DISPUTE AT MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15747, 23 October 1914, Page 7

DISPUTE AT MEETING.

SIR R. STOUT WITHDRAWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.SrECIAL

Wellington, Thursday. A withdrvwal was made by Sir Robert Stout from last night's meeting of the Victoria University College Council under unusual circumstances. The Finance Committee reported that it had received a letter from the professorial board suggesting certain alterations to the New Zealand University Bill. Sir Robert Stout inquired whether the council was going to discuss the Bill. If so, he protested that on the original notice calling the meeting no mention was made of the Bill. The chairman (Mr. H. H. Ostler) said the board's letter was not really before the council. It had been given to the registrar to be forwarded to the Government!. Mr. W. Ferguson then suggested that a copy of thj letter be sent to the members of the council who were members of Parliament, in the hope that they would look after the interests of the college. Sir Robert Stout moved that no action be taken, and that the next business be proceeded with. There was a lengthy discussion. Mr. Ferguson said that the council was there to do the business of the college, and look after its interests. It was important that the Bill should be reviewed. Sir Robert Stout: Our by-laws say that notice must be given. We can't discuss this matter now; it is not on the original notice which stated the business. A Member : The notice said " and general." Sir Robert Stout : Yes ; that is so ; but specific business does not come under the heading of general. At a later stage Mr. Ostler mentioned how the matter had originally come before the Finance Committee- " Knowing those facts," he said, " I am prepared to rule that the Bill is properly before the council." Sir Robert Stout : This is the second time I have raised a point of order which has been deliberately set aside, and I am going to withdraw as a protest. He accordingly left the council room.