AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 45, 22 February 1905, Page 6

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY

NEW ANNUAL GRANT. SCHOOLS OF MINES AND COMMERCE. TO BE IMMEDIATELY ESTABLISHED. In consequence of an annual grant of £ 1500 being voted by the Government to Auckland University College for the special purposes of instruction in commerce and mining, the University Council at its meeting yesterday afternoon decided to establish schools of. .mining iind commerce as soon as possible. Sir Maurice O'Rorke (chairman) presided at the meeting, the members also present being the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, Dr. M-cDowell, Messrs. S. Luke, G. L. Peacocke, and T. U. Wells.

Intimation of the first payment under the grant came in the form of a letter from Mr. G. Hogben, InspectorGeneral of Schools, who stated that the amount of £375 voted towards the Auckland University College last session as a grant for specialisation in commerce and mining would be available on the following conditions: The amounts will be paid over upon receipt of a statement of the manner in which the money is to be expended, provided that the statement shows generally that the conditions will be complied with. Statements must be made separately from the statement of the general expenditure of the College. The expenditure in the case of applied science and science could include money spent on apparatus and equipment, and, in the case of the other subjects, money spent on books ?.s well as expenditure upon salaries. The grant was for the quarter from January 1 to March 31, 1905, and was at the rate of £ 1500 per annum. The chairman said that, having received an intimation that they were going to get something, they could decide to start schools of commerce and mining. The next term commenced a week hence, and he thought that, wthout incurring any serious expense, utilising the present staff and one or two specialists, they could start the schools at oiice. With regard to the school of mines, he understood from the prefessors that the present staff could make a commencement. They had a professor of chemistry and physics, a professor of geology, and a professor of mathematics, and he proposed that they should start the school of mines. He moved that this be done, also that the school work in harmony with the schools of mines at Thames and Waibi, and that the arrangements be entrusted to the professor of chemistry and physics (Prof. Brown), the professor of geology (Prof. Thomas), and the professor of mathematics Segar). The chairman stated that the Professorial BoaTd had intimated that a number of the lectures on chemistry, geology, and mathematics would suit students in mining. He did not care how humble the beginning might be, but he would like to see the University meriting the grant from Parliament.

Mr. Peacoeke, in seconding, remarked tlbit although the lectures at present grren would be of use, it would be necessary that they should be modified for tht, echool of mines, or that it should be indicated to students what lectures directly applied to the subject. The Rev. J. H. Siinraonds asked how it was proposed to apply the grant if the new schools did not "mean any extra expenditure.

Mr. Wells thought that if they increased the salaries of the present professors to remunerate them for the extra work, they would find themselves in an awkward fix, when specialists had to be appointed.

Mr. Peaeocke said that if they made a modest start and could not extend the work, they would be able to go to the Government with a strong case for an extra gTant.

Sir Maurice O'Rorke replied that the commercial school would necessitate an immediate expenditure, and when the mining school was started there migh» be a demand for apparatus or extra room. At the next, meeting they would learn from the professors what apparatus was required, and an allocation could be made.

Mr. Peaeocke said that it was advisable to show to the public that students in mining and commerce could secure special assistance at the University.

The Rev. J. H. Simmonds suggested that the professors could confer with the chairman and draw out a statement of the facilities which could be furnished by the University. The resolution was then adopted. . Sir Maurice CRorke then moved that a School of Commerce be established, that Professor Segar should lecture upon political economy, and take general charge of the school, that the law lecturer (Dr. Bamford) should lecture upon commercial law, and that Mr. William Wallace Bruce be appointed to lecture upon accountancy, Professor Segar to report monthly to the Council upon the progress of the school, and the Professorial Board to report the dates and hours upon -which lectures could be delivered.

Mr. Wells said he was afraid that the syllabus for the commerce degree was a formidable one., and many pupils would only enter for the accountancy branch. Mr. Pep.coelce remarked that, perhaps, it would be advisable to establish a minor degree. This might be the means of getting people to realise the value of the higher degree. Dr. McDowell considered that as the Accountants' Association had set up a standard of accountancy examinations, they ought to be consulted. He surestcd that the matter should not be°hurncd, but that some of the fading accountants in Auckland should be "eonsuited.

Mr. Wells did not approve or making an appointment without advertising for candidates. °

The resolution was lost, only the proposer and seconder voting for it. Mr. Peacoeke moved that the question of the school of commerce be referred to the Professoriil Board to report upon. He remarked that when the Council received the report they would know how much could be spent upon the school of commerce, and how much upon the school of mines.

This motion wag adopted, and it was decided to hold a special meeting of the Council on March 1 to receive "the report, the members being anxious to complete arrangements so that the school could be opened at the commencement of the term.