NEED FOR NEW SITE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27384, 9 May 1950, Page 5

NEED FOR NEW SITE

Canterbury University College MINISTER SYMPATHETIC PA CHRISTCHURCH, May 8. “Because of discussions I have had already, I know that your proposition for a new site for the university at Riccarton is certain of a very sympathetic consideration,” said the Minister of Education, Mr Algie, when he met the Canterbury University College Council today. “ The Government, however, is troubled by the present Estimates of the Department of Education, and they include requests from this university. No doubt I shall be asked to cut them, but I don’t think that the cut will be terribly severe, though there will be one. lam confident that I can save money. I know, for one thing, that I shall not have nearly enough money for all the immediate requests of the universities this year. “ I shall be in charge of the department for at least three years, and I should prefer to come back at odd times and see things that have been done, rather than be confronted by the wreckage of broken promises,” the Minister said. He could perhaps not go further than asserting that the proposed change of site would receive sympathetic consideration, but he preferred not to at this stage. It was obvious, however, that the university was hopelessly congested and could not expand where it was. “ The coffers of the Treasury, however, are empty,” Mr Algie said. “There has been a tenant at will in charge of the. estate, and he has not managed it well. Accordingly, the new tenant seeks a breathing space.”