Graduation Ceremony 28 April 1966 Address by Professor F. N. Lahey, D.Sc., F.R.A.C.I., Professor of Organic Chemistry

I feel greatly honoured to be asked other than the, one at which he to the University, to both from within be guest speaker at tonight's graduated. This pattern of training Australia and from abroad, to sup- function. Normally, at this juncture is well established overseas at present port research in many fields. Com- this assembly could look forward to and I am sure that similar develop- menting on this the leader a -writer of delightful thumbnail sketch of ments will occur on the Australian the Courier -Mail had this to say activities and developments within scene in the near future. recently : "The sharp rise in research the University over the past twelve Already this University has built grants, particularly from months America, delivered by the Vice- up a reputation for research in a is good news for the University and Chancellor in his faultless style. I number of areas. In general, we are the whole State. are regret Grants hard to that I am unable to do this for now well staffed, well equipped, and come by, not only must the research- you but must content myself by well supported for original research. ers convince the Foundations and covering an area of University Of course we are not satisfied ; but Companies activity that they have the brains in which I can claim some who ever is? We have come a long to do the work but they also have to knowledge. way and we are well established. prove they can do it I better than propose to talk to you about Four important factors have con- anyone else in the world. They are university research, with particular tributed largely to this state of up against experts in American reference to research in the science affairs: the first, the steady increase persuasiveness and competing against and allied fields such as engineering, in staff with high academic qualifica- huge Universities with superb facili- agriculture, and architecture. tions; the second, the increasing ties provided The by private endowments. great majority of students interest shown by students for Queenslanders, as a whole, should entering the university do so to higher degree work; the third, the feel proud that their University has gain the necessary qualifications for steady production and publication reached international recognition a particular profession such as of good quality research results over through merit and medicine, achievement." dentistry, or pharmacy, for a number of years; the fourth, the With these comments in mind I which a pass degree only is necessary. establishment by the Senate a would like you A to listen to some small percentage of these do go on number of years ago of a very details of to our thriving research higher degrees. generous study leave system. There schools. I hope my colleagues will In the sciences, however, it is are no greater stimuli for research forgive me becoming for starting with Chem- essential for a student who than discussions with others involved istry, but it is the that I wishes to department rise to an important in similar work and seeing at first know most about and at present it is position to proceed to a higher hand new techniques and equipment the largest department in the post- degree (either the M.Sc. or pre- which may be applied to your own graduate ferably field. In all, we have Ph.D.) and if possible to problems. ninety students enrolled for post- complete one or more years of Within the last twelve months graduate courses. Of these fifty-seven post -doctoral research at a university large amounts of money have come are carrying out research for the 1966

Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees. The re- The Geology Department recently on the physiology of domestic mainder are final honours students received grants valued at S49,000 animals and their adaptation to heat, and students qualifying to enrol for from different sources, including the on hormone studies related to preg- the Master's degree. American Chemical Society and the nancy, renal function, and muscle During the last twelve months the American Petroleum Institute, to function, and a variety of other department has attracted research support research on carbonate sedi- topics and receives generous support grants valued at $1.80,000, $150,000 mentation of the Great Barrier Reef. from National Health and Medical of which came from the Australian The outstanding researches on fossil Research Council, Sandoz Ltd., the Research Grants Committee of the corals by Professor Dorothy Hill in Mayne Bequest, and others. Commonwealth Government. The this Department resulted in her The Biochemistry Department re- remainder was obtained from such election to Fellowship of the Royal search group has mushroomed in the diverse sources as: Australian Atomic Society and her winning the Clarke last few years. It now has 28 Ph.D. Energy Commission, Inter national Medal of the Royal Society of New and M.Sc. students and 12 honours Lead Zinc Research Organisation, South Wales. students working on fundamental United States Air Force Office of A wide variety of problems of problems of enzyme chemistry, struc- Scientific Research, Australian Cattle vital importance to the mining ture and function of haemoglobin and Beef Research Committee, Rural industry of this State and country and myoglohin, and the chemistry Credits Development Fund, Parke are under investigation in the Depart- of muscle cytochrome c's for which Davis & Co., Monsanto Chemicals ment of Mining and Metallurgy, it has received grants of 823,000 (Aust.) Ltd., Colonial Sugar Refining which last year received grants from Australian sources and $38,000 Co., Australian Institute of Nuclear totalling $:65,000. from National Institute of Health in Science and Engineering. The other Engineering depart- America. Of particular interest is the Research done in Chemistry, as in ments are receiving plenty of support allocation of part of this American most other science departments, is from government sources and private money to post -doctorate fellowships largely basic in character as opposed industry for work largely related to which have been taken out by two to applied research. It is a frequent local problems, e.g. the hydraulics American students who are here at criticism of university research by model laboratory in Civil Engineering present. If we had more such moneys laymen that it appears to have no has been responsible for much of the available I am sure we could attract application to everyday problems. research on local harbour develop- many brilliant students from over- Of some interest are the findings of ment. Electrical Engineering is con- seas to our great benefit. I would like a committee of American chemists cerned with complex lightning and to urge the Senate to take a definite led by Professor Westheirner of insulation research. The young Chem- step in this matter by setting up a Harvard. The committee, in setting ical Engineering Department is post -doctoral fellowship pool of say out to prove its contention that "in developing rapidly and its work on $50,000 from which ten 85,000 Chemistry nothing is so practical as distillation equipment for the oil scholarships could become available. basic research'', examined the origin industry and basic research on This would be a small start in the of forty important inventions or crystal growth of concern to the right direction but I'm sure it would practical discoveries in chemistry sugar and alumina industries are pay handsome dividends. since 1946. For industrial inventions receiving good support. The Depart- There are many other departments 67 per cent of the sources cited were ment of Architecture is collaborating I would like to tell you about such as found in journals of fundamental with Engineering on the use of solar Zoology, Botany, Anatomy, Mathe- research and for pharmaceutical energy in tropical housing. matics, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veter- products 87 per cent (60 per cent of Agriculture has an unlimited field inary Science, and the many depart- the citations referred to work done for both pure and applied research ments in the Faculty of Medicine, in the universities). I think it would and is attacking this with vigour. but time will not permit. I set out to be fair to modify the committee's Basic problems such as the proteins give you some facts about the observations to read "in Science in wheat and the cytology of legumes, research developments within our nothing is so practical as basic and applied problems such as nutri- University and to publicly recognize research". tion aspects of pasture plants, are our indebtedness to governments, Intense research activity can be typical projects which found ready institutions, companies, and private seen throughout the University, e.g. support from the Nuffield Founda- individuals for their faith in us as in the last twelve months the Physics tion, Australian Wool Board, Aus- evidenced by their financial support. Department has received grants tralian Cattle and Beef Research If, in addition, you have felt some- valued at $118,000 and has under Committee, A.C.F. and Shirleys, thing of the thrill and excitement training 37 Ph.D. and M.Sc. students Colonial Sugar Refinery, the Wheat associated with these developments on a wide range of problems mostly Industry Research Council, and I have achieved my second objective. fundamental in character, concerning others. Closely related work on soil To those graduating tonight, I upper atmospheric irregularities and micro flora and plant viruses being would like to say "be proud of your solar atmosphere research, the latter carried out in the Department of degree and proud of the University supported by the United States Air Microbiology has received strong that grants it". May I offer my Force Office of Scientific Research financial support. heartiest congratulations and best with a grant of $15,000. The Physiology Department has wishes for success in your chosen built up a reputation for its researches careers. 1966 3 Farewell to the Governor and the Opening of the Abel Smith Lecture heatre

An occasion combining the emo- be in your specialty and techniques, loved by the University community, tional associations of both an ending what we need today are leaders. they could truly be voted `dinkum and a new beginning is among the When you get to the top you always blokes', which in Aussie parlance is memories of his final days as Governor find it difficult to find the right man used for one with genuine qualities ... of Queensland for His Excellency, or woman to fill the top executive A warm, human understanding of all Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, job." While expressing the hope that walks of life is wiser than philosophy K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., LL.D. he and Lady May would return and mightier than power, because it Tuesday, 1st March this year someday for a visit, he recalled the cannot be bought in the market, or brought the conclusion of a long words of the Queen when she ap- weighed against gold. No two people association with the University, pointed him Governor-to come back have ever done so much to meet when members of Senate, staff, to "the old country" when his term people in all walks of life, nor have students, and graduates assembled of service was done. shown a devotion to duty which for an official farewell to the man Regret for his departure, but brought such an understanding of the whose active interest always sur- respect and admiration for the British Crown and of the United passed the dutiful attentions of an qualities of character reflected in his Kingdom." His Excellency's "sin- Official Visitor. Earlier in the after- firm sense of responsibility, were cerity and integrity are like beacons noon, his wife, the Lady May, expressed by each speaker paying in the night in these times of declining officially opened the large new tribute to His Excellency and were standards". His "intense and proud lecture theatre that now bears their epitomized in the words of the Vice - interest in the University", his name. The two functions reflected Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Sir "infectious enthusiasm: ever -glow- the widely shared regard for His Fred Schonell: "On this ambivalent ing, and knowing no bounds of Excellency and Lady May and the occasion . . . we are sad, because of time", and his "fresh, enquiring, widespread wish for their association their leaving, and at the same time quenchless mind, always with a with the University to continue. proud of having known them .. . Much spate of sixty-four dollar questions", The setting for the farewell, on the lawns of the Great Court, was not only attractive and suitable for such a ceremony, but was one of Sir Henry's favourite areas on "this, the most beautiful campus in the South- ern Hemisphere, with its beautiful kernel of buildings in Helidon sand- stone, second to none, and the new perimeter to the heart nicely blend- ing into the whole". Academic robes and uniforms of the Northern Command Band and the University Regiment added colour to the outdoor ceremony, and after his inspection Sir Henry, as a former colonel, congratulated the guard of honour on "their extra- ordinarily good turn -out and the accuracy of their drill", adding that "it is the duty of every citizen to be prepared for the call to come to defend his country. These young men are giving up their time to train as leaders if the call should come." The role of leadership was again emphasized when he addressed the students : "The University is a portal through which the finest and best - The Vice -Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Sir Fred Schonell, speaks at the trained citizens pass into the com- farewell ceremony in the Great Court. On the dais, from left to right: Professor J. C. Mahoney, Captain Peto, Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith, Sir Albert Axon, munity as leading members. Remem- Lady May Abel Smith, Mrs. L. H. Sewell, Sir Alan Mansfield, and Mr. Roger ber that however skilled you may Woodgate. 4 1966 would be missed, and "Queensland will die a little with their going". The Vice -Chancellor also pointed out that the newly opened Lecture Theatre was the third fine building with which the Abel Smith family was associated at the University. It was almost five years to the day since Sir Henry opened the Union Buildings, for which Princess Alexandra had laid the foundation stone. Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, last year opened the Bio- chemistry Building. The new Abel Smith Lecture Theatre has 425 seats and is shared by various faculties for large classes, dramatic readings, and public lectures. The unusual tent -like angles of its roof make it a conspicuous landmark on the Circular Drive, and an exciting contrast to the more regular and horizontal architectural lines of the nearby Union Complex and Social Sciences Building. The good wishes of the Senate to The Abel Smith Lecture Theatre is a random form building of exposed this Honorary Graduate, and there- aggregate concrete which blends successfully with the sandstone of the Main Building. Built at a cost of $120,000, the Theatre holds over 400 people. The fore member of Convocation, were installation of simultaneous bilingual translation equipment is planned. conveyed by Sir Albert Axon, who had then only recently retired as Mahoney felt that it was a tribute to pointed out that, despite students' Chancellor. His successor as Chan- the man himself, with his welcome, traditional distrust of pomp, cere- cellor, and Sir Henry's successor as lively interest and keen spirit of mony, and government institutions, Governor, Sir Alan Mansfield, spoke enquiry, that such a potentially Sir Henry had been appreciated in as Warden and Chairman of Convo- unpopular connection became in his official capacity and was popular cation on behalf of 19,000 graduates. practice truly "the visits of a friend", with the young people in whom he The President of the Professorial rather than "visitations". showed such keen interest. Board, Professor J. C. Mahoney, on Speaking on behalf of the students, Throughout the afternoon, Sir behalf of the staff, recalled the the President of the University Union Henry showed his now well recognized relations of earlier governors with and representative on the Youth and appreciated tendency to break the University, putting into histori- Committee, Roger Woodgate, ex- away from stiff formality and chat cal perspective Sir Henry's own role pressed the wish that Sir Henry's with young spectators outside the of Official Visitor, in which he official and informal associations official members of the party. succeeded in keeping the Chancellor with the students would continue, The day concluded informally with and the Vice -Chancellor themselves through his Honorary Life Member- a cocktail party in the Darnell Art "on their toes", alert to wrongs and ship of the Union. He affirmed that Gallery. abuses and irregularities. Professor youth owed him a great deal and

HONOUR FOR VICE- psychology, particularly in learning was conferred upon Mr. C. E. CHANCELLOR methods in basic subjects and the Petersen, for his outstanding admin- psychological treatment of backward istration and meritorious service in In recognition of his great contri- children, in both of which he is a the Queensland public service. Mr. bution to the advancement of psy- world expert and has influenced Petersen has been a member of the chology and education, the Univer- education systems in the British Senate of the University of Queens- sity Vice -Chancellor, Emeritus Commonwealth. land since 1956. Professor Sir Fred Schonell, has been Professor C. A. Roderick, Professor elected an honorary Fellow of the of English at the University College British Psychological Society. This QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY of Townsville, was made a Com- honour, which is restricted to twenty- HONOURS mander of the Most Excellent Order five people, was conferred for his In the Queen's Birthday Honours of the British Empire, for his con- work in the field of educational for 1966 the Imperial Service Order tribution to Australian literature. 1966 Professor Desmond Andrew F erbert Appointed Lecturer in Botany in the Department of Biology 22 October 1924. Retired Professor of otany 31 December 1965

Professor D. A. Herbert retired at Plants were his hobby as well as retirement. The full-time teaching the end of 1965 after forty-two years his profession. This led to his becom- staff grew from 27 to 754. If there on the University staff and eighteen ing widely known in many walks of were any research students in the years in the Chair of Botany. Born life. Beyond his University teaching earlier years the University does not in Melbourne, he received his secon- and research, he was active in the appear to have recorded it. In 1965 dary schooling there and graduated Queensland affairs of the Royal there were 691, half as many again B.Sc. in the University of Melbourne Society, the Australian Institute of as the undergraduate enrolment of in 1918. He received his Master's Agricultural Science, the Horticul- 1924. In particular, to Professor degree in 1920 and the Doctorate of tural Society, the Orchid Society, Herbert it meant a change from Science in 1929. (In 1935 the D.Sc. and the Naturalists' Club. At various being the only member of staff of the University of Queensland was times he was President of all of these. engaged wholly in teaching botany conferred on him.) On graduating, For years he gave gardening talks on and therefore being responsible for he took the position of Government the radio, wrote regular articles for teaching practically all aspects of the Botanist and Plant Pathologist in the newspapers, lectured on horticul- subject; the change to sharing the Western Australia. He also became a ture for the Board of Adult Educa- job in the later years with eight part-time lecturer in botany in the tion, and he has long been known as a specialists. A result of this early wide University of Western Australia and judge at flower shows. His book on responsibility was that he could not thus commenced the academic work gardening is widely read. Since concentrate his abilities in one field, with which he was to remain leaving the University he has been although he managed to follow a associated in various universities for busy writing another book based on continuing interest in plant geog- forty-seven years. his very extensive knowledge of our raphy. But it did mean that the He left Australia in 1921 to vegetation. Department had at its head a man become Professor of Plant Physiology who had a grasp of the whole field of and Pathology in the University of botany, which, while Botany Depart- the Philippines and returned in 1924 ments maintain their integrity, is no to a lectureship in botany in what qualification. was then the Department of Biology Another consequence of the great in the University of Queensland. In growth of the University was the 1946 he became Associate Professor change from personal to impersonal of Botany and in 1948, following the relationships. Even up to the war death of Professor E. J. Goddard, he years, all students of second and was Acting Professor until, in the higher years in both Pure Science same year, a separate Department of Botany and Agriculture were well Botany was established, with its own known to him-often perhaps better Chair, to which Professor Herbert to him than to themselves. In the was appointed. Following his retire- 1960's, most students were merely ment Professor Herbert was awarded unfamiliar faces in the big lecture in the New Year's Honours List 1966, theatres and names on the examina- the C.M.G. for his services to tions books. Present-day professors education. can usually be seen by appointment It would not seem necessary here only and entry is via the secretary's to recall his formal activities in the office. But to the end of his service University. Suffice to say that, in Professor Herbert kept the door from addition to the usual Departmental, his office to the passage -way open, Faculty Board, and Professorial and anyone (not only students) Board affairs, Professor Herbert was passing was welcome to come in and involved in a wide range of Univers- discuss whatever he wished. It may ity administrative activities. In par- be necessary now that a professor ticular, he was Dean of the Faculty of Desmond Andrew Herbert use his time otherwise but students Science for two periods. For over have lost a lot in not having such twenty years he was Honorary The forty-two years that Pro- ready access to mature and friendly Secretary for Queensland for fessor Herbert was here were years of advice. Very many former students A.N.Z.A.A.S. and he became one of enormous change. When he joined and teaching colleagues enjoyed the well-known personalities of that the staff in 1924 there were 457 their association with him and join Association. He was twice President undergraduate students. They had in wishing him happiness in his of the Botany Section. increased to more than 12,000 at his retirement. 6 1966 The Library in the Modern University

By F. D. 0. FIELDING, James Forsyth Librarian

Following the report of the Murray books relevant to the courses being both the latest books and older Committee in 1958 provision of studied. These books must be avail- books; to current journals, for Commonwealth funds for univer- able in sufficient quantity to permit information, and to backruns of sities not only increased the amount the undergraduate not only to read journals, for reference; to govern- of money available, but stimulated them during the year, but to have ment papers and reports, parlia- greater expenditure by state govern- access to them during the period for mentary debates, statutes and other ments. This has permitted the uni- which they are immediately relevant, official papers not just for Australia, versities to develop postgraduate in some cases during only a few but for the British Commonwealth education and research on a scale weeks in the academic year. Taking or even the whole world; and to a which had previously been quite into consideration the provision of vast quantity of reports from com- beyond their resources. During the alternative titles from which the mercial and public institutions. The past eight years this development undergraduate may select and the library's possession of primary has gathered momentum so that provision of general works of refer- materials such as diaries or collec- there were 691 postgraduate students ence, it is possible to isolate a tions of correspondence may be at the University of Queensland in collection of 70,000 to 100,000 sufficient to attract scholars of inter- 1965, as against 220 in 1959. Simul- volumes which will satisfy most national renown to the university. taneously the undergraduate popula- undergraduate needs. Such collec- Many modern developments have lation working for Bachelor's degrees tions are the basis of the under- reduced dependence on local has grown from 4,941 in 1959 to graduate libraries which, since the resources. Microfilming and modern 11,012 in 1965. Lamont Library at Harvard showed copying methods have simplified There is scarcely a field of study or the way in 1949, have appeared in the supply of copies from other research which is not dependent at many large American universities, libraries and telex appears likely to some stage on the library. Although and have spread to such universities cut down considerably the delay the library is frequently described as Sydney, Melbourne, and Western between request and receipt. Tele- as the laboratory for Arts and Australia. Fundamental to such facsimile transmission will soon be Social Sciences, in fact scientists are undergraduate collections is lavish economically feasible. Nevertheless very quick to voice their dependence provision of seating space, preferably no conceivable invention appears on the latest hooks and periodicals of the order of one seat to three likely to alter the scholar's preference without which they cannot keep up potential readers. This is necessary for having material at hand for with new ideas and processes. Library because it is impossible to lend a consultation. Unfortunately all facilities have needed to expand and copy of every required hook to every materials cannot be immediately old methods to change to meet the undergraduate; the usual arrange- to hand for all scholars at all times; new situation. ment is that the majority of books one person's convenience can cause Unfortunately for some of the must be read in the library. Of course many others inconvenience, and the time during which these changes undergraduates should not be ex- scholar must be brought to the were taking place, the position of cluded from the rest of the library library. He will not be happy if this University Librarian was vacant, collection, which the good student means that he must compete for a from January 1963 to June 1965. will wish to consult. seat with his pupils or that he must Expenditure on books and periodi- Teaching needs overlap to a seek all his references afresh at each cals rose from £56,871 in 1962 to limited extent with undergraduate visit. He requires suitable study £104,500 in 1965, but the organiza- reading, so that the delicate question space in the library where he can tion and procedures of the library of the teacher who is monopolizing have privacy while he is working and remained those which had been the only copy of a particular book where he may leave his books and evolved to deal with a much smaller does arise. In many more cases, papers undisturbed in his absence. institution of a rather different however, the teacher will need to This requires buildings where private nature. read much more widely, and his studies are conveniently located What library facilities does a large requirements will merge with those among the bookstacks in sufficient modern university require? This of research. quantity to satisfy demand. question can be answered only by an Research is the great consumer of The remaining request made to analysis of the demands which the library funds and the great source the library is for general information; library must satisfy; these can be of library problems. It covers the this comes from both students and classified as undergraduate, teaching, activities of more advanced students staff. It usually relates to material research, and general. and of teaching staff whose duty it on the fringe of or outside their To some extent undergraduate is to live on the frontiers of their normal fields of study and requires demand is distinct from all others. subjects. It demands that the scholar provision of books about subjects It is for a fairly limited range of should, if possible, have access to which may not be taught at the 1966 7

university and the presence of ture. In the pre -Murray clays library learnt the organization of knowledge qualified library staff who are com- funds were small, and retrospective in libraries and the use of such tools petent to help enquirers. purchasing of back -runs of periodicals as bibliographies and indexes which How does the University of and of older books will be necessary. are the librarian's navigation man- Queensland Library match up to Suitable study space for scholars is uals. The university library staff these requirements? not available at present and this too should be in a position to provide Although in recent years money will have to be found; some rational- general instruction in these matters has been made available-$24,000 ization, though not necessarily cen- to undergraduates in their early in 1966 for the purchase of multiple tralization, of the library's numerous years and more specific instruction copies of student reference books, scientific collections could also create in specialized fields to more senior daily experience shows that the larger, more comprehensive, and students. need is not yet met. For under- better staffed libraries. I have taken up the duties of graduate reading the required num- Complementary to its service University Librarian at a challenging ber of seats would appear to exceed activities, the university library time both for libraries generally and 2,000; the new undergraduate read- has also a teaching function which for this library in particular. 1 view ing room will provide only 250. tends to be overlooked. Graduates my task not as one of preservation, Clearly we need to plan an under- will often find themselves facing although that has its place, but in graduate library similar to that at problems requiring additional infor- terms of promotion of use, explora- Sydney (2,500 seats). mation for their solution. No uni- tion of resources, and, above all, Teaching and research require- versity education can really be co-operation with all who use the ments will need even larger expendi- complete unless the graduate has library.

Chemistry in the University College of ownsville By G. N. RICHARDS, Nevitt Professor of Chemistry

Introduction with the original conception of the staff and most students from first The peculiar factors involved in Townsville institution as a first year year onwards take advantage of organizing a new chemistry depart- college. Since this time, financial opportunities for personal discussion ment in a small, remote, and incipient intent and provision have been, to with members of lecturing staff. university are unusually varied and some extent, drawn along by, and There seems little doubt that the provide a constant source of challenge followed after, the inevitable growth average student, particularly in the and frustration. In this article I hope of the college and the inheritance of early years, feels more involved with to discuss some of the factors which the limited horizons of the earlier the life of the department than would are characteristic of this situation, years is still with us. Courses (e.g. be the case in a larger university. but before doing so I must express Chemistry III and honours) and Small numbers have a disadvantage my gratitude to my colleagues in libraries have grown without adequate in later years however, particularly, Townsville who did such sterling establishment budgets and the pres- for example, in research seminars work during the first four years of ent excellent level of teaching, in where the range of expertise and the College's life before my arrival practical classes particularly, has opinion available is to some extent and to the staff of the Chemistry only been achieved by complete dependent on the numbers involved. Department in Brisbane for their devotion and sacrifice of time by all Because of this, attempts to hold continuing sympathetic support and levels of staff. In the process, the research seminars during 1965 were guidance. In the growth of an insti- research effort of staff during the rather unsatisfactory, but there has tution of this type the personal past years has suffered severely. been a marked improvement this relationships between corresponding Every attempt is being made to year with increasing numbers of staff in parent and daughter insti- correct this situation. research students and increasing tutions are of supreme importance participation in seminars. and without a suitable relationship Undergraduate Courses There have been no sweeping of this type I know that the frustra- Although student numbers have innovations in undergraduate courses. tions and difficulties would have been consistently outstripped expectations This is in any case inevitable since infinitely greater and more varied. since the inception of the College, we are awarding the University of A decisive factor in development these numbers are still very small. Queensland degree. There are, how- of any department, of course, is The number of students taking the ever, already significant differences finance and in this respect the Chemistry I course in 1966 for between chemistry courses in Towns- Chemistry Department has shared example is 175. Because of these ville and in Brisbane. In our first the problems of the University small numbers virtually every stu- year practical course, for example, College as a whole. The magnitude dent becomes known personally to at great emphasis is placed on week to of the present problem is associated least one member of the lecturing week integration of the practical 8 1966

course with lectures. We also place possible and where academic demand Townsville than from Brisbane. This a considerable emphasis on seminar and interest are adequate, should be difference is self-evident and occurs work in second year, both with to choose fields of research in which also in the University of Western respect to lecture courses and as an we can compete internationally on Australia. integral part of the practical session even terms. Maintenance and repair of equip- in organic chemistry. A rather Three students graduated with ment are major problems. For most limited choice of courses is available honours in chemistry from Towns- of the instruments which we use to students majoring in chemistry ville in 1965 and one student will be there is no service agency nearer during their third year at present submitting an M.Sc. thesis. The than Brisbane and the air fare of the but it is intended to extend this numbers involved during 1966 are service engineer must be added to choice during 1967 so that it will six honours, two M.Sc., and seven the cost of the repair. It is not become comparable with that avail- Ph.D. students, including four mem- possible at present to enter into any able in Brisbane. bers of staff. The major research regular servicing contracts without Research effort is in the structure and metabo- guaranteeing a return air fare from The numbers of postgraduate lism of polysaccharides of tropical Brisbane for each service. This students involved in research in a flora and fauna and this work involves situation adds to operating costs and chemistry department must nor- close collaboration with C.S.I.R.O. also demands a higher than normal mally, under present circumstances, Pastures Division and the cane proportion of technical assistance in be related to undergraduate numbers. sugar industry. Excellent support science departments in Townsville The number of postgraduate chem- has been received from many quarters so that outside servicing of instru- istry students in Townsville is there- for chemistry research in Townsville. ments may be kept to a minimum. fore likely to remain relatively small A new research laboratory is about The effects of climate on the chem- and therefore the research budget is to be occupied, three Commonwealth istry department are concerned likely to remain relatively small. Postgraduate Scholarships are held mainly with high temperature and These factors have two major effects. by research students, and financial humidity during the period Novem- The first effect is that we cannot support from the sugar, pasture, and ber -March. Electronics and optical afford to diversify our research effort brewing industries has exceeded equipment will only function prop- too widely. To do so would be to $11,000 already this year. Further erly in Townsville in air-conditioned dilute it to a stage where it would extensive support has been received rooms. This fact appears to be become unlikely to produce results of from the Australian Research Grants accepted and future accommodation international significance. And yet Committee. appears likely to be appropriately we must maintain a wide spread of Effects of Geographic Situation air conditioned. There has been more interest among the relatively small Two effects are outstanding in our opposition however to the idea of number of staff (in order to maintain geographic situation, they are remote- air conditioning people in Townsville undergraduate teaching efficiency) ness and climate. Remoteness results (although the type of air conditioning and it is essential that all of these from the simple fact that the nearest which requires heating rather than staff should be interested in research. city of any size is 1,000 miles away. cooling appears to be generally To some extent this problem is not This fact constitutes a sociological accepted in the south). After spend- completely soluble and vet to some advantage to some and a disadvant- ing my first complete summer in extent it solves itself. Thus we find age to others. Its major effect on a Townsville I have seen the keenest that some members of staff attract chemistry department is concerned and most avid research students more outside research scholarships with the difficulty in maintaining wilt and completely lose their ability and hence scholarship holders, while stocks against unexpected demands, to do useful laboratory work during other members of staff are capable of participation in the national scientific this period, and I am now convinced instilling more enthusiasm into stu- life (conferences, etc.), maintenance that effective research (for which the dents and so attract more post- and repair of equipment, and clay to major opportunity occurs during graduate students. At present stu- day verbal discussion with a wide the November-March period) is only dents are given guidance but no range of other experts. All of these feasible here in fully air-conditioned persuasion in their choice of research factors, with the exception of the buildings. projects for honours and subsequent last, can be solved by adequate To conclude on a more hopeful work and this year only one member finance. The stock -keeping problem note, I should acid that our geographic of staff is without a graduate student. should be solved by the maintenance situation gives us particular advant- The second effect of small research of much larger stocks of chemicals ages especially in work on natural numbers and budget is that we and glassware than would be the products of tropical origin. This cannot hope to do "expensive re- case, for example, in a southern factor is being exploited in our work search" in Townsville. It would be university. Emergency needs can on polysaccharides of tropical flora unreasonable to come to Townsville often be obtained by telephone and and fauna, in work on scent gland and hope to carry out effective air freight from the south almost as constituents of tropical insects, and research in, say, nuclear chemistry rapidly as could be achieved from in studies of colouring matter of or organic mass spectroscopy. How- Brisbane but the cost is much greater. marine organisms. This type of ever, many types of research can he A much bigger proportion of univer- activity is likely to expand as the effectively carried out within this sity funds is needed to provide for College grows. environment. Our aim wherever attendance at conferences from 1966 9 Professor Geoffrey Norman Richards Appointed to Nevitt Chair of Chemistry, a January 1965

Geoffrey Norman Richards was Biochemistry Department at Purdue interest). After leaving Purdue, an born in Staffordshire and educated University for one year. During this extensive lecture tour of North at Halesowen Grammar School in period, working in collaboration with America was undertaken, followed Worcestershire and at Birmingham Professor R. L. Whistler, Professor by a return to the British Rayon University where he was awarded Richards initiated several research Research Association where he was first class honours in chemistry in studies on mechanism of alkaline invited to form a research group to 1948. He continued at the same degradation of polysaccharides, study methods of graft polymeriza- university with a research project tion of vinyl monomers on cellulose. under the supervision of Dr. L. F. In 1960 he accepted an invitation Wiggins and Professor M. Stacey. to form a group of scientists to This work was concerned with the initiate a research laboratory in the mechanism and stereochemistry of United Kingdom for the American the reactions of Grignard reagents Machine and Foundry Company. An with anhydro-sugars and was recog- active laboratory was established, nized by the award of Ph.D. in 1951. specializing in tobacco chemistry and He subsequently joined the staff of electrodialysis processes and he was the British Rayon Research Associa- subsequently appointed Deputy tion to initiate a research programme Director and Chief Chemist. During in collaboration with Professor J. the period 1960-64 he was able to Kenner on the mechanisms of degra- satisfy an ambition to take part in dation of cellulose and related carbo- development of a new chemical hydrates. The project developed into process at each stage from basic an extensive investigation of the alka- research (in the United Kingdom), line degradation of carbohydrates. through development stage (in the Significant contributions were made U.S.A.), to establishment on a to the understanding of the complex major production basis (in reaction Germany). sequences involved in this After a period as European Tech- type of system (which is highly nical Adviser to A.M.F. during 1964 relevant to the wood pulp, paper, he accepted appointment as founda- rayon, and food industries) and this Geoffrey Norman Richards tion holder of the Nevitt Chair of work was recognized by the award Chemistry in Townsville from 1 of D.Sc. in 1964. carried out studies on the poly- January 1965. His major research During the period 1953-57 he saccharides of soft woods, and interests in Townsville will be con- maintained a keen interest in teach- developed a lasting interest in the cerned with structure and metab- ing as part-time lecturer at Birming- function of chemistry in utilization olism of polysaccharides of tropical ham University and Salford Royal of agricultural waste products (his flora and fauna and he has developed College of Advanced Technology and current work on chemistry of sugar close liaison with the cane sugar and in 1957 joined the staff of the cane bagasse is an example of this pasture industries.

J. CONN, M.A. He intends now to work for a ancient history in Queensland secon- Lecturer in Russian Ph.D. degree with a thesis concerned dary schools. with some aspect of modern Russian In 1956 he joined the Classics Mr. Conn's interest in Russian be- history, probably the Revolution of Department of this University, where gan in 1958, during his National 1917. he was a lecturer until a wanderlust Service, when he took an intensive He is 27 years of age, married, and attracted him elsewhere-eventually interpreter's course in the language at has two children. to Sydney and overseas to a improve military college in Britain. He later his knowledge of classical archae- obtained the degree of M.A. in Russian ology. He read for the diploma course and modern history at the University M. G. KANOWSKI, M.A., Dip.Ed., at Cambridge and spent a short of Glasgow. Before coming to Queens- Dip.Class.Arch. period in Greece, with headquarters land he took a postgraduate course in Lecturer in Classics at the British School of Archaeology modern language -teaching methods, in Athens, visiting various sites and and at the same time worked as a Mr. Kanowski is a classics graduate museums. tutor in Russian literature at of the University of Queensland He is 33 years old, married, with Glasgow. and has taught Latin, Greek, and four children. 10 1966

Opening of the Sir Edwin Tooth Experimental Glasshouse

A major need in agriculture This importance of glasshouse University of Queensland a unique research is to grow plants under facilities was emphasized by the research laboratory. reasonably controlled conditions. opening on 23 November 1965. of The glasshouse was officially This fact is accepted at most the Sir Edwin Tooth Experimental opened by the then Treasurer of the Universities and other institutions Glasshouse. Funds for the erection State of Queensland, Sir Thomas where research on plants is an of this valuable facility were pro- Hiley, who is an executor of the important activity. The glasshouse vided from the bequest of Sir Edwin Estate of Sir Edwin Marsden Tooth. is indeed a major laboratory facility Tooth, whose foresight has given the It was pleasing that Lady Tooth was for the plant scientist. Department of Agriculture at the able to be present. The occasion was marked by addresses by the Chan- cellor and Vice -Chancellor of the University, as well as Sir Thomas Hiley. On behalf of the staff and students who would benefit by the use of the experimental glasshouse, Professor E. J. Britten, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Head of the Department of Agriculture at the University, paid tribute to the foresightedness and generosity of Sir Edwin Tooth. The glasshouse is of an experi- mental design, which is intended to make the laboratory useful over most of the year. During the winter, when most of the students are on the campus, night temperatures are sufficiently low to inhibit growth of plants. In the Tooth Experimental Glasshouse, heating of the glasshouse is provided by radiant heating coils embedded in the floor. During the summer and even during the winter, sufficient solar radiation is received by the glasshouse to increase tem- peratures beyond optimum condi- tions. Cooling of the glasshouse is effected by a twofold system, the first being a system of fans which force air from the outside into the glasshouse. If temperatures continue to rise above a certain point, another unit comes into play, i.e. an evapora- tive cooling system which is activated by a pump which sends water through filter pads through which the air must be blown. All temperature regulating systems are automatically controlled by thermostats installed in canopies in the glasshouse. For experiments in which nutri- The Honourable T. A. (now Sir Thomas) Hiley and Mrs. Hiley examine some of the experimental plants with Professor E. J. Britten of the Department of tion is important, a source of Agriculture. deionized water is provided. 1966 11

he Changing Pattern of External caching By PROFESSOR F. J. OLSEN, Director of External Studies

A Pioneering Experiment Economic necessity, rather than Education Department in establish- educational principles, has, in general, ing University Centres at Townsville, Three foundation students of the determined the method used to Rockhampton, and Toowoomba, each University of Queensland were teach external students. For the in the local High School and Tech- "unable -to -attend -lectures" students. first thirty-five years, weekly sum- nical College with the deputy princi- Their enrolment was accepted in maries of the appropriate internal pal as officer-in -charge. One of the accordance with a provision in the lectures were posted to external main duties of the officer-in -charge 1909 Act for "the granting, after students and students studied these was to organize weekly and fort- examination, of degrees and the in preparation for their annual nightly tutorials in subjects in which diploma of education to teachers and examinations. External teaching was the country undergraduates were other non-resident students unable essentially a correspondence system. enrolled, using suitably qualified to attend lectures at the University". In the immediate postwar years, local graduates. So began the pioneering experi- Senate, on the advice of the then Thus began, on a limited scale, a ment of preparing some country Director, Mr. T. Thatcher, changed policy which was to transform, in a part-time undergraduates for degrees this concept of the teaching of the decade, the teaching of country in the Faculty of Arts; for better or external student. It established an part-time undergraduates. Today, for worse the University had accepted academic department under a Direc- no less than eighteen University the enrolments of its first three tor of External Studies. It set up a Centres have been set up and over external students. Board of External Studies to advise sixty tutorial groups have been In the intervening years the the Professorial Board and Senate on formed in 1966. External Studies Department has matters relating to the teaching of This regular, carefully organized, helped to make university education external students. It established a tutorial system is a teaching service available in a limited number of departmental borrowing library, now of considerable educational value, faculties to an increasing number of called the Thatcher Library, and it and is one of the main strengths of country students who possessed the authorized annual vacation schools. the teaching of country part-time necessary academic ability and basic The academic staff of the Depart- students. education to undertake university ment of External Studies was ex- studies but who could not afford to panded. Lecturers wrote their own Local Reference Libraries give up their employment to attend lecture notes and supplemented these When Professor Ringrose died in the University as full-time students. with teaching aids such as study 1957, Professor K. Cr. Hamilton, who The steady growth of both total guides, background readings, journal was then Professor Ringrose's Assist- numbers of students enrolled and of articles, and the like. Lecturers were tant Director, launched an appeal external students is shown in the expected to visit country students for funds for local reference libraries accompanying table. for tutorials and seminars. for the use of country undergraduates. Seven Ringrose libraries were estab- Y ear Total Enrolment No. of External J Percentage of Students External Students lished and these are now under the control of the University and their 1920 302 70 23 value to the external students in 1940 1,710 496 29 these Centres is equalled only by the 1960 8,600 2,500 29 1966 14,800 2,750 18 value of the decentralized tutorial system. As the number of external students The external student had become has increased, the resources of the a part-time country undergraduate, The Mackay, Maryborough, and department have been needed, to an entitled to many of the services Rockhampton Experiments increasing extent, to meet the educa- provided for full-time and for evening The most important development tional needs of Queensland students. part-time students. in the last five years has been the Restrictions have had to be placed setting up of Library and Study on the enrolments of inter -State and Measures to Decentralize Centres in Mackay, Maryborough, overseas external students and of External Teaching and Rockhampton. students in the Brisbane metropoli- Associate Professor E. C. D. In Mackay a committee under the tan area, and these restrictions have Ringrose was appointed Director in chairmanship of Dr. John Allen helped to reduce the percentage of 1951 on the death of Mr. Thatcher. raised $33,000 to build a University students enrolled externally with the On his recommendation the Univer- Centre, on land donated to the University. sity sought the co-operation of the University by the City Council, 12 1966

housing the Amiet Memorial Library, each. The use made by students of to the possibility of using radio and a reference library for external these facilities has more than re- television as media for the teaching students. warded those whose financial help of country part-time students. The In Maryborough, the University has made these Centres possible. necessary network of stations, govern- of ment and commercial, already exists, Society under the chairmanship Expansion of the Ringrose Collec- Dr. Palmerston -Rundle raised $4,000 serving the greater part of the State; tions these stations could air programmes for the purchase of books and the The most urgent need for the local School of Arts leased suitable if we could supply the programmes better teaching of country part-time premises for a University Centre. and pay for them. The Department students is for even more adequate annual is experimenting with the subject The City Council makes an library facilities. University funds are donation for the of refer- matter for television programmes purchase to just not available enable the by using tape recordings of various ence books. Thatcher Library to meet student In Rockhampton the City Council kinds. Recordings of lectures and demands fully. Every volume in a seminars are distributed is renovating the top floor of the country reference library nominated to students School of Arts for lease to the in a variety of subjects, and experi- for purchase by the lecturers of University and the local Students' ments are being carried out using Studies is, in effect, another Association has agreed to provide External two-way discussions in oral language the multiple copy for Thatcher. furniture for the Rockhampton teaching. Video-tapes of lectures, Public is, then, being University Centre. support capable of being viewed on home In addition, the organized in other towns to raise City Council has set aside $2,000 television sets, have passed the ex- funds to expand the present Ringrose for the of perimental stage in the U.S.A. and purchase reference books collections and to provide reading and needed by external students and has could be profitably used in Queens- study facilities for the more effective promised a further $2,000 for 1967. land. Finance is, of course, a limiting use of the reference books as they All three Centres have adequate factor in the planning of lectures become available in these Centres. reading and writing space and a using the techniques of this promising trained and competent librarian is Future Plans field for the future development of employed on a part-time basis at Consideration is also being given the teaching of external students.

M. A. HARPER, M.B., Ch.B., published studies on the physiologi- at the University of Leeds. One year M.R.C.S., D.P.M. cal correlates of anxiety and on later he obtained the Certificate and comparisons between neurotic dis- the Diploma in Education before Reader in Psychological Medicine orders and epilepsy. starting to teach as an Assistant While in Newcastle upon Tyne, he Master in the Simon Langton Gram- Dr. Max Harper joins the recently was appointed first assistant to the mar School, Canterbury. After three established Department of Psychol- Department of Psychological Medi- years he was appointed as Head of ogical Medicine from the post of cine and developed his experience Department in West Park Secondary Consultant Psychiatrist at Powick in undergraduate teaching and elec- Modern School, Leeds. Hospital and Worcester Royal In- troencephalography. He is actively In 1956 he became a lecturer in firmary, England, to which he was interested in clinical work and in the education to the Worcester Teachers' appointed in 1964. He graduated in organization of clinical services. College of Education. During this medicine from the University of Recently he has been associated with period he obtained the degree of Birmingham in 1955 and after his studies on the psychiatric aspects of M.Ed. at the University of Birming- preregistration year in the United thyrotoxicosis and with the develop- ham by examination and a thesis on Birmingham Hospitals, took up post- ment of psycho -geriatric services. students' attitudes. He was made a graduate studies in psychiatry, ini- Dr. Harper and his wife were both senior lecturer in education in 1960. tially at All Saints Hospital, Birming- active members of the Worcester He is a member of the British ham, and subsequently at Netherne Festival Choral Society and look Psychological Society. Hospital in Surrey. He received a forward to continuing their interest His principal interests are in Diploma in Psychological Medicine in choral music as far as the demands maintaining his knowledge of French in 1959 and proceeded to the of their three children will allow. and music. For a number of years he Department of Psychological Medi- was organist and choirmaster and cine in the University of Durham obtained externally qualifications where he was employed as senior R. D. KITCHEN, B.A., M.Ed. in music for the London College and research assistant by the Mental Colleges of Music, London. Lecturer in Education, the Royal Health Research Fund to undertake He is an Associate of the London Department of External Studies clinical studies into neurotic states, College. with particular emphasis on the Mr. Kitchen was born in York, He has a wide interest in education phenomena of depersonalization and England and graduated as a Bachelor and has taken part as a lecturer in phobic anxiety. Dr. Harper has also of Arts in French and English in 1948 several summer schools. 1966 1:1 Professor Donald Mugglestone Appointed to Foundation Chair of Theoretical Physics, i August 1965

Don Mugglestone, who took up his University of Queensland in May for that matter) might still be appointment as Professor of Theoret- 1958. academically respectable. Fellow- ical Physics in the University of Resisting the attractions of ionos- ships of the Institute of Physics and Queensland on 1 August 1965, was pheric research, he soon gathered of the Australian Institute of Physics educated at Bradford Grammar together a group of research students were awarded in this period. School, Yorkshire. Due to an un- with interests in theoretical astro- In 1961, sabbatical leave was due, fortunate accident of birthplace (i.e. physics whose work has resulted in a which happily coincided with the Lancashire) he forsook a promising number of research papers published tour of England by the Australian cricketing career in favour of an by the Royal Astronomical Society eleven and, as time permitted, unpromising academic one and pro- and in the Astrophysical Journal. Professor Mugglestone attended in- ceeded north of the border to the Close contact was made with the ternational astronomical conferences University of St. Andrews in 1947. Mt. Stromlo Observatory of the in Utrecht and Hamburg as an He graduated in the Honours Australian National University whose Australian delegate. In September School of Natural Philosophy in 1951 Director, Professor Bart J. Bok, has 1964 he took up a Visiting Fellow- and continued at St. Andrews as a maintained enthusiastic interest in ship at the Joint Institute for postgraduate student in astrophysics the work being done by the group. Laboratory Astrophysics ( JILA) at under the direction of Professor E. the University of Colorado in Finlay -Freundlich. In 1952, having Boulder, U.S.A. This Institute is of experienced the broadening influence international repute in the field of of chill penury, Professor Muggle- theoretical astrophysics and, having stone accepted a post as lecturer in an enlightened attitude toward the physics at the University College of importance of research, supports at the West Indies, Jamaica, which was every opportunity, travel to other at that time in special relationship centres of research. It was con- with the University of London. sidered to be a perfectly proper use of During the following five years he research funds. travelled extensively in the West In the course of this Fellowship Indian islands and in North America, year Professor Mugglestone lectured ostensibly pursuing his interest in at the Observatories at Sacramento astrophysics. Temporary research Peak (New Mexico) and Kitt Peak appointments at the Yerkes Observa- (Arizona), to research groups in tory of the University of Chicago U.C.L.A. and Indiana, and presented under Professor Bengt Stromgren papers at an international conference provided great stimulation for his at Harvard. The great natural beauty more serious interest and in 1954 he of the Boulder region of the Rocky was made a Fellow of the Royal Mountains was certainly not neglec- Astronomical Society. A theoretical Donald Mugglestone ted and interests in the local sports study of the determination of ele- of skiing, fishing, and grid -iron mental abundances occurring in the In 1961 Professor Mugglestone football rapidly developed. During solar atmosphere resulted in the attended the International Astro- this year he was appointed to the award of the degree of Ph.D. of the nomical Union meeting in Berkeley, newly -created Chair of Theoretical University of London in 1956. California, and then continued across Physics in the University of Queens- In the following year it became the United States to the University land. clear that he had to choose between of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he Professor Mugglestone's research the many delights of the tropics and worked with Professor L. Aller on interests, recently supported finan- the pursuit of higher learning, so he problems associated with Stellar cially by the United States Air decided upon a strong -contrast solu- atmospheres. On his return he was Force Office of Scientific Research, tion by accepting a post as lecturer appointed reader in theoretical phys- are mainly involved with the physical in the Department of Theoretical ics in the University of Queensland, processes in the atmospheres of Physics at the University of Man- his interest being absorbed mainly stars which affect the observed chester. However, the attractions of in increasing the range of teaching stellar spectra. In particular the a strong department and absorbing in theoretical physics; in particular influence of the upper photosphere lecturing in theoretical physics were attempting to establish that a and lower chromosphere on the slowly outweighed by climatic misery physicist incapable of wiring -up a formation of peculiar strong absorp- and he accepted a post as senior simple Wow -correcting V.C.O. (or tion lines in the atmosphere of the lecturer in theoretical physics at the even a Regenerative Pulse-Stretcher sun is being studied. 14 1966

The Annual General Meeting of the Australian l." iochernical Society, 3 risbane, 23-26 May 1966

The Department of Biochemistry research in this State within the last Socially, also, things went well. was host to the Australian Bio- few years. The wives of the visitors were chemical Society for the Annual The Society was indeed fortunate entertained by the wives of the General Meeting held from 23 May to have as its guest speaker Professor Queensland members of the Society to 26 May. The Meeting was the Carl Cori of the Washington State and special lectures and outings were largest the Society has yet held and University School of Medicine, Mis- arranged for the women. over three hundred scientists from souri, U.S.A. Professor Cori and his The Annual Dinner was a sump- all parts of Australia, New Guinea, late wife, Professor Gerty T. Cori, tuous feast held at the Q.L.T.A. New Zealand, England, and the were awarded jointly one half of the Clubrooms, Milton and the Vice - U.S.A. registered. This large registra- 1947 Nobel