SIR MAURICE O'RORKE'S DEFEAT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 2847, 16 June 1896, Page 3

SIR MAURICE O'RORKE'S DEFEAT.

Tho result of the recent election of a graduates’ representative on tho Council of the Auckland University College is a strange commentary on tho perversity of man. Sir Maurice O’Eorke has been the chosen representative of tho graduates for years past. A few days ago ho want up for election as usual, but to the surprise of, wo dare say, 99 per cent, of tho people of this Colony, found himself defeated by 27 votes to 11, a Mr C. T. Major being elected in his stead. Such a proceeding, as may bo understood, has raised a howl of indignation not only in Auckland but generally throughout the Colony. The reason of this action of tho graduates towards Sir Maurico O’Korko is due, wo understand, to more pique. It appears that at the last presentation of diplomas he objected to some of the graduates converting the Council Hall into a Bedlam and making tho proceedings hideous with catcalls, whistling, screams. Sea., behaviour more in keeping with that of a number of larrikins iuthepit of alow-class theatre than that of students of a University College, profess to bo gentlemen, but who to behave as such. Since that occasion a number of these graduates have steadily combined and secretly worked up an opposition, especially during Sir Maurice’s recent trip to England. There are 81 names on the roll of voters, and many of these would have gone to vote for Sir Maurice if they had thought it necessary or that there wore of their number 27 so ungrateful find so narrow-minded. As the telegrams have shown, Mr Eobsrt Hall at once resigned his position as a member of the Council as a protest to such conduct of tho students, and in order that the Government might appoint Sir Maurico ©'Eorke, and that his distinguished services and sound advice might not bo lost to the Auckland University. Yesterday at a meeting of tho Executive Council he was appointed to tho vacant seat, and no doubt with his usual large heartedness he will look over tho trumpery action of the 27 students. Ever since his arrival in this Colony Sir Maurice O’Eorke has boon closely identified with its educational institutions, and his qualifications as a scholar and a statesman are recognised.