EDUCATION WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21546, 18 July 1933, Page 10

EDUCATION WORK

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT SIR G. FOWLDS RETIRES COUNCIL MEMBERS' PRAISE MR. K. MACKENZIE ELECTED The retirement of Sir George Fowlds from the Auckland University College Council took place at the annual meeting of tho council yesterday, when glowing tributes were paid to his work for education in New Zealand generally and for Auckland University College in particular. For 17 years, tho past 13 of them as president, Sir George has served uoon tho council. The post of president, which he has vacated, was filled by the election yesterday of Mr. Kenneth Mackenzie, formerly vicepresident. "About three years ago, at the request of members, I undertook to see the college over its jubilee," said Sir George in a memorandum to members of the council. "At that time it was my hope, and, I think, it was the expectation of members generally, that wo might be able to mark the jubilee celebrations by a successful appeal to tho citizens of Auckland for a substantial sum of money to mark a forward advance in the activities of the college. My intention was that we might make an appeal for about £IO,OOO. "This, carrying as it would three years ago a similar amount in Government subsidy, would have enabled the college to endow a chair of fine arts and finance the erection, in conjunction with the City Council, of a fine arts block on the old Grammar School site, which would provide a home for all cultural and aesthetic organisation in the City of Auckland, as well as accommodation for our School of Fine Arts, School of Architecture and School of Music. Unfortunately, the present serious economic depression rendered impracticable any attempt to realise that objective. 1 hope, however, that the council will maintain that aim and endeavour to secure its realisation as soon as economic conditions permit. Step Taken With Regret

"It would appear that for the next few years the policy of the council will be conditioned by the economic situation. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, 1 have decided to retire from the position of president of the college and from membership of the council. I am taking this step with very great regret, and in doing so I desire to express my deep appreciation to all members of the council, both past and present, for having given me the opportunity of serving the college in this position for so many years. "The unfailing courtesy, the loyal and sympathetic support which I have at all times received from the members of the council during these thirteen years, quite as much as any worthwhile leadership that I have been able to supply, have made them very fruitful years in the history of the college. I can honestly say that during a long and somewhat strenuous public life, I have never had more joy and satisfaction than I have had in working with the members of the Auckland University College Council. I very much regret that I have to leave so many projects unfinished, but any leader worthy of the name must have at any time a number of unrealised visions. Assistance in Future j

"In everything for the future welfare of the college;, my successor and the council can call upon me for assistance, and anything which it is in my power to do for the college will be done most willingly. I relinquish my official connection with the college with regret, but as long as health and strength remain to me I can never lose interest in its well-being and progress, .and I shall always retain the most affectionate remembrance of my pleasant association with the college council, the members of the office and teaching staffs, and the various generations of students and their executive officers, who have passed through the college during my tenure of office." "It is with great regret that we receive your resignation," said Mr. Mackenzie, in addressing Sir George. "It was my hope and the hope of the council that you would have seen your way to servo for some time longer. You have for long given your services and we saw stressed at the jubilee the efficacy of your loyalty and service to the college. Wo know the amount of preparation you put into the work of the council, which made for the smooth running of the council meetings. "We feel very much your going from us, but we welcome your assurance that your interest will bo continued. We trust that for many years you will enjoy health to co-operate with us. I would end on a personal note and thank yOu for your great kindness to me and the confidence you have shown in me." Great Educational Administrator

Sir James Parr said ho thought ho might presume to speak for the Government and Parliament and say they regretted very much indeed Sir George's severance of his relation with r.he college. Sir George had had the hard work to do, the guidance of the collego during the city's growth. It must have been a heavy burden. That ho had discharged it worthily must be some gratification to him. He had more than an Auckland reputation. He had a Dominion reputation as a great educational administrator. He was admitted to have been one of the best Ministers of Education New Zealand had ever possessed. The Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said ho wished to convey to Sir George the thanks of the city for his work in connection with the college. The relation of education with civic life was a cldso one and in Auckland they were fortunate in having a direct relationship between civic life and the university. Sir George's administration of the college had had the most beneficial effect upon the life of the city generally. particularly since the ramifications of the college had been extended into the commercial world. They had felt an uplift since Sir George had presided over the council. On behalf of the community ho wished to express appreciation of Sir George's services. College's Severe Loss

Mr. T. U. Wells said they had found Sir George's judgment so sound and his advice so safe that he had earned their affectionate regard. The college would suffer a very severe loss in his retirement. They know of the devotion with which ho had given his services to the community and to education in particular. Tn Auckland T nivcrsity College and Massey Agricultural College lie would leave behind a claim to fame. "[ believe the name of Sir Georpo Fowlds will always he connected with Auckland University College and Massev College.said Mr. Wells, "a monument of which any man may well be proud." Eulogistic references to the work of Sir Geovge were made also by Professors C. W. Egerton and A. B. Fitt and Messrs. E. 11. Northcroft, H. J. P. Mnhon, S. Irwin Crookes, A. Burns and W. H. Cocker.

Sir George said he had been associated with the college during a period of special development, but that development was possible only because ho had had the cordial co-operation and confidence of the council. He thanked them most sincerely for their expressions of goodwill. Any help he could give in the future he would be pleased to give. They needed only to call upon him to do so.