PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Evening Star, Issue 25948, 13 November 1946, Page 11

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NEW SCHOOL AT UNIVERSITY UNDUE HASTE IN STARTING The possibility of undue haste being made to establish the new school of physical education was mentioned at the meeting yesterday of the Otago University Council by Mr E. Partridge. He said some concern was being expressed that the closing date for applications for the position of director might be too soon to permit overseas persons to apply. He had noticed that the closing date had been fixed fbr December 16, and he*asked for an asssurance that overseas applicants might be given full opportunities. He said it was felt .in some quarters that the whole position was' “ cut and dried.” The registrar (Mr H. Chapman) said the position should be advertised in the United Kingdom by the middle of November and applications closed with the High Commissioner in London on December 16. That gave applicants in Britain four weeks in which to apply. The Chancellor (the Very Rev. D. C. Herron) said the council had been informed that the Education Department was very anxious to have the school established by the beginning of next March, and if the permanent staff was not yet available the department would make temporary staff available. Professor R. Jack said that as other subjects would be included in the curriculum the school could start in March, even if the specialised physical staff and equipment were not yet available. Mr Partridge said he was anxious that the school should not make a bad start. If an overseas director was appointed he could not arrive and take up his duties by the beginning of March. Then there was the question of equipment. A great' deal of work would have to be done and there was not suitable equipment available in the country. .Advice was received from the Education Department that a grant of £3,400 had been approved for the establishment of a school of physical education,' and £250 for the establishment of bursaries. A telephone message was received from the Director of Education stating that the £3,400 was accounted for in the following way: —Alterations to buildings £2,000. equipment of library £750, salaries £469. maintenance and general £IOO. The director also stated that the future salaries of the staff would be: Director £875. lecturer ’ £6OO-£7OO, junior lecturer £4OO-£SOO.