[burwash] a review OF THE UNIV^ERSITY OF TORONTO 71 



ings were all informal and were held with a view to securing on all 

 sides a complete understanding of the situation. The agreement on 

 fundamental points seemed to be such as to warrant a report to the 

 Hon. G. W. Boss then Minister of Education, that a more formal con- 

 ference might be called with advantage, and, by the following letter he 

 formally invited the representatives of the universities and colleges of 

 Ontario, to a conference on the question of higher education. 



" Toronto, July 8th, 1884. 

 "Sir:— 



••' In view of the unsettled condition of the public mind in regard 

 to the best way of promoting higher education .in the province so far 

 as it comes within the scope of the different universities, I felt it might 

 aid in the solution of the question if a conference were held of those 

 specially charged with the responsibility of directing this department 

 of public education. I am encouraged by statements already made to 

 me that the proposal to hold such conference meets with general ap- 

 proval. The fullest liberty will be afforded for all to state their views 

 — confidentially and informally if they so desire — in the hope that by 

 a frank and cordial discussion whatever difficulties exist may be removed 

 and the course of higher education promoted. The date fixed is Thurs- 

 day, the 24th instant at 2 o'clock p.m. in the Education Department. 

 The undermentioned as representing the different Universities and 

 Colleges have been invited. 



''Hoping you will find it convenient to attend. 

 "I remain your obedient servant, 



(Signed) "Geo. W . Eoss, 



"Minister of Education." 



Vice-Chancellor Toronto University. 



President University College. 



The Chancellor and Principal of A'ictoria. 



The Chancellor and Principal of Queen's. 



The Chancellor and Provost of Trinity. 



The Principals of St. Michael's McMaster Hall, Wycliffe College, 

 Knox College and Woodstock College and Representative of Con- 

 gregational College of British Xorth America. 



Preparatory to this meeting the representatives of the Denomina- 

 tional Colleges met and appointed a committee consistrng of the Pev. 

 C. W. E. Body, Provost of Trinity, the Eev. J. H. Castle, Principal of 

 McMaster and the Pev. X. Burwash, of Victoria. This committee 



