FORESTRY SCHOOL TO CLOSE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 1 May 1934, Page 5

FORESTRY SCHOOL TO CLOSE

CANTERBURY COLLEGE DECISION DIFFICULTIES OF FINANCE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, .April 30. The school of forestry at Canterbury University College will be closed temporarily as from the end of the present year, according to the decision of the Canterbury University College Council at its meeting to-day. Members suggested that decision should be deferred for three months, as in the meantime pressure might 'be brought to bear through public opinion, but an amendment to this effect was defeated in dis- • Mission. It was stated that the college / was losing thousands of pounds each ■ ’ year on the forestry school and although members agreed that it would be, as Mr E. J. 'Howard, M.P., said, “a calamity to the whole of New Zealand,” if the school were closed in view of the need in the country for trained foresters, the finances of the college would not permit of such a loss on a relatively small department. They were doubtful also as to the efficacy of public opinion in bringing pressure to bear on Parliament and the Government. “It is a matter of finance,” said the chairman, .Mr C. T. Aschman. “We now have no Government grant for the school of forestry and our ordinary (finances will not stand an annual loss of £IOOO a year and an accumulated debt of £3OOO for the school. Certain .members of the staff must be given six months’ notice and students must know what is going to happen.” iMr Aschman added that if before the end of the year there was any indication of assistance coming from the Government, from local bodies or from any other sources the college might be able to continue with the school.