Although possessing almost the highest authority in the administration of Victoria University, Vice Chancellor James Williams is virtually unknown to a great majority of the students. His position controls multiple affairs — Dr. Williams wryly remarked, "I have the strong impression that I do what I can't persuade others to do."

These duties include the management of all internal and external finances and every aspect of the administrative and academic policy — both within the University and without. As Vice-Chancellor, he is an ex-officio member of the central university board, and adjunct committees, as well as president of the Professorial Board. He represents Victoria in negotiation with the government, and the Grants Committee. He heads the Academic legislation, and from him, comes the formulation of proposals for physical developments.

"This last," said Dr. Williams, "is the most important single duty of my office."

Rapid Expansion

Since the war, the number of students attending Victoria have doubled and redoubled, in fact, "a time of very extraordinary growth," and it is this growth which poses the basic problem. Now that New Zealand's four universities are autonomous, this problem will be more easily controlled, as the central machinery of the recent University of New Zealand did not have the organisation or the capabilities to cope with the rapid expansion.

With increased numbers, facilities had to be improved, equipment modernized, sports and cultural activities catered for, and lodgings for students provided. Dr Williams illustrated his problem.

"Thirty people in a paddock can play a game of football, but increase those numbers to three hundred, and at 11 hope of organisation is lost. They must be provided for. A meal can be prepared for thirty, but when the students number a few thousands, an efficient catering system must be effected."

As Dr Williams stressed, all this responsibility lies with him, and even the registrar, if in doubt, must refer to him. "I am overall above the lot of them," said the Vice Chancellor.

He had no advice for students. "I could give some, but it is only what has been reiterated for years — and even though it may be sound, it would not be original. I know I was never much impressed with the advice shot at me when I was a student. They must find out how to manage for themselves." However, he continued that life at university was an experience no-one should miss. "It is an intellectual hothouse, a special opportunity in an otherwise humdrum life." It affords the chance of gratifying intellectual interest, and of pursuing all cultural, sporting, religious, and political activities. Dr. Williams feels sympathy for the part-timers. "It is tough on those who have to earn a living, as well as study — they miss out."

The vice chancellor, an eminent lawyer, was educated at Taihape District High School and Auckland Grammar. He gained his L.L.M. at Clare College, Cambridge, and in 1935, his Ph.D. at Victoria. From 1942-46, he was Dean of the Law Faculty of Sydney University, and in the following years, became Professor of English and New Zealand Law at Victoria.

He held the position of President of the Solicitors' Admission Board, New South Wales, and gained an Honorary L.L.D. from Cambridge.

Primary Ambitions

Once actively interested in mountaineering, all he does now is read books on alpining, this Dr Williams mentioned with a regretful smile. His other interests include the study of political history, and in complete contrast, the geography, flora and fauna of New Zealand — "nothing too technical though" — and trout fishing.

His time is too occupied to be able to indulge in any interest in music and television.

It would have been interesting to discover whether so intelligent and successful a man had realised his primary ambitions. I)r Williams explained that his ambitions were modified or abandoned as situations changed. "Whatever desires I once had, have changed, but are not necessarily disappointed." As opportunity shifted, so a fresh ambition came into focus.

The Vice Chancellor could not name "off-the-cuff" some principle of philosophy with which he guided his affairs. Most matter-of-factly he said that he acquired his approach to life through habits and attitudes he had picked up throughout his life, from his family, his schooling .and his occupation. "People assume rationalities from their environment and from their religion, gaining an intangible set of principles."

Understanding

In the short time of the interview, the up-to-now, almost unknown personality of the Vice Chancellor, slowly assumed substance, and the reporter gained the impression of a man of great practicality; with ideas, which are sound, as well as rational and un-emotive, with an astute and definite understanding of students, which he said "have not changed since I began my studies many years ago."

This controlled Intellect, and composed disciplined thinking are, one begins to understand, the vitally necessary characteristics for a Vice Chancellor of an important university, which, for better or for worse, has to bear the stamp and influence of a man essential to its present and future existence.