Prof. Philpott Leaving

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 1

Prof. Philpott Leaving

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 26. Victoria University tonight announced the appointment of Professor B. P. Philpott, of Lincoln College, to the T. G. Macarthy chair of economics. Professor Philpott has been head of the department of agricultural economics and marketing at Lincoln since the chair was established in 1959. He is also director of the agricultural economic research unit established by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research at Lincoln in 1962. The Macarthy chair of economics at Victoria has an established tradition of interest in the economic problems of New Zealand. It was formerly held by Professor F. W. Holmes and Professor L. V. Castle. Professor Philpott will take up his new appointment at the end of 1970. Professor Philpott said today that in recent years he had developed a growing interest and concern with the wider issues of national economic problems and policies, as exemplified by his association with the National Development Conference. “I shall leave Lincoln with great regret, but at least it will give some younger person a chance to move forward and carry on the work which has been started,” he said.

Founded by a bequest by Mr T. G. Macarthy in 1915, the Macarthy Chair is the . oldest chair of economics in . New Zealand. It has been : vacant since. Professor Castle . accepted an appointment this year in Fiji. In 1965, Professor Philpott declined the offer of a chair at the University of Newcastle, in the United Kingdom. A former chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Economic Society of Australia and New Zealand, Professor ; Philpott has become widely , known through radio, television and newspaper contri- j buttons and public addresses, i He was an early advocate of -

T Bnd »? c . t / ve P*rticipant tome National Development Conference. A former chairboard of governors of Hillmorton High School Professor Philpott is still a member of the board. He is president of the Lincoln College Rugby Club. “The economics of agriculture is a fascinating field and —as the situation In the European Economic Community demonstrates—a field of study which New Zealand neglects at Its peril,” he said yesterday. “I have derived great satisfaction from teaching young men who will occupy positions of responsibility in fanning, business and administration. I have seen the establishment and development of a flourishing research unit at Lincoln. “Inevitably the growth of my department and research unit has involved me increasingly in administration, and I would like very much to spend more time in study, teaching, and research. The Macarthy chair—now freed from administrative duties—offers this opportunity.”