UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17843, 26 July 1921, Page 6

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

THE NEW ARTS BUILDING.

QUESTION OP MATERIAL.

The Auckland University College Council met yesterday, the chairman, the Hon. George Fowlds., presiding. There were also present: Dr. T. W. Leys, Professors A. P. W. Thomas, H. W. Segar, and C. W. Edgerton, Messrs. W. J. Holdsworth, G. H. Wilson, H. J.. D. Mahon, Kenneth Mackenzie, J. F. Hosking. In regard to the proposed new arts chairman reterred to the revision of the plans by the- architects, Messrs. R. A. Lippincott and E. F. Bilison, along the lines suggested by the council, and seme of the architects' own suggestions were also incorporated, materially improving the plans. One very important improvement wafe that thq whole of the building facing Princes Street was to be placed back from the frontage a further sft., eo as to allow those portions originally on the frontage to be sft. back. This would get over any possible doubt regarding light, and would improve the elevation to Princes Street. The interior planning of the building had also been simplified, owing to the' removal or the common room from the building, and the substitution of philosophy rooms. A copy of the plans had been forwarded to the director of education, and the speaker, in company with Mr. Lippincott, would leave for Wellington that evening in connection with the matter.

Tho architects attended the meeting, and explained the alterations. In regard to stone for the building, Mr. Lippincott said they had been unable to reach a decision yet. They had examined various stones, including specimens from Tasmania and India, but further investigations as to quality was necessary. They would much prefer to use an artificial stone than see the building ruined. The alterations to the plans were approved, and the question of stone deferred for further consideration.

In connection with the proposed erection of a students' common room and social accommodation, the chairman and Messrs. Wilson and Holds-worth were appointed a committee to confer with representatives of the Professorial Board, the Court_ of Convocation and the Students' Association to evolve a scheme of action. Intimation was received from the Students' Association that any surplus funds from the carnival would be donated as a nucleus fund for erection of the building. The council decided to apply to the Government for State Forest Block, No. 31, at Swanson, to be vested in the council for use as a biological research station. It was stated that the block comprised 53 acres, and was most suitable for the purpose proposed. An indication had been received that the conservator of forests favour of the proposal". The _ action of the registrar in sending a cablegram to the Prime Minister in regard to the location of the forestry school was approved.