STUDENTS’ SEAT IN SENATE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28367, 28 August 1957, Page 3

STUDENTS’ SEAT IN SENATE

Proposal Being Reconsidered

The New Zealand University Students’ Association has renewed its request for representation on the Senate and, when the Senate’s debate was interrupted by the adjournment last evening, all speakers to that stage were in favour of the proposal.

The association’s lettei expressed regret that the Senate had earlier decided against students' representation and said it was not prepared to accept that as the last word. But it asked for reconsideration of the decision before the association discussed other action. The Chancellor (Sir David SAiith) said this had been fully debated at the last meeting and was rejected by a fairly large majority. Personally, he had been in favour. A fresh approach would depend on the view of members.

Dr. Gilbert Archey (Auckland) immediately moved that the Government be asked to alter the University Act to provide representation for students. This motion was seconded by Mr E. C. Fussell. Ordinarily, he would object to this question being raised again within such a short- time, said Dr. A. G. Davis, but the earlier discussion took place at a meeting called primarily for another purpose. Perhaps members then had'not had sufficient time. Now, he would strongly support the proposal. With the adjournment time approaching, Mr D. W. Bain (Canterbury) asked that, if a fresh debate was to be held, it should be deferred until later in the week, rather than be rushed. This course was adopted.