Prefatory Note.

The University of Otago was opened on the 5th July, under the most auspicious circumstances. His Honor the Superintendent, in his note of apology for his unavoidable absence, expressed the universal feeling of our people respecting the event. His words are—"The inauguration of this afternoon marks what is in many respects as yet the most important epoch in the history of the Province, if not of the Colony. I should have been glad had the University come forth at once with all the prestige of being recognised as a Colonial instead of a Provincial Institution. Such undoubtedly was the intention of the Colonial Legislature in passing the Act of last Session, which intention I hope still to see carried into effect. Be this as it may, however, I feel assured that the University of Otago, if not de jure will be de facto the University of New Zealand."

The Council has pleasure in stating that the Chancellor and the Professors, at the request of the students and general public, agreed to put their Addresses at its disposal for publication.