advantages which are too often His Excellency the Governor by Mr A. Harper, the warden of reserved exclusively for the other sex. Within the walls of this the senate, praying him to hold an inquiry, and to prohibit the University women gather for study as men and enjoy the same council from holding the exams and conferring the honours. privileges. Mr Justice Molesworth was appointed to act as assessor to His The Governor, as Visitor to the University, was twice called upon Excellency. The inquiry took place in the Wilson-hall, where His to intervene in disputes between the Council and the Senate. Excellency was received by a number of members of the council The latter petitioned him in March 1871 over the question of the and other members of the University. Mr F. G. Duffy was heard Council’s refusal to delay the filling of a vacant professorship until on behalf of the senate, and Mr Walker and Mr Hood on behalf the Senate had considered the matter, including the Council’s of the council. His Excellency’s decision was given on January subsequent refusal to provide the Senate with the conditions 23rd. He was of the opinion that the view taken by the senate was of appointment for the Chair. At the Governor’s direction, the right, and that the council could not award new exhibitions and Council delayed the appointment process, while he considered the petition. In July 1871 the Governor, Lord Canterbury, replied to the Senate that he did not regard the petition as calling for any intervention on his part in Council’s proceedings for the filling of the Chair. This response did not satisfy the Senate and they requested the Governor to visit the University to provide them with an opportunity to support their complaint by oral argument. The visit took place in the Council Room on 17 August 1871 and the Governor’s judgement, delivered on 18 September 1871, declared that the Council had acted properly on all matters relating to the conditions of appointment. The real ire of the Senate was felt in 1884 with a successful petition to the Governor as the Visitor, over what can only be described as the Council’s intransigence in refusing to properly consider the effects of its resolution. In September 1883, an item, “Protest against the Council” appeared on the Senate Notice Paper which called upon the Senate, “to protest against the recent changes in the Regulation in The Governor’s Visitation at the University of Melbourne Wilson Hall to regard to Honours and Exhibitions being brought into operation arbitrate a difference between the Council and the Senate - 13 February 1884. (Vice-Chancellor top row 3rd from left; Governor the Marquis of Normanby before the time fixed by the regulation” and “that a Committee be standing; Warden of the Senate Andrew Harper top row 2nd from right.) formed for the purpose of ascertaining the best steps to be taken (Wood engraving. By courtesy of the State Library of Victoria. A/S13/02/84/20.)

8 scholarships till after the commencement of the next academic years of the Senate and a workable harmony descended upon year. He expressed his regret that any students should have been both bodies. misled by the advertisement of the council, but, as the Visitor The Senate met for the last time on 16 October 1923, as a new of the University, he could decide only according to what was University Act was about to be passed in the Victorian Parliament his view of the law. He therefore ordered that the council be which was to replace the Senate with a new body, Convocation. prohibited from conferring the new exhibitions and scholarships This would comprise all graduates, and not merely those with during the current academic year. He further directed that the higher degrees. As an act of last resistance to the new order, a costs incurred by the Warden in the matter should be paid out of motion to change the name “Convocation” back to “Senate” was the funds of the University.” put and lost. A new era of University governance was about to On Friday 1 June 1888, the Senate again was annoyed with emerge and the Senate’s final act was to pass a motion thanking the action of the Council in delaying the transmission of the Dr McInerney for his services as Warden during the past 34 legislation to the Governor which had been previously passed by years. the Senate and Council, and considered a motion that “it was an invasion of the privileges of the Senate on the part of Council to Regrettably, the foregoing only represents a snapshot in the send down Regulations which have already been passed by the life and times of the Senate and the important role it played Council and Senate.” Such was the heat generated over the issue in the governance and affairs of the young and developing that the Senate, meeting in the Assembly Hall in Collins Street, University. Professor Richard Selleck’s entertaining history of debated the issue for three hours before adjourning for dinner, the University, The Shop : The University of Melbourne 1850-1939 then reconvening and debating the motion until it was finally gives a further remarkable and amusing insight into the, at put and carried at 12.20 am on Saturday morning. Such was the times, turbulent interaction between the Senate and the Council, fervour of the Senate when moving to protect its position in the which ultimately was one of the issues which led to the need for governance of the University. a complete reappraisal of the governance of the University which There were to be no more petitions to the Governor to adjudicate took place with the passing of the 1923 University Act. in disputes between the Senate and Council during the remaining

The completed Quadrangle - University of Melbourne. Council Chamber plaque commemorating the laying of the . Media Photograph Collection, Photograph No 19845. Foundation Stone and the opening of the first university building.

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