DR WEATHERBURN FAREWELLED BY COLLEGE STAFFS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18684, 13 February 1929, Page 4

DR WEATHERBURN FAREWELLED BY COLLEGE STAFFS.

A complimentary farewell luncheon to Professor and Mrs Weatherburn was tendered by the members of the academic and professorial staffs of the Canterbury College at Ballantyne’s, yesterday. Professor Weatherburn, who for the past fi\« years has occupied the chair of mathematics at Canterbury College, has accepted the position of professor of mathematics at the University of Western Australia (Perth).

Dr Hight, who presided, stated that they were there for the purpose of showing their appreciation of the services of Dr Weatherburn during the past five years and to wish him and his family all future happiness. Professor Weatherburn, said Dr Hight, was a man who combined a genius for teaching with a talent for mathematical research, and his departure was a peculiar loss to the college. During his association with the college he had done some notable work in connection with mathematical research and had contributed nearly fifty papers to leading mathematical journals of the world. In addition to this he had written two books w’hicli had won the highest praise. Dr Weatherburn had also taken his share in administrative work as a member of the Professorial Board and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and had shown himself to be possessed of sane judgment and liberal outlook. He had, too, in a quiet and unostentatious way, been keen in the social activities of the college. It was unfortunate that his departure had come during the vacation, for he was sure that the students would regret not having an opportunity of expressing their esteem. Dr Hight said that he could not conclude his speech without reference to Mrs Weatherburn, who had played such a fine part in the college life, and as a president of the Women’s Club. There were, he said, many things which went to make a professor, and amongst them a good wife played a prominent part. Mathematics was not a peculiarly feminine trait, but he felt that Mrs Weatherburn had an indirect influence on Dr Weatherburn’s work in the college. Dr Denham said that it was difficult for him to say much, as Dr Hight had traversed the ground so well. However, he wished to say that Dr Weatherburn had filled the chair of mathematics with the same distinction as had his predecessors from the time of Dr Cook. They would have a difficult talk to secure a successor to Dr Weatherburn, but he hoped that, whoever he would be, he would have the same academic and personal qualities as their guest. As Dean of the Faculty of Science it gave him great pleasure to testify to the valuable work done by Dr Weatherburn. lie paid a tribute to Mrs Weatherburn, who was once a pupil of his, and extended his hearty good wishes to them on the eve of their departure.

Professor Powell said that it was not always that a Professor of Mathematics was found who would be willing to submit to the needs of the engineers. However. Dr Weatherburn had been able to give to the engineers what they wanted without making any sacrifice of dignity. He wished Dr and Mrs Weatherburn and family health and happiness in their new sphere. Colonel the Hon G. J. Smith, chairman of the Board of Governors, said that from the standpoint of the board he was extremely sorry that Dr Weatherburn had found it necessary to change. He applauded Dr Weatherburn as a member of the staff who had brought distinction on the college. Dr Hight then presented to Professor Weatherburn a book of views of Canterbury College, prefaced by an illuminated address, the work, of Professor Shelley. In responding, Professor Weatherburn thanked those present on behalf of his wife and himself for gathering to do them honour, and to say farewell. He was particularly pleased with those parts of the addresses which had referred to his wife. During the five years he had been here, she had proved an efficient colleague, and the success of a man in his position depended to a large extent on his wife. Ihe presentation he was very grateful for, as it would enable him to visualise the happy associations of many years. When he first came to Christchurch, he and his family felt that they were coming to a small Melbourne, but after a while he found it something very much better than Melbourne. He referred to the pleasant relations which had existed between the Board of Governors and the Professorial Board, and he was very grateful to the Board of Governors for releasing him when he was required to give twelve months notice. Dr Weatherburn congratulated the college on the two fine rectors under whom he had served, and thanked all present for their kind remarks and the presentation, which he would value highly. Those present at the function were:— Dr and Mrs Ilight, Dr and Mrs Weatherburn, Professor Macmillan Brown. Dr and Mrs Chilton, Dr Mac leod, Colonel the Hon G. j. and Mrs Smith, Mr Acland, Professor Percival, Mr Aschman, Professor Tocker, Professor Steele, Dr and Mrs Denham, Dr Bradshaw, Professor Powell. Professor Blunt, Professor Shelley, Professoi Salmond, Professor Campbell, Professor Copland. Miss Herriott, Dr Grundy, Dr Beeby, Dr Broadhead, Mr Hardie, Mr Darwin, Mr Purchase, Mr Calvert, Mr A. F. Morrison and Mr Lawn. Apologies for absence were re«*eived from:—Dr C. C. Farr, Professor Speight, Mr T. W. Cane. Mr C. FT Foweraker Mr F. E. Hutchinson. Mr L. B. Wood. Mr W. F. Robinson and Miss W. I. iiaward.