UNIVERSITY SITE.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 250, 21 October 1919, Page 4

UNIVERSITY SITE.

FINAL SETTLEMENT REACHED. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL CONCURS. At the monthly meeting of the Auckland University College Council yesterday afternoon, the chairman, Mr. T. W. Leys, congratulated members of the Council upon the fact that the long controversy over a site for the Auckland University College had at last been settled by the granting to the college for the purposes of its main arts building an area of 3 acres 3 roods adjoining the science building, and extending from Symonds Street to Princes Street. He said that there had been some discussion with the GovernoMSeneral regarding suggested variations from the boundary as defined in the bill on the Government House side, but this had been conducted in the, most amicable and friendly spirit, His Excellency having expressed his readiness to acquiesce in the boundaries, as originally proposed, if the College authorities desired their retention. r-A joinfc-jße*ting of the Council and the Professorial Board had been held that morning, and after ■visiting the ground witli-a surveyor, who had been courteously deputed 'by Mr. Greville, Crown Lands Commissioner, to point out the boundaries, they had unanimously resolved to inform the Prime Minister and Minister of Education that the governing bodies of the College desired that the boundaries should remain as specified in the. hill which had passed both Houses, of the Legislature. A reply had been received from Sir Francis Bell, Minister of Education, stating that the decision, of the Council had settled the matter definitely. Mr. Leys went on to say that the site now conveyed to the Council was practically identical with that reserved under the Hon. G. Fowlds' bill in 1911, and it was regrettable that so long a period had elapsed before buildings worthy of the importance of Auckland and on an . equality with the University buildings in other cities of the Dominion were secured. However, their thanks were now due to Mr. Massey, who had fulfilled the promise given to the deputation which waited upon him after his return from England, and who had also taken personal charge of the bill in the House of Representatives. The Hon. A. M: Myers had also actively- assisted the Council for several years past in promoting a settlement of the question, and the Hon. G. J. Garland had actively aided in piloting the bill through the Legislative Council. Sir Robert Stout, Chancellor of the University, had also given very cordial and effective assistance. He moved that a vote of thanks be returned to the Government for the introducing and passing the bill. Th e motion was passed unanimously. » Dr. H. D. Bamford considered teat the Council was greatly indebted to the chairman for his vigorous and successful action in bringing about a satisfactory settlement of a matter which had retarded the progress of the University College for so long a period. Mr. T. U. Wells warmly endorsed this opinion. He considered that the settlement now arrived at wns chiefly due .to the splendid services and personal influence of the chairman, and he moved a resolution expressing the Council's appreciation. Professors A. P. W. Thomas, C. W. Egerton, and 11. \V. Scgar cordially endorsed these remarks. Professor Segar also alluded to the late Dr. McDowell's long and active championship of the central site. The chairman likewise bore warm testimony to Dr. McDowells whole-hearted efforts in this direction. The motion was carried unanimously, and the following members were appointed a building committee: The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Professors A. P. W. Thomas, C. W. Egerton and H. W. . Segar.