University “Restoration ” Near

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30883, 16 October 1965, Page 16

University “Restoration ” Near

The last lectures in most science subjects were given on the central city campus of the University of Canterbury this week. On Monday examinations begin, then comes the long summer vacation and, in the New Year, the move to the new School of Science at Ham. This transfer will release 68,000 sq. ft of floor space on the central site but every inch of it will be taken up by the remaining departments—and none of them will be spaciously housed. There will be a wholesale reorganisation of teaching accommodation but it will only ease the congestion. which at present is acute.

For years, particularly this year, most space has been bi

constant use from 8 tan. to 9 pan.; many staff offices (where several lecturers often had to "double up”) have been separated from their departments; departments have been divided; and the ideal of related departments being contiguous has gone entirely. Tutorial Problem Tutorials (small discussion have been the biggest n. For instance, in one unit of one subject—English L with 680 students—room Rad to be found for over 40 tutorials. With botany, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics, and zoology and the science elements of geography and psychology moving to Dam, most of the stone, two-storey blocks along Hereford street will be vacated and a good deal of the east block (the old Bus’ High School). Conversion of this and other space for other purposes is called “restoration” at the university because in many

cases present science rooms will revert to liberal arts. “It’s not a matter of taking science students out and putting arts in—-there is a huge job in removing the plumbing,” said one official. The university is still awaiting finance from the University Grants Committee for this work, which must be completed by February. Population Changes The total university population at Dam next year—teachers, tetiutidans, typists, and maintenance men, including science, engineering and fine arts—will be 2400, compared with 896 this year. About 3100 will remain on the central site, compared with 4147 this year. The changes will result from the transfer of about 80 science teachers and 1173 science students, plus new arrivals. The reorganis tion on the central site will move such big departments as English from a house in Cashel street

and other places to the physics block, education from Gloucester street to the chemistry block, and affect almost every other section of the university. Final details have not been settled because of constantly-changing demands on space. “Elbow Room” The aim is to reunite divided departments, have staff and tutorial space also in the same building and give "some elbow room, but little more.” Even with tills, it will not be possible to bring all departments on to the single central block. AU the surrounding houses occupied by the university will still be used and also all the temporary buildings. It is hoped this will be the last major reshuffle before the third stage of the university at Ham is completed in 196070. By then, however, it is expected that the central site will be as congested aa now.