COLLEGE CONTROL

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 70, 19 September 1912, Page 3

COLLEGE CONTROL

PROFESSORIAL BOARD REPREA COMPROMISE. At last month's meeting of Victoria College Council, a proposal to give two seats oil the council to two «f the professors, was defeated by five votes to four. Other proposals for amendment of tho Victoria College Act were considered and forwarded to the Minister, of Education. ( The Minister in inform, ing the council of , his approval of ■ the amendments in general, intimated that he was of opinion that a clause should be provided allowing professors seats on the council. Tho question was brought before the College Council last night again, when Sir Robert Stout moved— "That the only alteration in the present constitution the council approves of is the following! That the chairman of the council should be ex offlcio a member of the Professorial Board, and the chairman of the Professorial Boainl shall be ex officio a mender of the council." Sir Robert saiH that his only reason for making this proposal was a desire to meet the objection that the two bodies were not brought sufficiently into touch with one another. He had no desire to go any further ; 'it would .allow the professors to bo represented ou the council. Though he could see.no reason for it* the motion was seconded by Mr. M'Calhim. Dr. C. P. Knight wot of opinion that the motion was a step in tho wrong direction.' Mr. H. H. Ostler moved as an amend' ment— "That the suggested amendments to the Victoria College Act, which w»ere rejected at the last meeting of the council by a majority of one. ue adopted to meet the suggestion of tl*e Minister of Education that two professors be elected as members of the council by the Professorial Board.' 1 For many years past Otago University had had two professors on its council. % The professors of & college had its interests at heart, even more so i than a -member of the council, and their expert advice would be valu« able. The Hon. H. D. Bell seconded tho motion. The present representation of the Professorial Board was unsatisfac* tory. Tho board's representative conM not always bd sure he was speaking the minds of the professors. | Mr. A. W. Hogg regarded tho amend* ment as a vote of no-confidence in the council. After further discussion the voting on the .amendment was even— six for and six against. The chairman - gave his casting vote against 'the amendment. ' The motion was carried by seven votes to five. "* " •