OTAGO UNIVERSITY BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 7

OTAGO UNIVERSITY BILL.

READ A SECOND TIME. (Fbom OtJB Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 10. The second reading of the University of Otago Council Bill was moved in the House of Representatives by the Hon.T. Mackenzie this evening. Mr Jas. Allen said he understood that amendments to be added in committee would provide that four members instead of two would be appointed by the Governor-in-Council, and two instead of four of the Court of Convocation. This would make the council less unwieldy. As the University included a Medical School, it was desirable "that a member should be appointed by the Otago Hospital Board. The Hon. T. Mackenzie stated that this amendment would be made in committee. Mr Allen said he thought that the bill so amended would be a satisfactory measure. Mr T. K. Sidey remarked that he had received quite a number of protests from graduates against the proposal to cut down their representation from four to two. None was more intimately associated with the University, or more anxious for its welfare, than the graduates. The founders of Otago University had laid it down that after they numbered 30 the graduates should elect the whole of the council. There were many reasons why this representation should not be cut down, and he hoped the Minister of Education would reconsider the matter.

Mr G. W. Russell said he regretted that school committees were not represented on the council under its new constitution.

The Hon. T. Mackenzie said that the representation of the Education Board and of the teachers brought the school committees very closely into touch with the University Council. He did not think they desired any representation. Referring to what Mr Sidey had said, Mr Mackenzie said he hoped that the objections raised by that member might be met by slightly modifying gome of the groups. The second reading was carried on the voices.