LONG SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26622, 19 November 1947, Page 6

LONG SERVICE

PROFESSORS RETIRE EMERITUS APPOINTMENTS MINUTES OF APPRECIATION Dr Robert Jack, professor of physics, and Dr R. J. T. Bell, professor of mathematics at the University of Otago, were yesterday entertained by the University Council and appointed professor emeriti. Minutes of appreciation of their long and valued services to the University were passed, and they were wished a happy retirement. Professor Since 1913 The minute to Dr Jack was: “ Dr Robert Jack was appointed professor in physics in the University of Otago in the year 1913 as successor to the first occupant of the' chair, the revered Dr John Shand. Since Dr Jack’s succession to office the knowledge of physics has developed to an almost unbelievable degree, but Dr Jack, with untiring energy, has kept abreast of his subject, and has provided for an ever-increasing number of students teaching of the highest quality at all stages of study. Among his past students there are many who have taken a distinguished place in the scientific world, and it must be a great pleasure to Dr Jack to know that his successor in office will be one of his past students. “ Besides acting as professor, Dr Jack has taken a full share in the wider life of the University, and as dean of the faculty of science, chairman of the Professorial Board, member of the Board of Studies and member of the University Council has made a valuable contribution to the development of the institution. The council of the University of Otago now expressed to Dr Jack its most sincere thanks for his devoted service, and its hope that in his retirement he will enjoy the leisure he has so richly merited. “Inspired Teaching” “ On the retirement of Professor R. J. T. Bell from the chair of mathematics, the Council of the University of Otago wishes to express to him its high appreciation of the outstanding service he has rendered to the University during the past 27 years. On Dr Bell’s appointment to the chair in 1920 it was realised that, in addition to a wide knowledge of his subject, he also possessed the power of clear and skilful exposition. The department of mathematics at the University of Otago thus entered upon a new era, and there is now a considerable body of able mathematicians in New Zealand and abroad who owe their training to his inspired teaching. “But Dr Bell’s conception of his duties has not been limited to the confines of the classroom, for he has always been ready to take a principal share in any movement for the general advancement of the University. To this end he has held office as dean of the faculty of arts and science, as chairman of the Professorial Board, as member of the University Council, as member of the Academic Board, and as member of the Senate of the University of New Zealand. It is indeed difficult to appreciate fully the value of the service which Dr Bell '.has rendered in these many offices. For the duties which Dr Bell has so willingly and so ably undertaken the council expresses its warmest thanks, and it trusts that after his retirement from active service Mrs Bell and he will spend many happy years. The Chancellor, the Very Rev. D. C. Herron, said that it, was unusual for the University Council to say farewell to two such distinguished men at the same meeting. Each professor, he said, had made a valuable contribution to the University.

Dr Jack expressed gratitude for the help and encouragement he had' received from'the council. He spoke of the strenuous early days when his department yvas lacking in staff and equipment, and yet had to turn out trained men. He added that he thought’the council had chosen a good man for his successor.

“I have had the good fortune to nave fine students, congenial colleagues and a reasonable and considerate governing body," Dr Bell said. He expressed the opinion that _ New Zealand had produced mathematicians as good as those to the found in Britain. If his work had been fruitful, Dr Bell said, it was largely due to the fine conditions under which he had worked.