FAREWELL TO DR. POWNALL

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31085, 14 June 1966, Page 18

FAREWELL TO DR. POWNALL

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (Dr, L. L. Pownall) and Mrs Pownall were bidden farewell at an informal ceremony last evening attended by more than 500 members of the staff and representative citizens. A portrait of Dr. Pownall by W. A. Sutton was unveiled, and a silver salver, bearing the new arms of the university, was presented to him and Mrs Pownall. Dr. Pownall will leave this week to become Clerk of the Senate of the University of London. The Chancellor (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) said Dr. Pownall had given outstanding leadership. Developments

during his term ranged from the acquisition of a computer and the establishment of a graduates’ association to the creation of new academic and administrative offices and services which had earned admiration and good will. Mr C. H. Perkins, a former Chancellor during most of Dr. Pownall’s term, said the university had many causes for gratitude. Dr. Pownall had led the team responsible for I the university’s greatest ■ period of development. “The community has come i to appreciate the university, i its ideals, and its desire to serve at standards to which ; any respectable university : aspires,” said Mr Perkins. Professor H. E. Field, for the staff, said Dr. Pownall had served generously and with . distinction. He had displayed qualities of leadership from > the outset and used to the full

the opportunities of the university’s top academic and administrative post. In this, he had shown characteristic dignity, style, and vitality, with unfailing regard for the integrity of the university. “He will respond magnificently to the challenge of his new post,” said Professor Field. Dr. Pownall said the accomplishments attributed to him were actually those of every man and woman in the university. The vice-chancellor simply co-ordinated their efforts. Dr. Pownall said he had always had support, encouragement, and friendship from the University Council, staff, and community. “You have matured and aged me,” he said amid laughter. "This is a fine university,” Dr. Pownall said. “Its quality

can be judged only by the quality of its graduates and the graduates of the University of London are no better. “I know of no happier place than this,” Dr. Pownall said. “It is dedicated to the development of first-class students and first-class minds.” The photograph shows Bishop Warren making a presentation to Dr. Pownall and Mrs Pownall.