UNIVERSITY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2045, 4 May 1893, Page 15

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Council of the Otago University was held in the board room, Education Offices, on Tuesday afternoon. There were present— The Rev. Dr Stuart (chancellor), the Hon. W. H. Reynolds, Dr Burns, Messrs J. Allen, M.H.R., B. B. Cargill, R. L. Stanford, D. R. White, andG. G. Russell.

The Finance Committee reported that the bank book showed a credit balance of £1413 2s Id. This being the first meeting in the financial year, the Registrar (Mr Hamilton) submitted a statement of estimated revenue and expenditure for the year, showing gross receipts £9490 18s 7d and expenditure £9375.— The report was

adopted. * The following telegram from the Hon. Mr M'Kenzie, Minister for Lands, was read : —

Re Benmore run : If, as I assume, lease does not end till May next year, I think university might wait till Parliament meets, and ask for amending acb allowing them to give 21 years' leases, with valuation for improvements ; and if cut up with such leases would realise present rental, at all events, if not more, and university would be more secure in having several tenants. I cannot consent to the terms of the present law being abrogated. If lease expires in May this year, then I think it should be put up in three leases, failing agreement to lease to present tenants for one year at existing rental. Tfie conditions might provide that unless all three leases let at an upset price no lease was to be granted. This would save the university revenue and protect it. ■ — It was agreed to withdraw the run froni sale, and to leave further proceedings respecting the land to the committee whose duty it is to deal with the council's runs.

Mr T. K. Sidey forwarded a requisition, signed by 10 graduates, aßkipg that a meeting of graduates be called to discuss Mr White's motion re length of session. — It was agreed to call the meeting for next Saturday night in the library. The Janitor (Mr A. C. Purdie) wrote asking to be allowed, to resign owing to failing health. — The resignation of the janitor was accepted as from the 30th of June ; a resolution was passed thanking Mr Purdie for his long and faithful services, and he was unanimously voted a year's salary,

The Chancellor said that the annual report was not yet ready, and suggested that its preparation be remitted to a committee. — The matter was referred to a committee consisting of the chancellor, the registrar, and Mr J. Allen.

The Registrar mentioned that there were still some defaulters in the matter of university fees, and without a formal motion being passed it was left to the registrar to carry out the instructions of the council previously given. This concluded the business.