ENGINEERING SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 12

ENGINEERING SCHOOL

£250 DONATION MADE HARBOUR BOARD'S ACTION PROTEST AT CLOSING Tlie question whether the Auckland Harbour Board should make a donation to an endowment fund for the School of Engineering at Auckland University College produced a divergence of opinion among members of the board at a meeting held yesterday. When the board met in committee last week it was decided to recommend that, subject to validating legislation, a donation of £250 should be made this year, and that the matter should be given further consideration during the next financial year. It was also decided to recommend that a strong protest should be mado to the Government against the closing of the school. Yesterday the board was asked to ratify these recommendations. Mr. J. Sayegb protested against the grant being made. The upkeep of the School of Engineering was purely a Government duty, and did not rest upon the board. In view of the information that the Minister bad threatened to close the school, which would inflict hardship on the poorer students, Mr. Sayegh urged that the Government should be brought faco to face with its responsibility. Mr. W. B. Darlow. who also opposed tho grant, considered the board should concentrate its resources upon the port. Mr. E. J. Phelan claimed that the board was just as able to assist as other local bodies. It was admitted by overybody that Auckland must have an engineering school, the closing of which would penalise the poorer classes. Mr. T. A. Bishop contended that it was the duty of the board to assist in keeping the school in Auckland. "I do not see why tho board should not fall in line with the City Council and give £1000," he said. Tho Hon. T. Bloodwortb, M.L.C., maintained that it was essential for a city of Auckland's size to have adequate training facilities for :ts youth. The chairman, Mr. C. G. Macindoe, said the school deserved support from the board, and the recommendations of the- board in committee were adopted.