UNIVERSITY FUNDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22578, 17 November 1936, Page 11

UNIVERSITY FUNDS

INCOME BELOW COSTS

NEXT YEAR'S ESTIMATES HOPE FOR INCREASED GRANT "Auckland University College is still in the position where income does not meet expenditure," said the registrar, Mr. M. li. O'Shea. at yesterday's meeting of the University College Council. "This year wo hoped for some £BOO additional fees on account of the larger number of Training College students. We received an additional £7OO in this regard, but the total student fees was only £IOO up, as some of the students who would otherwise have been included in cash fees went to the Training College. "For 19:>7. we have estimated arts and general fees a f . the same figure as ibis \ear. There will. I understand, be an increase of some 100 students in Training College next year, but the proportion of Training College students taking university classes is steadily decreasing, and the number of subjects they arc allowed to take is now definitely limited to two. Therefore, the increase in total student fees from the larger number of students in Training College may not be very great, especially as some of the professors report a greater casualty list in the terms examinations among the Training College students than among the students generally, based on an average." There was, in addition, the question of the percentage of boys leaving secondary schools who went to university. It appeared that the percentage dropped in years of good business, being greatest during the worst depression years, when boys found it difficult to obtain employment. If a visible drop in percentage continued —a trend possibly accentuated by recent legislation—the fees must drop somewhat in sympathy. Thero was, of course, every reason to hope for an increase in the Government grant. An increase of £IOOO would cover the estimated deficit, and any sum over this would be available for further expansion.

Referring to tbe estimates for 1937, j Mr. O'Shea said total payments were I assessed at £37,749, and total receipts at £36.752, making a deficit of £997. A recommendation by the finance committee, which was adopted, that an additional £416 be spent under tbe heading of "arts and general," made the deficit £1413. On the recommendation of the finance committee, tbe Gollege Council later decided that, "in view of the I present position of the college finances, I and the possibility of receipt in the near I future of an increased grant, only those ! increases in expenditure which are absolutely necessary be approved at the present time." A proviso was made for reconsideration of policy, if, or when, the increased grant was received. REPRESENTATION MATTERS CONSIDERATION IN COMMITTEE Various matters dealing with the representation on the Auckland University College Council have been before a special committee-on-constitution for some time, and the question was considered by tlie council in committee yes- ' terday. Tbe chairman. Mr. T. TJ. Wells, subsequently stated that no announcement could he made public just now, but that a statement would probably be released later.