ANNIVERSARY DAY

Evening Star, Issue 19613, 20 July 1927, Page 4

ANNIVERSARY DAY

NON-OBSERVANCE AS HOLIDAY Some time ago the Professorial Board of the Otago University decided that it could not accede to the request made by the Early Settlers’ Association respecting the observance of Anniversary Day as a University holiday. It was pointed out, however, that, although the University would not be closed, the significance of the day would not be forgotten, and the professors would address the students on the debt they owed the pioneers At the meeting of the University Council yesterday afternoon the following motion on tho matter was moved by Mr J..Wallace:— “That in view of tho close identification of tho University of Otago with tho founding of tho province of Otago, and of the fact that the non-observance of Anniversary Day as a holiday by such an important institution as this University may lead to non-observance by other institutions, and ultimately to a general non-observance of the day, and having regard also to tho request of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association, this council expresses its desire that tho day should bo observed by the University as u holiday, and asks the Professorial Board to reconsider its decision iu the matter.” Tho mover said it waS a very mild resolution to pass. Ho admitted that it was a matter of sentiment with him. He laid heard it said iu that room that tho early settlers believed in work, but though that was the case he would like to point out that they also managed to observe Anniversary Day. He said that it was becoming increasingly apparent that the Early Settlers’ _ Association was making its presence felt. Ho had heard it said that the association, v.as not particularly enthusiastic about the matter, but that was not the ease, as the secretary had told him that it was very displeased with the attitude of the Professorial Board. “1 am not making a threat,” he continued, “ but I would like to say that if the resolution is lost more will be heard of tho matter.” A Voice: “That’s a promise. Mr Stephens, in seconding, said that he had always voted in favor of Anniversary Day being observed as a holiday by the Law Society. Professor Inglis moved an amendment to the effect that tho action of the Professorial Board bo approved. Ho explained that tho board had had the matter referred to it, and had taken certain action. Tho board had viewed the matter sympathetically, but it felt that merely closing tho University for the day was nob much good. The Early Settlers’ Association seemed to be satisfied with what tho board had done. This holiday would cause a “ hopeless disorganisation ” ot the work ol tho University, and it would make it extremely difficult to carry out the year’s work. Dr Bonham, who seconded the amendment, said that the Professorial Board had been expressing tho opinion of ihosc who were conducting the work ot two or more sections_at tho University. He considered that it was better that the students should know something about tho meaning of the day than to have a day off. The Chancellor said he would like the Professorial Board to reconsider its decision. In answer to a query by Mr L. D. Ritchie, Professor Inglis stated that the attendance at the University on Anniversary Day was good. Mr Ritchie said he was impressed by the arguments adduced by tbe mover of the amendment, but lie thought the Professorial Board would be wise to reconsider its decision. He was pleased to see that tho professors preferred working to having a holiday, but they had to remember what they owed to the Cavly settlers. Tho University inight have been a. very puny aflair it it had not boon for them. Tho Chancellor: A college. Dr Marshall Macdonald suggested that tho way out of tho difficulty was for tho first term to start a day earlier than usual, or to finish a day later. Mr Rennie said he intended to oppose the motion. Ho admired tho splendid pro lessors they bad, and lie was sure they would not oppose a holiday unless there was serious interference with the work of their classes. _ “ I know the difficulties of tho professors,” said Mr Wallace in reply. “ but 1 think they could make arrangements to meet them. They get a day and a-half off for capping, and manage to make arrangements. They had a day off for the Duke when he came. The speaker added that he thought, when tho professors knew Anniversary Day was to bo a holiday, they nould be'able to make arrangements The amendment was Inst by seven voles to five, and Mr Wallace’s motion was then carried.