FOUR UNIVERSITIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 168, 17 July 1924, Page 4

FOUR UNIVERSITIES.

, I DISCUSSED AT DTJNEDIN. QUESTION REFERRED TO A COMMITTEE. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") DUNEDIN, tliis day. The agitation for the establishment of four universities in New Zealand had official attention at a meeting of the University Council. The matter was introduced by a letter from Victoria College Council, asking whether it was thought advisable and possible to devise a scheme of independent universities that would meet with general approval. There was also put before the Council a copy of a letter from the Auckland University College to Mr. Massey, and a resolution passed by the Professorial Board of the Auckland College, advocating complete autonomy for the four colleges. The Chancellor (Dr. Cameron), also read a telegram from Victoria Council, stating that in view of Auckland's action a conference would probably be useless, and Victoria College would like ,to have Otago's views on the whole matter. The Chancellor also read the following report, made in April, of the Professorial Board: "There is sufficient feasibility about the suggestion that there should be four separate universities in New Zealand to warrant consideration of the matter with other colleges, but, as the present suggestion arises largely as a result of dissatisfaction with the syllabus of certain sub- | jects and the method of examination 1 for degrees in arts, science, commerce and home science, the Professorial Board recommends that, in place of establishing four universities at the present time, i steps be taken to institute necessary reforms in these two matters." The Chancellor said that the committee of the Council might confer with the Professorial Btoard on the question to see how far the working of the New Zealand University could be improved to meet present difficulties. Surely that would be more reasonable thun taking a step in the dark. The New Zealand University had done splendid work, and they should not establish four separate universities in a small community like this unless there was the strongest need. (Hear. hear). The Council fell in with the Chancellor's suggestion and a committee was ajiointed.