STUDENTS WANT LINCOLN COLLEGE BOARD MEMBER

Grey River Argus, 20 October 1948, Page 8

STUDENTS WANT LINCOLN COLLEGE BOARD MEMBER

CHRISTCHURCH. October 16. An application by the Canterbury Agricultural College Students’ Association for a seat on the Board of Governors as .a co-opted member with power to move or speak to a motion, but without the right of a vote, was declined by five votes to four by the college board on Friday. Another application by the association for full representation on the board was not considered.

Iri moving that the Board co-opt a member of the association, Mr. C. T. Aschman said that the Canterbury University College Council had found that such action had assisted to solve many problems. He was not keen to see the board extended, but favoured a member of the association being co-opted, provided he was not given a vote.

Co-opted members of the students’ association and the nrofessional board had materially assisted in the university college council, carrying out its work smoothly, said Mr. W. C. Colee. The chairman, Mr.. H. S. S. Kyle: This board has always been ready and willing to hear students’ representations.

Members of the Board were inclined to be conscious of possible embarrassment, said Mr. J. E. Strachan. Points in favour of co-opting a member of the association were: (1) The college existed largely in the interests of students, not for the staff or board of governors; (2) it would lead to better co-oneration and unity of purpose; and (3) it would be a safeguard against the two bodies working at cross purposes. Mr. Kyle said it was possible at board meetings that there would be embarrassment because of criticism of the staff.

The matter had been’ discussed before and the board was not then in favour of representation being granted, said Mr. J. R. D. Johns.

At a later stage in the meeting when the finance and estates committee’s report was being discussed, representation on the board for the professional staff and the academic staff was considered. The committee recommended that the following resolution of the professorial board be conveyed to the Minister of Education. (Hon. T. H. McCombs'), marked pro forma: that the board of governors be reconstituted by the addition of the following members: ( 1) the chairman of the professorial board (the director of the college exofficio) ; C2) one member elected by the professorial board; (3) one member elected bv the academic staff of the college. The professorial board’s request that the board of governors support the recommendation was not approved. It was agreed that the remaining clauses in the committee’s report stand.