Tho Broken Contract.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 129, 9 June 1885, Page 4

Tho Broken Contract.

(To tho Editor.)

Sir, —Judgo Gillies doserves tho thanks of the community for the stand that ho took in ondeavouring to porsudo the Governors of the University College Council to refuse Professor Tucker leavo to depart for Melbourne beforo the expiration of the term of his engagement. Tho arguments used by tho supporters of the motion were, to my mind, exceedingly weak, and looked precious like being the outcome of a previous arrangement, mado in the interest of Professor Tucker, the interests of the University, which is a public institution, having been totally ignored. Although Professor Tucker may bo a clover man, I havo no doubt that ;i suitiblo succcstor will bo found thoroughly qualih'ed to undertake all the duties that would devolve upon him. Vet, I think that Professor Tucker and others of a like ilk who aro brought out litre at the expense of tbo taxpayer should bo taught that a solemn engagement entered into in good faith for iivo years should bo carried out in its integrity, and not ruthlessly broken at their i ivn sweet will. The Professor's letter to t!io Council was pure sentiment, and it should not have received from the Council any consideration whatever. The co.i sequences of the agreement and tho want of a reference library should havo been considered before signing, and not now when he sees a ch.-inco vi bettering himsolf at omoxpoiife. However, 1 trust that in future O ir Governors will be more careful how they betray tho trust which the public have reposed in them by nut allowing any loopholes in future agreement?, and by refusing absolutely to provide the sister colonies with professors at our expense. Yours &C, E. MITOHELSOX.