APPOINTMENT OF LECTURER CRITICISED

Chronicle (Levin), 21 May 1946, Page 2

APPOINTMENT OF LECTURER CRITICISED

AUCKLAND, May 20. Further letters expressing views for and against ihe appointnieiit of Mr. J. Laird as tcmporary lecturer in philosophy at Auckland University Collegc, came before the Collegc Couucil. The College Ex-Serviees Society advised that a general meeting had clissoeiatecl itself from anv vindietive or discriininatory aetion against any conBcientious objector or military def'aulter. The Society had no objecfion to a defaulter as sueh being cmployed provided lie possessed the highest qualilications of those applying, but disapproved of appointincnts made without udvertisenicnt. Other things being equal, the letter stated, prefcrence shouid be given to ex-sorvicemen. TTic Auckland University Collegc brauch of the Students' Christiau Movemeut forwarded the following rosolution passed unanimouslv at a meeting of its exeeutiv'e: "That tliis cxeeutivc views with concern the continuing. campaigu of the Auckland It.S.A. against the employment of J. Laird and - respectfully submits its view that tliis campaigu, both in its melhods and ob;jccts, is contrary to the bcst interests of uur University Collegc." A letter from the Auckland brauch of the" lv.S.A. stated that its executive was amazed and dissatislied with the ( 'otunui 's aetion, especiallv as the position had not been advcrtised and returned servicemen had not had an opportunity tb appty. The li.S.A. stated it had also written to thc Senatc of th6 University of New Zealand. It is the policy to advertisc all permanent apjioin tnients aud most temporary ones, stated Mr. W. H. Coclcer, president of the college. Tliis was one of the rarc cascs whcn tliis rule has been departed from. At the beginning of the year thcre was a erisis because of increased rolj numbers. Staff had to be fou'nd urgently and in many cases the actual nccds were not ascertained uutil the elasses had begun. Temporarv lecturers had to be obtained at once and several sueh appointincnts, including tliis oue, wmre made on the recommendations of heads of departments who stated that more qualiiied persons were not available. After hearing- Mr. Coclcer 's explanation, members of the Council agreed to receive tlie letters without aetion.