Grant to University

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 769, 16 September 1929, Page 8

Grant to University

GOVERNMENT TO VOTE FULL AMOUNT SCHOLARSHIP CUTS AVERTED (From Our Resident Reporter) WELLINGTON. Today. Relief of an acute situation has been given to the University of New Zealand by the promise of the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, that the full amount of the Government grant to the University will be voted this year. Last year, despite strong protests by the University authorities, the Government decided to alter the Act, which provided that there should be a statutory grant of £3.000 annually and make this grant an annual priation. The action was taken because it was argued that the University was a wealthy body, with an accumulated fund of £70,000 and an annual profit of £4.000. However, it is stated that much of this profit is remitted to England for the payment of examiners, and that the balance of the profit, the interest on the accumulated fund, and £1,500 from the Government grant, went toward the payment of scholarships. Concern was felt because, in addition to restricting the revenue of the University in this direction, it was anticipated that the new entrance board would take the profit from the matriculation examinations. Also heavier burdens were being placed upon the University, which had to appoint a paid Vice-Chancellor, and it was being urged to establish extra scholarships in forestry and architect ture in the schools of that name. Last year it was stated that unless the money was forthcoming there would be smaller scholarships granted. New a satisfactory settlement ig expected to be arrived at. It is anticipated that the vote of the money will be included in the Supplementary Estimates. An early announcement is also expected as to whether the Minister favours an amendment of the Act to restore the statutory grant to the University, for which the Uni» versity is anxious.