UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22963, 19 August 1936, Page 2

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the University Council was held yesterday afternoon and w'as attended by the chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell), Bishop Fitchett, Sir Lindo Ferguson, Dr James Fitzgerald, Dr Stanley Batchelor, Dr R. J. T. Bell, the Rev. D. C. Herron, Messrs J. Robertson, F. W. Mitchell, J. W. Haworth, James Wallace, G. R. Ritchie, S. Rice, L. D. Ritchie and W. R. Brugh. The chancellor referred to the death of Mr William Macalister, of Invercargill, who, he stated, had been a member of the council in 1912-13. Mr Macalister had been a former graduate of the Otago University in arts and in law. On the motion of the chancellor it was decided to convey to the widow and family of the deceased the council’s sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

Mr J. H. F. Hamel and Dr Borrie wrote stating that they were prepared to continue to act as honorary wardens of Mapoutahi pa.—The letter was received.

Dr Benham wrote reporting that Mr S, Saltzman had generously presented to the Museum a large and useful showcase.—lt was decided to thank Mr Saltzman for his gift. The town clerk wrote stating that the City Council had appointed the Mayor and Crs Scott and Shepherd as the council’s representatives on the Committee of Management of the Museum.—Received.

Dr Benham wrote stating that he would have completed his teaching work at the end of this term, but that he would supervise the advanced practical work and continue to act as curator of the Museum, at any rate until Mr Skinner returned and the council appointed a successor in that department.—lt was decided to thank Dr Benham for his offer. VETERINARY COLLEGE

A letter was received from the registrar of the University of New Zealand asking the council to consider the general question of the training of veterinary,surgeons. It had been suggested, stated the letter, that schools be established in connection with the Canterbury and Massey Colleges. The chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell) said that the question of the training of veterinary surgeons had been before the council many years ago.

Mr L. D. Ritchie said that there could be nc question as to the desirability of having such a college in New Zealand, as the Dominion was essentially a primary producing country, and veterinary science must be of great assistance to their agriculturists and pastoralists. Mr Ritchie said he considered that the college might be established at Lincoln College or Massey College, but he pointed out that they were only being asked their views on a queltion of policy, if the facilities were available at these colleges and the necessary finance were available. He thought that if these facilities, etc., were available they might express the opinion that the establishment of a veterinary college in New Zealand was advisable. Sir Lindo Ferguson referred to the facilities in the Medical School for teaching branches of the training required and to the fact that a duplication of teaching*was inadvisable and unnecessary. He stated what had happened as regarded duplication of veterinary colleges in Australia and referred to the fact that there had been a proposal some years ago to establish an experimental farm in the vicinity of Mosgiel. He did not think the council should express any opinion rashly on the matter. It was decided to ask the medical faculty to go into the matter and report. RESIGNATIONS The following resignations were accepted:— Dr S. L. Wilson, surgical tutor, Otago Hospital (the calling of applications to fill the vacancy is now being advertised). Miss T. Simons, assistant subwarden, Lower Studholme (Miss Clark to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the year). Mr H. Sapsford, janitor, Students’ Union (a sub-committee to act with the union in filling the position. Miss N. Cameron, nurse. Dental School (Miss. Joan Johnston to fill the vacancy). LEITH WALLING The Works Committee was authorised to expend up to £2OO in repairing the Leith walling. CONGRATULATORY It was reported that the chancellor (on behalf of the council) and Sir Lindo Ferguson (on behalf of the Medical School) had sent cablegrams to Mr J. E. Lovelock congratulating him on his win in the 1500 metres race at the Olympic Games. GIFT FROM DR MALCOLM The dean of the medical faculty reported that Dr Malcolm had obtained a plaster cast of Sir Edward Sharpey Schafer, the eminent physiologist, and wished to present it to the Medical School. Received with thanks. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMEN At a meeting of the Finance and Works, Finance and Medical, Finance and Home Science, and Finance Committee alone it was re solved that Mr Wallace be reappointed chairman of the Finance Committee, Dr Fitzgerald chairman of the Medical Committee, and Mr Robertson chairman of the Home Science Committee, all these appointments being for the year ending June 30, 1937. FINANCE AND WORKS COMMITTEES The Finance and Works Committees reported th?t it had considered a letter from the Students’ Association asking the council to consider the erection of a new Students’ Union building on the site of the two upper tennis courts. —ft was resolved that the council be recommended to inform the Students’ Association that it appreciates the general situation as ex plained in the letter, .but in view of the cost of a new building it is now unable to proceed in the matter, but will be glad to hear from the students of any proposals as to the financing of the new building. , The committees considered a letter from the librarian stating that the council’s proposals for the extension of the present library had. in his opinion, serious disadvantages. A letter from Mr Mitchell was also considered in this connection. —It was resolved that the architect be asked to furnish a written report as to the possibility of extension, both as regards stack accommodation and as regards reading room on the site at present adopted by the council, and also to report as to the question of the modern language room and also the utilisation of the present reading room.

The committees considered a letter from the dean of the medical faculty regarding the position of Dr Jenkins, second assistant to the professor of surgery. Dr Jenkins had resigned at the end of 1935 and his

work had been caix on during the current year by Dr Geoffrey Barnett, although he had not been formally appointed.—lt was resolved to recommend the council to appoint Dr Barnett to the vacancy as from March 1, 1936. The report was adopted. WORKS COMMITTEE

The Works Committee reported that Mr Mitchell had been reappointed chairman for the year ending June 30, 1937. The architects submitted the following report:—Repairs to the roofs of the George street houses were in progress and also repairs to the spouting at Lower Studholme.—This was noted. Considerable difficulty was being experienced in installing an electric heater in the library staff room.—lt was resolved that the work be done by connecting to the wiring laid to the janitor s house. A pair of “ cyclone ” gates was being erected at Upper Studholme House. —This was noted and it was resolved to replace the small wooden gate with a gate in cyclone netting. The tender of the North-End Furnishing Co., £2O 19s 2d, had been accepted for the provision of four cabinets for the art equipment— This was noted. The committee gave further consideration to a letter from the architects regarding proposed alterations to the Allen Hall.—ln view of the letter received from the Students Association asking for entirely new buildings, it was resolved to postpone consideration of the letter in question. The committee considered the question of the occupancy of the Maheno and Marama Hall, and it was finally resolved to appoint a sub-committee of Dr Bell and Mr Mitchell to report as to the way in which the students may use the present hall and the manner in which the small rooms attached to the hall could be utilised. The report was adopted.