RECOGNITION OF WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23816, 18 November 1940, Page 9

RECOGNITION OF WORK

PROFESSOR H. B. KIRK MEMORIAL PLAQUE UNVEILED [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Saturday The suggestion that the centennial year should not be allowed to close without New Zealand talent being set to work to preserve For future generations the likenesses of living leaders of the M«iori race with whom the pakeha was proud to share the name Zealander was made by the Minister <nf Education, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, before ho unveiled a memorial plaque to Professor H. Ji. Kirk, professor of biology at Victoria University College, in the new biology bloek.

Mr. Mason questioned whether New Zealanders sufficient^ 7 appreciated and encouraged their own artistSj and thought their talent should be put to greater use than at present," particularly in painting and sculpture. His remarks arose from the fact that both the plaque and the. tablet were the work of New Zealanders. Professor Kirk was appointed pro-; fessor of biology in 1923, and the plaque is in recognition of the splendid work he has done as the first professor in building up this branch of science at Victoria College, and records the gratitude, affection and esteem of the students of the 37 years- during which Professor Kirk had taught many persons now holding eminent positions int the world of science.