The Press WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1966. A Man For The Times

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31080, 8 June 1966, Page 16

The Press WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1966. A Man For The Times

When Dr. L. L. Pownall became Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury five years ago, there was some curiosity as to how he would manage the demanding duties of this important office. He was a “ local man ”, though not by birth; he had been professor of geography for only a year; he was young by comparison with most of his senior staff; and Dr. F. J. Llewellyn, his predecessor, had established a reputation as Vice-Chancellor which would be hard to match. The university faced its period of greatest development in the erection of the science buildings at Ham, the planning of the third stage of new accommodation, a rapidly-growing roll, shortages of accommodation on the central site, losses of staff to the lure of higher salaries and better opportunities overseas, and new demands in academic requirements.

Dr. Pownall hands over the post in two weeks with most of these problems mastered, the university buoyant with what his successor describes as a sense of purpose, of movement, and of optimism. Above all Dr. Pownall has brought briskness into what he sometimes refers to as “the machine”: the university administrative organisation. It is geared to cope with almost any eventuality; and it was seen at its best when it was found, almost at the last minute, that the new science blocks would not be ready on time. The reallocation of space made for the beginning of the university year had to be completely changed at short notice. “The machine” has handled not only physical problems. The academic staff has been expanded considerably; second professors have been appointed in many departments and personal chairs created; teaching and research fellowships have been established, and new chairs -pproved in forestry, business management, and American studies, the last two endowed. The university’s relations with the community have been strengthened by Dr. Pownall’s personal efforts and by his creation of the new information and business liaison offices and an appointments board to bring suitable graduates and prospective employers together.

Dr. Pownall has been a greater innovator than any of his predecessors; and his staff, students, and the community have all gained from his innovations No doubt he has been well advised by his able academic colleagues; but he could not have accomplished so much in five years without the strong team of administrative specialists which he has built up The good will he has won for the university—as much, it may be supposed, by Jiis personal charm as by his tireless energy—is wide-ranging. The university has forged links with major overseas universities, financial foundations, and private benefactors which are already of great value and will grow in significance with the years. Dr. Pownall leaves to take up the new post of Clerk of the Senate of the great University of London. As the Chancellor recently said, when London looks to Christchurch for an administrator, there could be no higher tribute to the capacity of the chosen man. Christchurch, Canterbury, and New Zealand have reason to congratulate Dr. Pownall and to be grateful for his work here.