THE UNIVERSITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4174, 5 July 1875, Page 6

THE UNIVERSITY.

A deputation, consisting of the Eev. Dr Stuart and the Hon. Dr Menzies, representing the Otago University, waited on His Honour the Superintendent on the 9th ult, to bring under his notice matters concerning the University. ~ ■ , THE UNIVERSITY SITE. ■ The first matter mentioned was that of the exchange of ground proposed to be made, with a view to the old Botanic Gardens being set apart for the University .site. It appeared that, as the law now stood, the proposed exchange was ultra vires, that an Act of the Assembly was necessary to allow of the exchange being made, and that Mr Stout was preparing the required Bill. The fear was expressed that, while there was no opposition now, opposition from some unexpected quarter might bo made in the Assembly. On the other hand, it was mentioned that the Corporation were agreeable to the proposal, that no opposition had been manifested, and that, if opposition arose, there was not the slightest fear that petitions numerously si'iied could be at once procured m favour'Of the exchange. The proposed University site was a most valuable one, Irom its proximity to the new Museum, Hospital, and Botanic Gardens, being within five minutes walk of each. The citizens were friendly to the University, and no opposition was expected from them. , . . TT . TT ' In the course of conversation, His Honour promised, to do all he could in the matter at Wellington.

Dr S'tv-UIT stated that the moat important business they had to bring before His Honour was a recommendation respecting the Hospital in its relation to the .medical teaching. It seemed that some alteration was desired m the system under which the Hospital was managed, in order to adapt it to the purpose of a Medical School; and Dr MenzieS would tell His Honour that the changes wished to be effected would not injure the Hospital, but would probably promote its usefulness, and make it, at the same time, serve the purpose for a Medical Dr Menzies mentioned thai Professor Coughtrey when at home acting under the authority of the University Council, had made enquiries at the different Medical Schools as to the terms upon which they would recognise the teaching of the Otago University, and he found, as he had expected, that:it would be necessary to make some alterations in the .Matriculation examinations. He also found, as he must haye anticipated—as any professional man would have anticipated-thatin order to recognise the medical teaching to be given hero, clinical teaching—that is to say, practical instruction in the JWital-was absolutely indispensable in connection with these lectures, ihese facts lie had ascertained from-Dr Coughtrey iv conversation, and Dr Coughtrey also mentioned to him that, as all his papers were not yet unpacked, he could not furnish full detail* of the arraii-ement he hail made. Dr Menzies then produced the following recommendations from the Professorial Board of the University :- " That the Dunedin. Hospital be utilised for the purpose o£ medical education. " That in order that the education given at the Dunedin Hospital may be recognised by the chief medical licensing bodies m Great Britain, the following changes are necessary:—[l.) i na* the wards be divided into medical and surgical. wards (2 ) That two efficient medical men l.c appointed to the surgical ward*, and two others to the medical wards, and that the services of these gentlemen be obtained for the purposes ofclinical instruction. (3.) That an efficient medical man be appointed to reside within the Hospital, to rank as assistant to the clinical teachers, and as Eesident Medical Officer (4 ) That the dispensary of the Hospital ba placed on such a footiif and so conducted, as to render it subservient to the instruction of classes m dispensing, or pharmacy practice. (5.) That these changes be effected carefully but quickly, so as to enable the Ota«<> Uuiverity to use the Hospital practice and clinical instruction for the purpose of medical education?" Dr Mfnziks said it was necessary that an Hospital, in order that its clinical-practice be. recognised, should have 100 beds, but,as this had 200, there would be no difficulty. It would be neceisary, to carry out the alterations, to supersede the Provincial Surgeon in; the sole char-'e of the Hospital, which he hitherto had, ■andthis was necessary; as the teaching ot one Professor would not be recognised at Home, and it would be impossible for the Provincial burgeon to teach more than one class. He wished to make the reason for the change clear ; it was necessary that there should be several teachers. ' His Honour: There must be at least four. Dr Mkxziks : We recommend four. His HpXOUK : What amount of expense will bs involved in this change V Dr M.-KSSIKS thought it would reduce the expenses. While he was not sure it won d dimiiihh the expense, the additional stall would be honorary- The Resident Surgeon would be attached to" the Hospital, as now, but. the Provincial Surgeon would not get the same salary as now in connection with the Hospital. At all events, the four gentlemen would be honorary surgeons. It might bo necessary for a time to <nve them a honorarium, but certainly not a salary, and in the courae of a few years the class fees would be a considerable source of e"lli4 mHoNOi:K hailed with great satisfaction the proposal to have the Hospital associated with the Medical School; in fact, made a portion of it, and he thought it would be •Satisfactory for everyone who took an interest '"dI-'Menzies said it was wished to have the matter brought under the notice of the trovemment at once, so that there would be plenty of time to make arrangements. Until next session it was not necessary that the Hospital should be under this altered form. The first years students would not be ready for Hospital practice, and in the second year it woulu be desirable that the Hospital be opened to t.iem. 1 lie University Council wanted to know if the bovenunent would agree to the proposals, so th-it there could be plenty of time to make arrangemHis Hoxoun-would submit the matter to the Executive. He supposed there would be no important alteration in the Hospital building. Dr Stuart: None whatever. I here were nine or ten wards in the Hospital; they were in splendid order, they were very large-per-haps some of them too large—and no alterations would be required. Hi« 'Honour was exceedingly glad that tue Council had taken the matter up so speedily. He had always looked forward to the starting of a Medical School. THE PRESENT BUILDING. 'His' Honour: Have you any prospect oi disposing of the present building? Dr Stuart replied that they h"-d not got c Crown grant yet, but as soon as they gotii they would dispose of the building. H they "ot £30,000, or even £25,000 for the build iiv and site, they coidd erect not only a hand some University, but Professors' house also._ His Honour : I am convinced that it is r great advantage to a University to be self-ctm "tained—f;o have accommodation within its wall! for professors and student?.

INCREASE 01? STUDENTS. Dr Stuart remarked that he had no doubt that the proposed changes would, when carried out lead to an increase of students. He was

glad to hear that there was an increase this, year; and he had learned from the Professors that the students were better prepared this year, and showed more of the student spirit' among them.' ■ •. AN EXPLANATION. I Dr Stcaut explained that the wonU, onthe Professarial Board's recommendation, That an efficient medical man be appointed to reside within the Hospital," &c., were not in anyway intended to be men,nt as a reflection on Dilates . ■