UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 56

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

The monthly meeting of the Otago University Council was held :>n Monday afternoon ; present — Mr James Allen, M.P. (Vice-chancellor, in the chair), Rev. A. Cameron, Dr Church, Mr L. Harris, Professor Shand, Professor Scott, Mr D. Stewart, and the Rev. Professor Hewltsoii. fir Hocken forwarded an apology for nonattendance. MOTION OF SYMPATHY. The Vice-chancellor, befoi*" nroceeding with the work of the meeting, suggested a resolution sympathising with Professor Benham in his recent bereavement. The suggestion was gi\en effect to, and the registrar was instructed to write a letter of sympathy from the council. The Hon. D. Buddo, Minister of Public Health, in reply to correspondence touching the addition of a public health laboratory, wrote stating that he would be prepared to meet the l-urties concerned and discuss the matter before the parliamentary s-ession commenced. — After some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Professor Scott — " That the committee appointed by the medical faculty be asked to confer with the committee of the council at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 9; and that a telegiam be sent to the Minister requesting 1 him to name a date for meeting the deputation." REPORTS. The Finance Committee reported that the schedule of income submitted showed that £861 V :8s lOd had been received on general account bince the last meeting. This sum included £40 8s 8d of deposits on account of tenders for electric lighting. The schedule of expenditure up to August 30, amounting to £1004 8s Id, had been passed for payment. The bank pass book showed on August 30 a credit balance of £1201 lls lOd: outstanding cheques on the same date amounted to £249 "9s 7d, leaving a net credit balance of £952 2s 3d The report further stated that at a special meeting on September 6 it was agreed to recommend that the salaiy of Mr Thompson (lecturer in French) be raised to + J250 a year; that Messrs Bedford. Barclay, and Hay receive salaries of £50 each, with half their class fees; that consideration of Professor Park's implication be postponed until the intention of the Government with lespect to the extra grant of £250 asked for the School of Mines be ascertained; and that in Dr Benham's case" the principle of half-fees for his several classes be adhered to. — The report was adopted. / Professor Scott reported on the Medical School, stating that most of those who had passed through the institution were now house surgeons at the larger hospitals, while some had gone to England for further study The clinical laboratory was doing K<x>d work under Dr Roberts. A lecture room had leen provided, and teaching was being carried on under more satisfactory conditions. Dr Batchelor (lecturer on obstetrics and midwifery) had resigned his post.— To be included in annual report to bf forwarded t<-> the Government. Dr PickenHN report on the Dental School showorl that good progress had been mad" during the year. Mr Dunlop had resigned his position Mr Hawkins had been appointed on the staff as assistant, and had continued to fulfil his duties satisfactorily. In the clinical department 639 patients had been on the books for the year. There had been 3381 operations, and tho number of patients was more than could be adequately dealt with. The Government grant made since the la^t report had been submitted had brougut the eenool up to date in the matter of equipment. — To be forwarded to the Minister with the annual report. TENDERS. The tender of Messrs M'Kinnon and Hamlin of £976 for a two-storey addition to the Dental School was accepted, instructions to be issued for the work to be proceeded with as soon as possible. The tender of Messrs A. and T. Burt, at. £284 18s 3d, for wiring and £4 4s for stand lamps, was also accepted. The tender of th© United Elcct.ric Company, at £19, for 3 h p motor, was accepted. MATERNITY HOME. The Vice-chancellor reported having head-ed a deputation which waited on the Charitable Aid Boaul recently, thf objects and results of which they had doubt !e cs seen in the newspapers. The Charitable

Aid .Board had not seen its, way to_j»rant_ the University Council's request -to defer making th_e. appointment of senior, .medical " officer to the Maternity Hope, Forth street-, till the council had advertised the^ appointmemV of lecturer. The board hud therOand then appointed Df-Closs.' As" to separat- • ing the two charges — those <6f senior medical officer and lecturer — the. council ..would .r«- ' quire advice. He woulf like to hear recommendations. " " " '"" ■ Dr. Church said he did .not. -4hink tho University would be able to affbrd it. The Vice-chancellor : TFie" question is, - " What are \\& going-to do?j _ _ • - After a. little further' discussion it" was ; resolved, on tn© motion of Professor Scott— " That the University Council advertise in . all the four centres for a lecturer in .mh& wifery and gynaecology, at a salary ot JßlflO j a year arid "fees; applications* tor beVin/ Jb_?, the first Monday in October ; also* to. re? 2 mind the Charitable Aid" Board' tiStfc. the>. University Council is waiting Cor that" body, to disc Jose the terms on which access to the ' Maternity Home will be permitted."