UNIVERSITY GRANT.

Auckland Star, Issue 265, 8 November 1929, Page 8

UNIVERSITY GRANT.

RESTORATION OPPOSED.

REFORM PARTY'S ATTITUDE.

AMENDMENT REJECTED,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Consideration of the New Zealand University Amendment Bill was continued in committee by the House of Representatives this morning.

Reform members took strong exception to the clause restoring the statutory annual grant to the University "without further appropriation than this Act." It was contended that the appropriation should come up for review annually.

Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs), moved to omit from the clause the words "without' further appropriation than this Act." He said he did this with the object of providing that the question of a grant should be considered by Parliament each year. The amendment, he said, would not deprive the University of its appropriation for this year.

The amendment was rejected by 43 votes to 22.

Mr. D. Jones (Mid-Canterbury) then moved to strike out the words providing for the payment of the money out of the ordinary revenue account of the Consolidated Fund. This amendment was ruled out of order, on the ground that it was frivolous.

The bill wa6 read the third time, and passed.

Mr. W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) moved that the amount of the grant be reduced by £1000, to mark disapproval of giving the University carte blanche in the matter of scholarships, the establishment of chairs, etc.

Minister Refuses to Withdraw,

The debate was continued till 12.30 p.m., when Mr. Coates asked the Minister whether he would consider withdrawing the clause.

The Minister, the Hon. H. Atmore, declined, whereupon Mr. Coates declared it would have been possible to continue the opposition ,to the clause for some hours, but in view of the lateness of the stage of the session he would suggest to his colleagues that they allow the matter to go to a vote.

The amendment was defeated on the voices. Mr. Wright called for a division on the clause itself, which was retained by 44 votes to 22.

The committee stage was then completed.