UNIVERSITY SITE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 239, 6 October 1916, Page 7

UNIVERSITY SITE.

(To the..Editor.) Sir, —I think it only fair that., as thia subject is attracting so much: attention, that the views of some o£ those hi the country districts who have the interests of Auckland at heart should be heard. T can hardly bring myself to think that a practical, common-sense community like the Auekianders could possibly allow themselves to be knocked down and jumped upon by a small minority of citizens whose capabilities to judge between practical utility and glaring sterility seems wanting. As things stand, of "what sensible benefit is the Metropolitan Ground, to the citizens of Auckland ■>. Of what real or substantial good to its citizens is Government House? We in this age must not stand in the way of progress because of sentimental theories, nor yet be held up because of the glorious traditions of so old an institution as the building we are pleased to call Government House. Since Auckland has lost the substance, let her cede the shadow also to Wellington and use the Metropolitan Ground in the cause and for the purpose of higher education. With due deference most esteemed Governors, may I ask- Have they any particular interest in the city of Auckland? Is it to tie interests of the citizens of Auckland to keep a valuable area, like the .Metropolitan Ground tied up because of a tew people in society, when it could be so beneficially used for a purpose ot the first magnitude to-us as an intelligent community? I siacerely hope tnat the citizens of Auckland will nob leave a stone unturned until they build up a university on the Metropolitan Ground that will "not only be a glory and a benefit to the present generation, but to the generations to come. —I am, etc, A. CHOLMOXDELEY SMITH. i Oneroa.