UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19474, 2 November 1926, Page 12

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

NE ED FOR ENDOWMENT FUN D COURT OF CONVOCATION ACTS. GRADUATES TO SUBSCRIBE. With a view to assisting to establish the finances of the Auckland University College on a firm basis the Auckland District Court- of Convocation decided last evening to take steps to form an endowment fund for the college, to be known as the Convocation endowment fund: In moving the resolution the president, Mr, H. J. D. Mahon, said it bad been intended to make a public* appeal for rands on behalf of the college, but so far a suitable opportunity had not occurred. The building of the new college and the laying out of the grounds had exhausted the money which the council had accumulated. It was an accomplishment to be proud of to have opened the building free of debt, but if the college was to take its proper place in the life of the city something would have to be done to provide it with an endowment. The present did not appear to be an opportune time to appeal to the Government for assistance. There were on the roll of the Court of Convocation over 1000 graduates, and if each agreed to give only 5s a year this would produce £250, which, with the Government subsidy, would make £SOO. An endowment fund was essential to the welfare of the college. The upkeep of the building and grounds involved ■ expense, the college' was understaffed, the library was very meagre and unworthy of such an institution, and a larger - number of full-time students was required.. The most feasible suggestion for securing more students was the establishment of some form of bursary. The college should be in a position to assist worthy, . capable and talented students,' and this could be done only by an endowment fund.

Mr. Mahon said the college council could be requested to reserve the money in a special fund and the court could make recommendations from time to time regarding the disposal of the income from tne fund. The council would bo sure to follow the wishes of the court, and in this way the graduates would have s voice in the disposal of the money. Ou Mr. Mahon's motion it was decided to establish a fund and circularise all graduates asking them to contribute a sum annually.