UNIVERSITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9230, 19 June 1893, Page 3

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL.

TO THE EDITOR. ■ Sir,—Will you kindly permit me to reply to the correspondence of Another Student" and «' C. T. Major," which appears ia your issues

"""" a , m of 13th and 26th insb. " Another Student states. " I hardly think any one will be bold enough to question the power of the Oonnoil to terminate the engagement of the Profeasor." Why, Sir, this is exactly what Professor Aldis has been bold enough to do, in the Priest and most publlo manner possible; and, for this very reason I hav« previously suggested special and decisive Action by the Council, in order to ' per* manently remove any wrong impressions that may exist on the matter. I trust the fact stated above will satisfy "Another Student 8 "query. „ I will 2°!* refer to the remarks made by C. T. Major, re dividing the number of subjects taught by each of the Professors, for the purpose of calculating the scale of their respective salaries, and also the very vague reasonings by which be endeavours to argue that all the sectional parts of departmental work done by the Professors, is without discrimination, of equal attainments and value. Such arguments are quite absurd and illogical, as I will try to prove. The stock-in-trade by which Professors of " Mathematics " and " Classics and English" carry on their duties, is contained within their library, and the only strain on their energies to carry on their work, is mental capacity for interpreting the knowledge contained in their books, and imparting the same to their students in the most originaland instructive manner. The frequent repetition in the performance of their duties, must make them more easy to experienced teachers, from the fact that mathematics and classics are not subject to the numerous inventive improvements which are continually going on in connection with the other branches of University education. The Professors of Chemistry and Experimental Physics, and Natural Science, have each, in addition to the before-mentioned requirements, the responsibility and personal control of very extensive laboratories, where they speud many hours beyond the time fixed in the University College calendar, in doing sound, practical experimental works, not only to teach their students, but in the interests of the general public, many of whom are indebted to Professors Brown and Thomas for tho earnest willingness with which they execute experiments, and give useful advice on anything calculated to improve (amongst other things) agriculture, mineral production, preservation and propagation of animal and plant life, etc. # Whilst I am a strong advocate of University eduoation in all its branches, I am also of opinion that the study of successfully working out of these indispensable elements of progress and prosperity is entitled to more consideration and value than mere book learning.— am, etc., Barney Magixjnb.