CITIZENS' HELP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22596, 8 December 1936, Page 10

CITIZENS' HELP

AIMS OF UNIVERSITY PUBLIC INTEREST NEEDED A COMMITTEE PROPOSED As the outcome of deliberations by a committee appointed by tho Auckland University College Council to report on buildings, accommodation and staff, it was reported at yesterday's meeting of tho council bv Mr. H. G. Cousins that as the future of his college depended 011 tho interest the city would take in it an important stop would bo to keep in touch with public views by the appointment of a citizens committee. Tho president, Mr. T. U. Wells, Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C., and Mr. H. J. I). Mahon were appointed to confer with the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, in the appointment of a citizens committee to help tho collego to attain its aims, and they were instructed to report to the February meeting of the council. Question ol Extensions Consideration was also given the appointment of representatives to a conference, called by the Mayor for next Monday, at the request of the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Eraser, to deal with the question of suitable sites for the future development of university and post-primary education in Auckland. The registrar, Mr. M. It. O'Shea, and Mr. Mahon were appointed. Mr. Wells said that in view of the proposal to set up a citizens' committee early next year, it might be advisable to defer any discussion on tho site or any extensions to tho college grounds at the conference until that committee had been appointed. Tho Mayor and the Minister agreed that this would be tho better course. For similar reasons, an extended discussion by members of the college council on tho need for a more spacious site for future extensions to the university was taken in committee. No resolution was passed. Central Position Urged

The matter was reintroduced at a later stage of the meeting, when Mr. Cousins said one of the major issues to bo placed before the citizens' committee would be a decision on a future site. Some members spoke of the desirability of retaining the present situation, because of its central position. Professor W. A. Sewell said the centre of the city was tho site favoured for most overseas universities, and Mr. Wells said it would be best if the academic buildings could be kept in the city, and suburban sites could bo acquired for hostels and grounds. Sir Henry Horton said that had the council acquired land that was available at Orakei some years ago it would have had very beautiful grounds for the college near the centre of the city.

" Until the citizens' committee launches its attempt to stir up the city to help the college, I think mention of a site can only be regarded as incidental," said Mr. Cousins.