ENGINEERING SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18021, 21 February 1922, Page 8

ENGINEERING SCHOOL.

THE CLAIMS! OF AUCKLAND

COUNCIL CONDEMNS SENATE

" INTOLERABLE POSITION,

.The attitude adopted by members of the University Senate in regard to the request for recognition of the engineering department at the Auckland University College was strongly criticised at the meeting of the College Council yesterday.

The chairman, tho .Hon. G. Fowlds, in reporting on tho reception given the request, said his first experience on the question was most depressing. It seemed to him that the senate, as it was at present composed, would not recognise the claims of the North, did not recog* nise its rapid growth, and thought that all grants should be apportioned equally between tho North and the South Islands, regardless of tho number of students. They had practically all the special schools in the South Island, which seemed determined to hold on to those advantages regardless of tho needs of the North Island. The motion ho had submitted for the -recognition of the School of Engineering had not been met with argument except by Dr. W. J. Anderson. Partly to save their faces members of the senate had passed a motion recommending the Government to appoint a commissioner to seo if Canterbury and Auckland were equipped to carry out the necessary engineering work. This deprived a large number of Auckland students for another year of the opportunity of passing their examinations.

Mr. Fowlds said he had little faith in tho commission, as tho Government was largely opposed to the recognition of tho school. It was apparent to anyone that the position was becoming intolerable. If the North had three times the population, the senate would still insist on equal division of money. He thought they should sound a note of warning to the Southern people that they would not stand this treatment much longer. Unless they could get better recognition of the claims of the North they would have to try other means. In view of the recommendation that a commission be appointed, tho council must wait for the result before taking action. Failing favourable results, the two university colleges of the North must appeal to Parliament for justice. Dr. T. W. Leys said it was inconceivable that Auckland students should be debarred by tho indefensible act of tho senate. Some action should be taken. Professor A. P. W. Thomas said it was clear the question was not dealt with on the merits of Auckland's claims, but on the senate's determination to keep the schools in the South.

The discussion then closed.