NEW CHANCELLOR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25799, 21 March 1945, Page 6

NEW CHANCELLOR

APPOINTMENT OF VERY REV. D. C. HERRON TRIBUTE TO MR W. J. MORRELL The Very Rev. D. C. Herron, who has held the position of vice-chancel-lor of the University of Otago for the past three years, was appointed to the position of chancellor of the University at the monthly meeting of the University Council yesterday. He succeeds Mr W. J. Morrell, who recently resigned from the position. An Historic Relationship

Mr W. R. Brugh moved that Mr Herron be appointed to the office of chancellor and said that his appointment would maintain the relationship

between Knox Church and the University which had been originated many years previously by Dr Stuart. Mr James Wallace, who seconded the motion, said he felt sure that Mr Herron would be worthy of the traditions of the chair. He expressed the hope that Mr Herron would have a long and happy career as chancellor of the University. The motion was carried unanimously. Thanking members for his appointment, Mr Herron referred to the fact that Dr Stuart had helped to originate the system by which the Presbyterian Church assumed the responsibility for certain chairs in the University. He expressed’ the hope that the Government would authorise the appointment of a full-time vicechancellor, a step which was becoming increasingly necessary. Mr Morrell’s Services The following resolution of appreciation of the services given to the University by the retiring chancellor was carried:— “In accepting the resignation of Mr W. J. Morrell, M.A., from the position of chancellor of the University of Otago the council wishes to express to him its gratitude for the devoted and unselfish service he has rendered to the University during the past 33 years. Mr Morrell was first elected a member of the council in 1912 to represent the teachers in secondary schools, and the confidence placed in him by his electors is forcibly illustrated by the fact that he was not called upon to contest an election during the whole period of his membership. In 1925 Mr Morrell was appointed vice-chancellor of the University; and on the death of Sir Thomas Sidey in 1933 the council showed its confidence in him by appointing him to the high office of chancellor. “From that date to the present time.” the resolution added, “ Mr Morrell has ungrudgingly devoted his time and energy to the advancement of the University, freely using in its service the great gifts with which' he is endowed. His ripe scholarship, his impartiality and his soundness of judgment, together with his knowledge of the universities of the Homeland, nave always been of great value to the council when dealing with matters of University policy. The high standing of the University of Otago at the present day is due in no little measure to the services that Mr Morrell has rendered.”