QUICK DECISION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19784, 7 March 1927, Page 9

QUICK DECISION

TALKS TO NEW YORK PEOFESSOR SAVED A JOURNEY. A striking example of the value of wireless telegraphy was given by Dr. James Hight, professor of history at Canterbury College, Christchurch, New Zealand, says a London paper. He has come to this country for a year to take the place of Professor A. Grant, of Leeds University, who goes to New Zealand, and it is the first instance of an exchange of professors between England and New Zealand. Dr. Hight said to a reporter: A professor of economics was to be appointed recently at Auckland University College in New Zealand. The selection committee in England nominated Mr A. H. Tocker, assistant to Professor Condliffe, of Canterbury College, and he was required to go to Auckland to meet the board of governors. About the same time Professor Condliffe received a rather vague cable from the Institute of Pacific Relations, New York, asking him if he would accept the research directorship of the institute. This complicated matters very much, as, if Professor Condliffe left, Mr Tocker was his natural successor. Something definite had to be ascertained within 24 hours. With the aid of Mr J. E. Strachan, a wireless amateur at Rangiora, 16 miles from Christchurch, the officials of the institute in New York were communicated with and sent a reply which led the professor to decide to accept the directorship. Mr Tocker, who was already on his way to Auckland, was therefore intercepted at Wellington and returned to Christchurch, and was appointed Professor Condliffe’s successor the following da y.