University Expansion

Concerning the matter of new universities, the Minister said that no particular plans were under consideration at the moment, but he felt that a new university college would be required in the Auckland area in the near future. When asked for more specific information about the site of such a college—Rotorua and Hamilton were mentioned by "Salient"—he said: "If I tell you, it would get me into trouble." It was pointed out by the Minister that any new university institution would be started as a branch of an existing university.

The Minister stated that an Institute of Technology was on the way at Seddon College, Auckland, but that this would not be a degree-giving body and would train technicians, not technologists.

The previous Government had entered into an agreement with Sydney and Brisbane Universities for the training of New Zealand veterinary surgeons. The matter, however, was subject to review annually. When one of the "Salient" reporters, who, like the Minister, hails from Palmerston North, suggested Ruakura, near Hamilton, as a possible site, the Minister said that coming from the Manawatu the reporter should have known better than to suggest this.

On the matter of having a degree course in Pharmacy, Mr. Skoglund said that instead a two-year course in Pharmacy was to be established at the Central Technical College, Petone. As for a new Medical School, this, he felt, would be well in the future.

Mr. Skoglund saw little merit in the University having a special degree for school teachers. He was, however, considering special proposals for extra-mural studies.

"Salient" asked what information the Minister could give concerning the future site for University of Auckland and asked whether the Government was prepared to use the Public Works Act against the Auckland City Council. The Minister said that the whole question was still under consideration. He paid a great tribute to the University staff for the work they are doing in the present inadequate facilities.

In relation to the proposed new Arts and Library Block at Victoria one member of "Salient" staff quoted from a recent article in "Salient" by Dr. Culliford. Dr. Dr. Culliford stated that "in view of the delay over the Arts and Library Building it is a matter of some doubt as to whether the nature of this urgency is yet fully appreciated in Government circles". The Minister replied that the urgency was appreciated by the [unclear: Cou] [gap — reason: illegible] that there was every possibility that permission to go ahead and obtain plans would be given. He made it

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clear, however, that the other Universities were also claiming urgency for their proposed new buildings.