Development Plan For Massey Supported

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30091, 27 March 1963, Page 14

Development Plan For Massey Supported

(New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, March 26. “I think autonomy will be given to the Massey University College of Manawatu earlier than most people expect but that will depend on how we develop in the next two or three years,” said Mr O. Conibear, chairman of the Secondary School Boards’ Association and secondary schools’ representative on the University College Council, at a meeting in Palmerston North today. Mr Conibear outlined a development plan for the next three years for Massey University College’s faculty of general studies—arts and sciences.

About 25 people from as far away as Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki, representing colleges, high schools and other organisations attended the meeting, convened by Mr Conibear, and all enthusiastically supported his suggested development plan. It was the first such meeting to be held. The following resolutions were passed unanimously:— That this meeting strongly supports in principle Mr Conibear’s plans for urgent development of the teaching, both for intramural and extra-mural students, of general studies at Massey University College of Manawatu. That every encouragement be given to making the university a residential one. That it be possible for students taking a stage 3 unit, to finish off their degree, to complete this unit extra-murally. Among those at the meeting—the chairman of the Feiiding High School board of managers (Mr G. M. White) was chairman—were the principal of the Massey University College (Dr. A. Stewart) and dean of general studies (Dr. M. W. Thomson), Mr P S. Freyberg, who is in charge of the extra-mural studies, and the principal of the Palmerston North Teachers’ College (Mr K. North). Victoria Overcrowded Victoria University was overcrowded and bursting at the seams, said Mr Conibear. Irrespective of development in Manawatu, Victoria would expand beyond the limits of its accommodation. By 1972 it was estimated there would be 6903 students at Victoria as against the 3950 this year. By 1972 at Massey, he said, it was estimated there would be 3620 students—2loo in the general studies faculty and 1520 in the agricultural, veterinary and food technology faculties. He forecast there would be 990 students at Massey next year.

The Massey University College could, unlike universities in the four main centres, expand without running into the fantastic expense of buying more land, Mr Conibear said.

“Rapid development of the faculty at general studies is not only imperative but possible. I am convinced this can be achieved provided it is made unmistakably evident to the Massey Council that the needs of governing bodies of post-primary schools and other organisations can be met only by rapid development,” said Mr Conibear.

Many students, who each year left secondary schools across the middle of the North Island and who would

like to go to Massey to take an arts or science degree, did not do so because they could not complete their degree at Massey, he said. Beginning Next Year Development should begin next year with a wide range of subjects, including a limited number for a bachelor of commerce degree, he said. He suggested the establishment of no fewer than four new chairs, including a chair of education. Subjects taught a<t stage I and M levels in 1964 should be extended to stage 2 and 3 levels in 1965. A post-primary teachers’ training college should be established. This would be a unique opportunity for the Government to set up, as recommended by the Currie Commission on education, an institute of education. Mr Conibear also envisaged the setting up of a second home science school to augment the present one in Dunedin. Many home science students were lost because parents considered it too costly to send their daughters to Dunedin. At present, extra-mural

studies at Massey University College were only touching on the fringe of the demand. With the increase in range of subjects in arts and sciences would come an increase in the extra-mural activities, he said. There was an urgent need for an early decision on future development plans. If a decision was not made before about August of the year, then the whole of 1964 would “be lost." ‘‘The Largest?” “My belief is that Massey University College of Manawatu is destined to become one of New Zealand’s larger universities —if not the largest. “Your views today should determine my views and actions in the future.” Mr Conibear said. In reply to a question from the director of the Queen Elizabeth Technical College, Dr. F. G. Spurdie, Mr Conibear said he felt certain that ultimately the present university buildings in Hokowhitu would become a leachel's’ college. New buildings could be erected next to the present Hokowhitu block to be used by the university, and these too could ultimately be taken over as part of a teachers’ college Most of those present at the meeting, held in the library of the Queen Elizabeth Technical College, spoke and gave wholehearted support to Mr Conibear’s suggestions. Replying to a vote of thanks at the end of the meeting, Mr Conibear said he had not come to rock the boat too much, buit just to rock it a little.