OPTIMUM ROLL OF UNIVERSITY

Press, Issue 30997, 1 March 1966, Page 10

OPTIMUM ROLL OF UNIVERSITY

The optimum roll of the University of

Canterbury was discussed by the council yesterday because some members thought numbers would “get away from us,” but there was division of opinion as to whether further talks should begin now or after the new ViceChancellor took office.

Mr D. W. Bain said the matter was raised about this time last year but nothing more happened. It was estimated that some time after 1970 the roll would reach 10,000. Now was the time to consider whether this was too large, ideal, or too small. "If we delay, natural increase in size will get beyond our control,” Mr Bain said. “I happen to be one who would like to see some brake on numbers. The fact is that no optimum roll is on the books at present.” Mr C. E. Fenwick said many other members shared Mr Bain’s concern. Buildings planned at Ham were for about 7500. Any new university would take five years to affect the Canterbury roll, whether it was at Timaru, Nelson, or Blenheim. “NO MAGIC”

The Pro-Chancellor (Mr T. H. McCombs) said that with the Vice-Chancellor (Dr. L. L. Pownall) resigning and a new one to be appointed, the council could be presented with entirely different ideas. “I cannot see any magic in a number,” said Mr McCombs. “The roll will be governed by the site. It is a great pity that the then Government did not buy another 100 acres.”

Dr. Pownall said it would be unfortunate to embark on such significant discussions without bringing the new vicechancellor into the picture. Nothing would be more unfortunate if he was diametrically opposed to an idea into which the council bad talked itself. NO GUIDE There was no literature about optimum university rolls to guide Canterbury, Dr. Pownall said, and the council could bind itself more than it intended.

This major decision must be faced some time, said the Rev. W. M. Hendrie, and the council should have the benefit of the experience of both the outgoing and incoming vice-chancellors. To put off discussion was inviting disaster.

“If we don’t solve this problem it will be solved for us,” said Professor H. J. Hopkins. The engineering school was inadequate when opened and, even with the extensions now being made, it was possible that admissions would have to be restricted next year.