COLLEGE COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1858, 18 September 1913, Page 8

COLLEGE COUNCIL.

SPECIALISATION QUESTION,

Twenty minutes sufficed for the transaction of business at the meeting last night of the Victoria Collego Council, which was presided over by Mr. C. Watson, the other members present being tho Hon. A. L. Herdman, Mr. It. M'Callum, M.P., Mr. A. R. Atkinson, and Mr. J. G. W. Aitken.

The following letter from tho chairman of the Education Committee of the House of Representatives (Mr. G. M. Thomson) had been read at the meoting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee with referenco to specialisation, and this had been considered at a special meeting of the Professorial Board:—

"At a meeting of the above com- • 1 - TT n r »■»«• -

mitteo, the Hon. Mr. Allen, Minister for Education, expressed a . desire-that your views be ascertained in regard to specialisation at the University Colleges as pier his memorandum, which read as follows : 'The professors know that specialisation in engineering is established and is a going concern in Canterbury, and that specialisation in medicine, mining, and dentistry is also established in Otago, and, practically Speaking, homo science. They know those are established, and: that there is not much possibility of those being specialised in elsewhere. 1 want to know from you what suggestions you have to make with regard to other specialisations which might be taken up at Victoria College, because as far as I am concerned I am very anxious to see the specialisations spread and if any suggestion can be made this would enable the committeo to come to some . conclusion as to specialisation at Victoria College I slibuld bo very much obliged. I understand, for instance, you wish law in Victoria College. Have you any other suggestions to make?' I shall be glad , if you will submit your views in writing at your barliest convenience for the consideration of the committee." Th'o committee recommended, in reply, that Victoria College specialise in (1) laws, (2) commerce with • special reference to economics, and (3) science, so that the college may bo put into a position to do higher work. This was agreed to by the council. Professor Kirk recommended the appointment of Miss M. 1). Richmond as anatomist, in succession to Mr. B. H. Low. and this having boon agreed to by tile committeo was endorsed by the council. It was decided to call applications for a clerk to the registrar at a salarv of £150.