Recommendation As To Otago Medical School

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 January 1948, Page 6

Recommendation As To Otago Medical School

(P.A.) Dunedin, Jan. 16. One of the most important reports to come before the Senate of the University of New Zealand—the report of the committee on medical education prepared over almost two years of investigation—came before the Senate today. The committee recommended that the Otago School remain the only national medical school and the majority of members favoured the appointment of a medical and surgical tutor at each of the main centres to teach sixth year students. It was further recommended that the present quota system be continued and that in fixing the order of priority for admission to the 120 places, consideration be given to education, background, academic ability, laboratory skill and personal qualities. The committee was satisfied that the training given in the Otago Medical School was sound. The success of its graduates overseas indicated that its students were quite able to hold their own with similar students from British universities. Minority reports were presented by Mr. A. H. Johnston, K.KC., Mr. W. H Cocker, and Sir Thomas Hunter. It was expected that the complete afternoon session would be devoted to a discussion of the report. The University Senate is to obtain further outside advice on the setting up of a school of forestry in New Zealand, both from Australia and within the Dominion. This was decided at this morning's meeting on the motion of Mr G. E. Archey (Auckland).