EX-PROFESSOR VON ZEDLITZ

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 253, 21 July 1919, Page 6

EX-PROFESSOR VON ZEDLITZ

' QUESTION OF REAPPOINTJUENT BEFORE VICTORIA COLLEGE COUNCIL A move is beinpf made to replace in the Chair of Modern Languages at Victoria College ex-Professor von Zedlitz, who retired from the position in 1916. It will bo remembered that before his retirement there was much public concorn and some controversy about the retention of a German professor on the staff of a public educational institution like Victoria College. The College Council of that time stood for the retention of Professor von Zedlitz, but when Parliament met in 1016 the question was raised in the House, and there discussed with much vigour. The Government introduced legislation, which was duly passed into law, making it impossible for the appointment to continue, and us opportunity, offered the personnel of the council was changed somewhat. No appointment was made permanently to Hie vacant chair, the reason being that it was considered probable that many suitable applicants for the position would be serving with the armies of the Allies, especially the armies of France and Britain. Now the war is over, and the timo .is coming when an appointment may properly be made. But because the war is over the special war legislation under which the employment of a German as a college professor is made impossible will shortly expire, and it is therefore considered possible to discuss the reiippointment of Mr. von Zedlitz. The question was discussed in committee at the meeting of' the Victoria College Council last week, and it is understood that thero was quite a little. spirit in the discussion. There are some members still retaining seats on the council who were in favour of the retention of Professor von Zedlitz always, and .it is understood tlio.t these, among whom are the representatives of the Profesfiurial Board ot ths college, are asking that Mr. von Zedlitz be reappointed. No final decision has yet been made. Tho question, presumably, will arise when, after applications have been called for, the solection has to be made by the governing body of the college. It is eminently nossible that the miction will not be left for decision by such n body as the Victoria College Council. Tho House will meet again soon, and if there is any interval in the parly strife during which legislation may lie nrepared and put HvniHi the House, it is quite pertain that" measures will be taken to extend further the operation •of-some war legislation. Probably Parliament may consider that a clause against { the employment of Germans as teachers of the young in our schools and university colleges is,one that ought to be enacted.