ENGINEERING SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18950, 23 February 1925, Page 11

ENGINEERING SCHOOL.

AGAIN DENIED TO AUCKLAND. SENATE MOTION DEFEATED. CRY OF ECONOMY RAISED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WELLINGTON. Sunday. At the University Senate meeting on Saturday, the Hon. G. Fowlds moved; " That the Auckland University College bo recognised as a school of engineering for the degree of bachelor of engineering (civil) and for the first, and second professional examinations for the degrees of bachelor of engineering (mechanical and electrical)." Mr. Fowlds said this motion had been before the Senate for some 12 or 15 years, and hitherto the Senate had not seen fit to agree to the proposal. He made a strong plea for what he described as "a manifestly just claim." He quoted the numbers of students at the Auckland in engineering, and the success of many of them. Mr. H. D. Acland (Christchurch) opposed the motion. If they were to increase the number of such schools it would mean possibly that it would lead to the establishment of a lot of inefficient teaching centres, he said. Professor Algie (Auckland) alluded to the, excellent work which hid been done at the Auckland School of Engineering, and remarked that in all the circumstances the non-recognition of the northern school looked much like "a dog in the manger" policy. Professor Rankine Brown remarked that in view of the irresistible conrse of events he had changed his mind on this matter, and he intended this year to vote in favour of the motion. Mr. F. H. Bakewell said that on principle he was opposed to the multiplication of special 'schools, but in the case now before the Senate there were special points which had to be considered. The engineering school at Auck and had done, and was now doing, valuable work, and was meeting a public want. For these reasons he would support the motion. Sir Robert Stout referred to the increasing expenditure on education, and to our large public debt. If there came a slump in the price of our primary products, he said, we would be in a very alarming position. Ho did not think the people of New Zealand thoroughly realised the position. Wc ought to economise in every possible way, and we ought, to commence with education. In the interests of economy we ought not to pay a penuy more in education than was absolutely necessary. If recognition were given of this school there would lie immediate demands on the Treasury. Voices: No, no. Sir Robert Stout replied that lie had been in New Zealand long enough to know what would happen in sucii a case. A proper school of engineering could not be carried on without aid from the State. A demand would be made that the Auckland school should be as well equipped as the Canterbury school. He thought it would be unwise to pass the motion. Professor Segar (Auckland) pointed out that successful classes in engineering had been carried on in Auckland for many years, and such classes would be continued in the future. It was not in the thoughts of the Auckland citizens to develop their engineering school with the view of competing against Canterbury. The thoughts of Auckland were entirely in the direction of agriculture and forestry. The motion was opposed by Professor Hight, .Dr. Anderson, and Professor Hunter, .arid was supported by Professor Thomas. The motion was negatived by 14 votes to 9. • "