DIVERSITY PROFESSORSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 261, 4 November 1890, Page 5

DIVERSITY PROFESSORSHIP.

PROFESSOR POSNETT'S RESIGNA-

TION ACCEPTED.

The letter forwarded to the Council of the Auckland University, conveying the information that Dr. Posnett was not prepared to renew hie engagement on the terms hitherto observed, as published in our issue of the 28th inst., was considered by tho Council yesterday afternoon, Sir Maurice O'Rorktf, who occupied the chair, said the engagement made with Professor Posnett was for a period of five yeare, and that his time would be up .in March. They were not in a position to entertain his proposal for an increaso of ealary to the level of salaries paid by the Melbourne University. He thought the salaries paid by the Melbourne University were not. less than £1,000 a year, and was nob sure whether tho professors did not) get fees also. If they raised the ealary of Professor Posnett, Professors Brown and Thomas would be entitled to claim similar increases, and he thought they should say they were not in a position to accede to the request. He therefore moved: , " That Professor Posnett be informed that the Council is not in a position to entertain his proposal to raise his salary to the level of those of the professoreintheMelbourneUniversity.which the Council believes to be notless than £1000; that as his engagement terminates in March, 1891, during the College vacation, the Council is willing to release him from duty at the close of the present term ; that the Council thank him for the offer to draw up a syllabus and time-table for the year 1891, but think that that matter should be left to the new Professor of Classics and English, in conjunction with the Professorial Board." If Professor Posnett desired to go at the end of the examinations, he thought they should release him from duty then, and pay his salary up to the end of bis engagement.

Mr J. H. Upton eeconded the resolution, which was carried without further discussion. ■ •

On the question arising as to the appointment of a successor to Professor Posnett, the Chairman said he knew some members of the Council had an idea that they should, if possible, obtain persona resident in the colony-to undertake the duties of professors. If he knew of any person who was thoroughly suited to hold the office, he would not be an obstacle in the way of obtaining a local or colonial appointment. At the same time he felt strongly that every person of culture and learning that), could be brought to the colony through those professorships, would be a great gain to the colony and the district. It was his intention to propose that now. It) had Boroetimee struck him that, outside England, they gave the very highest salaries for professors, viz,, £700 and fees and other perquisites , amounting to about £900 a .year. The Professor of Classics and English, he believed, was hot paid under £1,000 per year. The question for consideration was whether they should try to get a professor at a lower ealary from Home. Universities all over England had set down the remuneration of professors at £350 per -annum and a share of the fees, but in places like , Manchester and Leeds the fees would be'considerable. Colonel Haulfcain said the views he intended to advance with reference to making a colonial appointment, he did not on further consideration intend to advocate, being satisfied that it would be better for the University to obtain a man direct from England. To get a man at a reduced salary he thought would be a mistake, seeing the high rate professors were paid in Melbourne,

The Chairman stated that Sir Frederick, Whifcaker, in reply to communicationb from himself, had intimated that there would be no objection on the part of the Government to give instructions to the Agent-General for the selection of a professor. ' The question of fixing salary and allowances then arose, but as several members had bo leave the meeting, further consideralie* of (be matter was deferr<s for a week.