OTAGO CHAIR OF CHEMISTRY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27373, 11 June 1954, Page 15

OTAGO CHAIR OF CHEMISTRY

APPOINTMENT OF DR. H. N. PARTON

SERVICE AT CANTERBURY COLLEGE

Dr. H. N. Parton, associate professor of chemistry at Canterbury University College, has been appointed to the chair of chemistry at Otago University, vacated by Professor F. G. Soper on his appointment as ViceChancellor in Dunedin. At Canterbury College, Dr. Parton has had notable success in work ranging from teaching first-year classes of up to 150 students, to the supervision of* honours and research scholars, many of whom have gained distinction overseas. He was dean of the faculty

of science from 1948 to 1952, and his own department was largely responsible for a new system of tutorial supervision which is now being extended.

In 1945, he became lecturer in charge of physical chemistry, and in 1947 was one of the first two associate professors appointed at Canterbury College. While Professor J. Packer was abroad in 1950, Dr. Parton was head of the chemistry department.

Member of College Council Dr. Parton is now deputy-chairman of the Professorial Board. Before he held a seat by right of his associate professorship, he was a member representing the sub-professorial staff, and also served on the Academic Board of the University of New Zealand as an elected representative of lecturers in all colleges. On the Canterbury University College Council, Dr. Parton is a representative of the Professorial Board. He sat on the council previously as a coopted member representing lecturers. He has taken a leading part in the council’s discussions.

Among students, Dr. Parton is one of the most popular members of the Canterbury College staff. In the lecture room, they have found his teaching thorough; in research, they have found his leadership stimulating; and in their societies, they have enjoyed his ready wit. Individually, scores of students from all faculties have sought his advice. He has helped considerably in the “orientation week” for new students, and has taken a prominent part in students’ discussions. On many occasions within and outside the college, Dr. Parton has spoken on the relationship of science to society, on the historical and philosophical conceptions of science, and on the place of the university in the community. He has been a prime mover in the inter-faculty discussions which are now a regular lunch-hour feature of college life in the winter term. He is a former chairman of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry and, as editor, was largely responsible for renewing the popularity of the institute’s journal. Delegate to UNESCO Conference

In 1948-49, Dr. Parton spent refresher leave mostly in the United Kingdom and the United States. During this period, he was one of New Zealand’s official representatives at the conference in Beirut of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation. From the Christchurch Boys’ High School, Dr. Parton entered Canterbury University College in 1925, took his master of arts degree with first-class honours in chemistry, and became an assistant lecturer. He went to King’s College, London, in 1932, and two years later was awarded a doctorate of philosophy of the University of London. On his return to Canterbury College as lecturer, he was given increasing responsibilities under Professor H. G. Denham, and was appointed senior lecturer immediately this position was created.

Dr. Parton js married and has two daughters. It is not yet certain when he will take up his new appointment.