UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Evening Star, Issue 16662, 19 February 1918, Page 4

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

The first meeting this s.sar °f the council of the University of Otago was held this afternoon ; present—the Vice-Chancellor (Mr John Roberts, C.M.G.), Drs Church, Benliam, and Ferguson, the Hon. T. MacGibbon, Messrs T. K. Sidev, M.P., J. H. Walker, J. C. Stephens, John Ross. W. Eudey, L. D. Ritchie, and P. M'Kinlay. DR BEDFORD'S DEATH. Reference was made at the outset to the tragic death of Dr Bedford, professor of economics and history. Dr Benham said that the sad and sudden death of Professor Bedford in the prime of his life had sent a. shock of grief through the community, and the University had to deplore the loss of a valued member of the teaching staff. Of the many excellent qualities he possessed, thev "were, perhaps, only concerned with those that made him such a good teacher. As lecturer on economics and history for eight vears before he was raised to the status of professor. Professor Bedford had made his mark as a successful and inspired teacher. He possessed in unusual degree the- advantage of having a fine flow of lucid and forcible language and an unusually developed gift of clear exposition. A-s a consequence- he attracted «. considerable number of students tothis class. His loss would result in a. serious disorganisation, or, at least, interruption -in the course of those students reading for 'honors in economics and history, and a similar interruption in tintutorial work of the Workers' Educational Association. But at the moment the council were not concerned with that. They woro thinking with grief of the loss of the man himself, and their thoughts turned in sympathy to the- widow 'and children. He would move—"The council of tho University of wish to express their profound grief on learning of the lamented death of'Dr H. D. Bedford, professor of history and economics in this University. During his occupancy of this position Dr Bedford has directed with marked enthusiasm and success the studies of a- large body of students, whilst his personal qualities have endeared him to students and colleagues alike. His loss will be severely felt not only by the University, but also by the whole community. To Mrs Bedford tho council offer their sincorest sympathy, and direct that a copy of this minute be sent to her." The motion was passed in silence, all standing. WORKS. . A sub-coinmittoo of the Works Committee reported tin reference to the removal of 'fauna Hill) having resolved to accept the offer of the City Corporation that the corporation perform the necessary asphalting and channelling at the new Medical School for a payment of £IOO, a further condition being that within three months tho corporation level a sufficient portion of Tanna Hill to allow of the erection of the Homo Science School, and undertake to complete the levelling of the remainder within 12 months from receipt of notice by the University Council. It is understood that to give sufficient space for the building of tho Home Science School the hill must be levelled to 10ft beyond the line of the walls.—Adonted. APPOINTMENTS. The Finance Committee reported that the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor had been empowered to make the necessarv appointment of acting lecturer on commercial law. The committee recommended the council to grant Mr 0. V. Davies, pending Dr Pickerill's return, aii allowance of £2OO per annum, such allowance, tb commence, on M.arch 31, and the position to be reviewed in December, 1918. [Left sittimrj