UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18171, 16 February 1921, Page 2

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

The rcgr.T.r meeting of the Otago University Couuci! held yesterday afternoon, ■ was attended by Sir John Roberts (vicechancellor, in the chaii), Drs W. M. Macdonald, H. Undo Ferguson, Fitzgerald, Messrs L. D. Ritchie. T. K. Sidey, M.P., J. C. Thomson, W. Eudey, J. C. Stephens. W. J. Morrell, J. EL Walker, and J. W. Scurr. APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONAL. ]Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., and Professor •Thompson were reappointed to represent trie council on the Hi git Schools Board of (governors. . , * Sir James Allen wrote stating his willingness to retain his seat on the council, and thanking the council for granting him facilities for so doing.—He was granted a further six months’ leave of absence. The Factor of the Presbyterian Church Board of Property wrote notifying that his board had decided to appoint Mr Herbert Ramsay to the chair of English. This appointment had already been agreed to by the council’s representatives in conference, and ho now asked for the consent of the whole council.—Dr Macdonald: “Consent” is better than “confirmation,” as it was the hist time.—The consent of the council ■was granted. Mr G. M‘Creckon was appointed organiser in Otago of the Workers’ Educational Association for one year, at a salary of £4CO, with travelling expenses, and the Yen. Archdeacon Woodthorpe was appointed tutor to tho University W.E.A. class for .one year at a salary of £BO. Dr Barnett wrote expressing gratification that the Beverly scholarship had been awarded to his son, but stating that the terms of the scholarship prevented his acceptance of it. Miss Jean.M. Smith was appointed junior assistant in the registrar’s office. FINANCE AND MEDICAL COMMITTEES. The combined Finance and Medical Committees reparted that they had considered a proposal that a membe/ of the dental statf stiould be permitted to visit America. It was resolved to recommend tho council to take no action in this connection. The committees considered, as directed by the council, a letter from Dr Drennan asking for additional assistance, a letter from the medical professors asking for increased remuneration, and a request for a grant to permit of the issue of publications of the Otago Medical School; also a letter from Dr Champtaloup asking for increased assistance. It was resolved that consideration of these matters be deferred till next meeting, and that in the meantime the Chancellor draw up a statement of the requirements of the Medical School, and a statement showing the necessity for increasing the salaries of professors, and lay the same before the Prime Minister. Also that a copy of the statements be sent to the Hon., the Minister of Education, and that he be informed that the council proposes to wait upon Mr Massey. It was further resolved that members of Parliament be asked to be present at the -deputation. The combined committees considered a letter from the Otago Hospital Board asking for the counciTs opinion as to whether clinical reports for all hospitals under the control of tne board should not be free of charge. It *waa resolved that no charge should be made for these reports to any hospitals under the control of the Otago Hospital Board. In moving tho adoption of the report, the Vice-Chancellor stated that during the recent visit of the Prime Minister to Dunedin, the Chancellor (Rev. Dr Camerofi) had explained to him very fully the whole financial position of the University. With reference to the question of Government subsidies on the ‘ sum contributed by the Presbyterian Church Board of Property—now amounting to £2500 a year—the council had claimed £ for £, but so far the Government had turned the claim down and advised the council that the Goygniment had no liability. The council, However, had opinions from prominent lawyers who held that the was liable. Personally, he thought They might send a personal note to Mr Massey asking whether he would have any objection to the council raising a friendly suit to test the matter. The Hon. Mr Parr was to be_ here next week, and they could ascertain if he would make any'serious objection to this course. Mr Stephens: That is the couise I have suggested all along. ....' The Vice-Chancellor: We don’t want to do anything at all unfriendly. . ’ Mr Stephens: A friendly suit is not unfriendly 1 Dr Macdonald pointed out that the matter of increased remuneration'for the_ professors should, according to the council’s resolution, have oomo not before the joint committee but before the Finance Committee alone. The report was adopted. t FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee reported that the registrar had submitted a statement of receipts and payment from December 17, 1920, to January 31, 1921, as followsßeceipts, £2903 6s sd; payments, £3868 6s 2d; pass book balance (debit), £360 15s; cheques unpresented, £3963 18s 10d._ Sundry requisitions were received, and it was to approve of a requisition from Dri'Dft&nnan, approximately £92, of which £56 should be charged to his special laboratory account. —It was also resolved that Dr Benham be asked if his requisition (£493 16s Bd, mostly microscopes might not be deferred, and that Professor Rawson be asked to ascertain the cost of materials she requires. The committee on receiving the annual statement nf the Beverly trust for the year ended 3/9/20, directed that the Trustees Executors Company be asked _to advise ns to the possibility of obtaining better returns from the Beverly trust property.—The report was adopted. WORKS COMMITTEE. The Works Committee reported that it had considered what steps should be taken with reference to the Maheno and Marama Hall contract. It was resolved, subject to the appoval of the solicitor, to enter into a new form of contract with Messrs Wood and M'Cormack, recommended by Mr Anscombe. Further, that the architect be informed as to tho total amount of money at the council’s disposal, and warned not to exceed it. Also, that the architect be instructed not to proceed in the meantime with the ramp for the dining room. Messrs Ansoombe and Smith wrote reporting on various works proceeding under their control. —It was resolved to have two boilers installed in the arts building, as in the contract, and to leave the hot water pipes in the library as at present. Tho town clerk wrote on 12/1/21, stating that the City Corporation was prepared to put the Studholme House grounds in order, but that the corporation would not undertake the maintenance of the work. The grounds round the new home science building could be put in order for £4O. —The registrar was instructed to advise the City Council that tho latter matter is under consideration.—The report was adopted. GENERAL. The Home Science Committee reported under date December 17 that it had appointed Miss E. J. Cornish, of Wellington, lecturer in the Home Science Department to lecture on biology and physiology to Training College students. Miss Cornish wrote on December 26 declining the appointment owing to events that had occurred since rending in her application.—Mr Stephens said ho had authorised the registrar to call for fresh applications.—The report was adopted. In connection with the council’s ' claim for a subsidy from tho Government on Church Board donations, it was decided to forward to the department the opinion of Mr C. P. Skerrett on the matter, and also to bring the opinion under tho notice of the Hon. Mr Parr during his visit to Dunedin. The Medical Faculty reported to the council as to the best method of filling the positions rendered vacant by the resignation of Dr Bowie from his positions as medical tutor and clinical registrar as f rom December 31.—The faculty’s report was referred by the council to the Finance and Medical Committees for report.