THE GAZETTE The University of Newcastle, N.S. W, 2308

VOL. 8 No. 3, DECEMBER, 1974.

TRIBUTES TO THE VICE-CHANCELLOR'S LONG AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Both parents were University graduates - his Professor Auchmuty was Deputy Warden of father having been educated at Trinity College the College from 1955 to 1959, a Member of and his mother at the former Royal University the Council of the University of New South of Ireland. Wales from 1959 to 1961 and Warden of the Professor Auchmuty's Coat of Arms gives College from 1960 to 1964. his lineage back to a Scottish Laird. In the 17th In 1959 he was elected Secretary of the century an Auchmuty established himself in Australian Humanities Research Council and Ireland. Subsequent generations included a from 1962 to 1965 was Chairman. He is a number of army officers, one of whom, Sir Foundation Fellow of the Australian Academy Samuel Auchmuty, took Java for the British in of Humanities, the Council's successor. 1814. From 1954 to 1960 he was President of the James Auchmuty graduated at Trinity Col­ Central Coast Branch of the N.S.W. Library lege in 1931 with a B.A. degree, having won the Association. Gold Medal in History and Political Science. He From 1962 to 1972 he was Chairman of receivedhisM.A. in 1934 and in 1935 hisPh.D., the· Australian U.N.E.S.C.O. Committee for after postgraduate work at Oxford and the Letters. London School of Historical Research. He attended the 4th Commonwealth Educa­ He was a Lecturer in the School of Educa­ tion Conference in Nigeria in 1968, and the 5th tion, Dublin University, from 1936 to 1946. in Canberra in 1971, as an Australian delegate. As a Lecturer he was responsible for courses on In 1971, as acknowledgement ofJames Auch­ the History of Education and the teaching of muty's contributions to education and inter­ History and for seminars in Educational Psy­ national affairs, The Queen awarded him a chology. C.B.E. In 1970, he was a Member of the Aust­ Professor Jar:-.es Johnston Auchmuty will be In 1934 he married an American, Mary ralian Educational Mission to the South Pacific. retiring at the end of this year after serving the Margaret Waiters, a graduate of Vassar College, He was Chairman of the Commonwealth Advis­ University and its predecessor, Newcastle Uni­ whom he met in Ireland while she was on a ory Committee on the Teaching of Asian Lan­ versity College, for nearly 23 years. His long students' tour. In 1938 he was elected a Fellow guages and Cultures, which in 1970 submitted a and outstanding career encompassed virtually all of the Royal Historical Society and served as a report to the Minister for Education and Science. the important events in the history of the two Member of the International Commission on the He is Chairman of the Australian National A educational institutions. This issue of "The Teaching of History. Commission for U.N.E.S.C.O. He has been a ,.,Gazette" has been devoted, in large part. to During World War 11 he worked for various prominent figure on the Association of Com­ reporting the tribu tes given to the Vice·C!tan­ Government Departments in Dublin and London monwealth Universities, making many flights cellor at ceremonies held in an ticipation of his and unsuccessfully stood for the Irish Senate. overseas and back to Australia to attend Assoc­ retirement. In 1941 he was admitted to the Royal Irish iation and Council meetings. James Auchmuty's ancestry had given him Academy. The Auchmutys' first child, Giles, He has been Vice-Chancellor of the Univer­ a vague link with Australia before he came here was born in Ireland in 1945. sity of Newcastle since January, 1965, when in 1952. He is a descendant of the sister of In 1946 he emigrated to Egypt, where he the University was incorporated. D'Arcy Wentworth, who was the father ofW.C. was attached to the University of Alexandria as The Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee Wen tworth, explorer-politician-constitutional­ Assistan t Professor of Modern History. A appointed him Chairman for the period 1969­ ist . daughter, Rosemary, was born in 1950. Then, 1970 and broke convention by reappointing Professor Auchmuty's academic interests in 1951, with all other British public servants, him for 1971. ate in History and Education - interests that he was forced to leave the country hurriedly. Professor Auchmuty received the honorary have enabled him to publish more than 30 The choices available to him academically were degree of Doctor of Laws, from Trinity College, papers, five books and chapters in three books, positions at Universities in America, Irak or Dublin, and Doctor of Letters, from the Univer­ edit one book and contribute to The Austratlan Australia. sity of Sydney, as his term of Vice-Chancellor Dictionary ofBiography. He decided on Australia and came to the was drawing to a close. His latest contribution is a chapter of the University of Technology, Sydney, where he As Vice-Chancellor he has attended every 640-page A New History of Australia, just pub­ took up an appointment as Senior Lecturer in graduation ceremony conducted by the Univer­ lished by William Heinemann. History. After 18 months he was transferred to sity and the old Newcastle University College, He was born in 1909 in Portadown (Northern Newcastle as Head of the Department of Arts except the first in 1953 (before his appointment Ireland) and educated at Armagh Royal Boys' at the young University College. He became an to Newcastle). He has seen more than 4,000 School and Trinity College, University of Dub­ Associate Professor in 1954, a full Professor in students receive their degrees. In addition, he lin. 1955 and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities has attended every meeting of the University He was the elder son of Rev. Canon James and Social Sciences at the University of Tech­ Council, except one, and 99 meetings of the Wilson Auchmuty and Annie Todd Johnston. nology in 1956. Senate. 2 THE GAZETTE DECEMBER,1974 DECEMBER,1974 THE GAZETTE 3 HONOUR CONFERRED The Vice-Principal (Professor A.D. Tweedie), The Vice-<:hancellor was honoured by the presenting Professor Auclllnllty for admission University at a ceremony in the Great Hall on to tile Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters Thursday, 12th December. said: Professor Auchmuty was admitted to the "Mr. Chancellor, I present to you James honorary degree of Doctor of Letters before an Johnston Auehmuty, Commander of the Most audience of more than 700 students, members Excellent Order of the British Empire, Master of of staff and Convocation, citizens and dist­ Arts and Doctor of Philosophy of the University inguished guests, including the Vice-<:hancellor of Dublin, Professor of }1istory and Foundation of the University of Sydney (Professor B. Vice-Chancellor of this University. Williams), the Vice-<:hancellor of the University "Although his earliest scholastic distinction of New South Wales (Professor R. Myers) and was in the study of Geography, it is in the the Vice-<:hancellor of the University of New discipline of History, and particularly in the England (Profes or A. Lazenby). area of biography that James Auchmu ty has The Dean of the Faculty of Architecture won an international reputation as a scholar. (Professor E.C. Parker) was admitted to the His long time membership of the Royal Irish honorary degree of Master of Architecture. Academy, his election to Fellowship of the The honorary degrees were conferred by Australian Academy of the Humanities, of the the Chance))or (Sir Alister McMullin). Royal Historical Society and of the Institute of The Lord Mayor of Newcastle (AId. Joy Arts and Letters acknowledge his contribution Cummings) thanked the Vice-<:hanceLlor on be­ to our knowledge of 1I istory. half of the citizens for his services to rhe Uni­ "The study of History brought James Auch­ versity and the City. muty academic distinction. It gave him also Opening the ceremony, the Chancellor (Sir that kindly interest in people which has been so Alister McMullin) stated that the audience was much a f· ture of his leadership in the creation present primarily to say farewell to a Vice­ of the University of Newcastle. Today we pay Chancellor who had worked hard from his tribute not only to his scholarship in the inter- appointment in 1953 until his retirement this After the Graduation Ceremony. Rosemary, Professor lames and Margaret A UCl1mIH_ &retation of the past, but also to his vision and month. ~.oreslght of the future. The building in which Professor Parker receives !lis honorary degree from the Chancellor. The University College was created in 1952 "From Dublin, he came, and though amply our fellows. The very motto of this University wc are assembled, the campus on which it stands with 419 students, only five of whom were fuLl­ qualified, all his broad studies in English litera­ "I Look Ahead" was a stimulus for the dream- and the University in which we serve are in Universities. The Australian UNESCO Com­ advantage of those opportunities bu t I must time students. To-day student numbers exceed­ ture and history could barely conceal his basic ing and ideals of the newcomer as he entered large measure the outcome of that interest in mittee for Letters and the Australian National never forget how fortuitous it all was, how much ed 4000. Most of this growth was a long story Irish nurture betrayed by an infectious sense of those temporary premises below sea-level at people and that faith in the future. Commission for UNESCO have benefited from I was the creature of circumstances, at one time of hard work by an individual who possessed humour and softened no doubt by the incom­ Tighe's Hill. "Professor Auchmuty came to ewcastle in his wisdom and guidance as their Chairman. the plaything of politics, at all times conscious many outstanding qualities, but Professor Auch­ parable Irish folklore with its endless stories of "From the Great Hall to the playing fields, ovember 1953 to head an Arts Department in Honorary degrees conferred upon him by the of the importance of basic and fundamental muty had always been encouraged by the people hobgoblins and fairy folk. Thus equipped, he we have seen how much the Vice-<:hancellor the youthful ewcastle College of the ew University of Sydney and the University of "A university is no temporary, local in titut­ of the City and its hinterland. It was their came out of the land of Egypt, all the way to has sought to balance learning with sport,with South Wales University of Technology. An Dublin are a recognition of these contributions ion; it belongs to an international society; to be university, greatly assisted to develop into a what used to be a smokey old Newcastle (but 1 its demands for fair play and team-work. It is a appointment as head of a university department to the field of education. 11 is fitting that the accepted it must adopt the principles and well-respected university by a man who came hope not so smokey now). At first glance it far cry from the Auchmuty Sports Centre just to be created in a newly established college, University which in such large measure is his standards of that society, must establish itself here with a vision. must have seemed an unlikely place for a career opened to those distant days when the Univer­ housed in a second institution, administered own creation should admit him to its company as a home of scholarship dedicated to the preser­ The Lord Mayor said: as a Vice-<:hancellor of a University! 'ity 15 played its Rugby matches on my and financed by a third and examined by a of graduates. vation and transmission of knowledge; must fourth was a challenge that possibly only an "Sir Alister, Vice-<:hancellor, Members of the 'Thus, the challenge came to Professor Council's No. 2 Sports Ground; the ampl "Mr. Chancellor, whatever the future of the follow in the pursu!t of truth wherever it may Irishman could fully appreciate. That James Senate, distinguished guests, ladies and gentle­ Auchmuty! He first saw 'the vision splendid' figure of the Vice-<:hancellor could always b University of Newcastle, the imprint of its first lead. A university is primarily a learning not a Auchmuty was able to forge links of unity men. With Sir Alister's long record of Parliam­ from the temporary site of the Technical seen, scorning the somewhat rugged old grand­ Vice-<:hancellor will be a lasting one. It is with teaching institution and I never allowed myself within the first, and successively sever the entary service at its highest level, 1 feel very College at Tighe's Hill. He must have dreamed stand, to pace anxiously up and down the line. great pride and deep gratitude that I present to to forget that. In association with the local academic and administrative ties willl the Uni­ humble indeed to be asked to support his how his University would ultimately rise to its As a pious son of the Rectory, I feel sure he you lames Johnston Auchmuty for admission demand for professional opportunities for the versity of New Enghlnd, the University of New remarks on this important occasion. Indeed, present eminence and strength as the tertiary threw in an occasional prayer for University to to the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters." sons and daughters of my feUow citizens was my _South Wales and Newcastle Technical College neither Sir Alister's physical, mental nor vocal bastion of education for this City and this win! In reply, tile Vice-Chancellor said: responsibility to ensure that those professional .~nd still retain strong bonds of friendship with qualities would appear to require the slightest Hunter Valley. "I must not conclude without congratulating "Mr. Chancellor and members of the univer­ opportunities should only be obtained in an them all, is a credit to Irish wit and diplomacy. support! Because the Chancellor's tribute to our "Our Vice-<:hancellor brough t with him a the staff and students who have given such sity; my Lord Mayor, My Lords Bishop and institution of the highest international standing. It is also an outcome of the unswerving faith Guest of Honour has been so eloquent and ful­ character poised for the formidable task ahead. loyal support to their leader. Recently he has other distinguished guests; For cen turies the university has been an in­ lames Auchmut}' has had in the future of some, my contribution must inevitably appear In our local Press recently he emphasized that a deplored some trends on University Campuses "It is obviously a very moving experience to strument of social mobility; I am naturally the University of Newcastle. but a fleeting shadow. University is primarily for learning not teaching. and I have no doubt he had in mind the ir­ be honoured in so public a fashion by the proud of the physical set up, the carefully "1 understand that the word 'firsts' is a I wonder if he was consciously echoing the responsibles, the pseudos and the lunatic fringe; "Serving successively as Deputy Warden and university whose development has ever been my protected environment of our attractive campus, familiar one to University people and one great­ thoughts of that great educationist Cardinal but I have nothing but admiration for the Warden of ewcastle University College and as prime concern, and I am indeed proud to join but my main satisfactions have come from the ly prized by them, and indeed can be claimed ewman, a one time visiting lecturer to our conduct ofour Newcastle students, due no-doubt I'oundation Vice-Chancellor of the University the very select band of honorary graduates who opportunities we have increasingly been able to by the Vice-<:hance))or through his imposing Guest's old home, Trinity College, Dublin. ew­ Sir, to your tolerance, your open door to reason­ ofNewca. tie, Professor Allchmuty pledged him­ have preceded me to this distinction. Much has give to students to develop their talents to the record of scholarship. As Lord Mayor of this man, whilst admitting there must be some teach­ able argument and your imperturbable exam­ self to the task of bringing to Newcastle tho'e been said here and elsewhere of my con tribu tion full to compete on equal terms with those from City I claim many "firsts" of another kind but ing, said 'the best telescope does not dispense ple. standards of academic excellence 1\ hich he has to the establishment of university institutions older and more prestigious foundations. this 'au revoir' today to our first Vice-Chancellor with eyes; the printing press or the lecture room "Thank you on behalf of the citizens for steadfastly maintained is a ul1lversity's prime in Newcastle and, of course, I deeply appreciate "I brought with me to my task the traditions (and I emphasize the hope that it is 'au revoir') will assist us greatly, but we must be true to your wide-ranging interest in the activities of responsibility and greatest gift to the commun­ the general tenor of those comments; but those of an ancient university and of a highly literate is tinged with deep regret. ourselves, we must be 'parties in the work'. this City, and in particular for your richly Ity it serves. The community of scholars he of you with long memories will recall that not and creative civilization and I never forgot that "Professor Auchmuty has not only brought We, who have seen this University develop stimulating period as first Vice-Chancellor of joined in 1953 has increased more than tenfold everything was always plain sailing. /-10\\ ever, my object was to retain the values of tile past scholarship but,with his dynamic personality, he under Professor Auchmuty's distinguished guid­ this University. You have set the pattern, you in tl:e two decades since that date. There is today is for me a day of rejoicing and for us all whilst adapting them to the needs of the 20th has also brought to the City, culture, enhanced ance have formed the impression that he and have touched and uplifted the youth and the evidence that it has sustained that excdlence the cnd of an epoch so I do not propose to century. But 1 could have achieved nothing traverse again our historical development but by what I understand (in spite of his Scottish students and staff have all been 'parties to the older students with your own idealism; you of scholarship he has constantly urged upon it. without efficient and able associates, without a ancestry, Sir Alister) to be a lilting accent with work'. The Vice-<:hancellor has demonstrated have left the City of Newcastle and the Hunter "lIis wisdom and skill as an administrator rather to stress, if such stress be needed, that public opinion willing and anxious to accept Irish overtones; but what is more significant that to learn, one must live with, and for, the Valley a rich heritage of scholarship and culture have also been of service in wider fields of the evolution of this university was the result the new university looking to it for leadership for the people of the Hunter Valley. I am in­ community. We must learn to subdue the self which has in large measure helped to refine and university education. /-le has served the inter­ or co-operative erfort in which, doubtless by a and example in many walks of life. It is a part­ formed and believe that he has the palate and discover how to serve. We must develop exalt our way of life in this place. On behalf of ests of all Australian universities as Chairman of chaptcr of happy acciden ts, I was called on to icular pleasure to have our Lord Mayor with LIS immediately to distinguish between what we personality and leadership and yet learn how to the City, I support, with sincere pleasure, the the Australian Vice-{'hancellors' Committee. I-le exercise 'ome degree or leadership. today as the symbol of the happy relations has contributed to the development of univer­ women call 'cooking sherry' and a 'I'okolbiil submit willingly and gracerully to authority. remarks of the lemned Chancellor." "lIere in Newcastle I was given vcry great established between the university and the area sity education as a member of the I'.xecutive Red'. We must develop a sense or responsibility ror opportunities and I am indeed happy to think it is called on primarily to serve. Council of the Association of Commonwealth that some at least of you feel that I took full DECEMBER,1974 4 THE GAZETTE DECEMBER,1974 THE GAZETTE 5

'~~~,,~~ of the university bu t also the nam ing after me - .. "We can never forget that this glorious Great ~. Hall, an architectural masterpiece, is the prod­ not only the library, the very core of the ~ , rR':~i;~ uct of joint community effort, but there are university, but also the sports centre as evidence ..... _"~.a'· many other aspects of town and gown co-opera­ of my belief that the university has a responsibil­ ltZi- ~' :i~ tion which each can recollect for one's self. It ity not merely to develop the mind but also to is a wonderfully satisfying experience for a ensure that the healthy mind is developed in a Vice'{:hancellor to see this hall crowded to healthy body. capacity for an organ recital, as only last week, "I am proud to have been of service to the or for one of the many orchestral programmes university tradition at all levels and once again, sponsored throughout the year by our depart­ Mr. Chancellor, I thank all for their support ment of community programmes and my col­ and appreciation." leagues and I have been deeply appreciative of The Vice·Chancellor presented Pro[essor the invaluable assistance we have received in Parker [or admission to the Honorary Degree many areas, especially in the provision of prizes o[ Master of Architecture and delivered the or of research facilities, from local industries following citation. and representative citizens. For beyond all "MI. Chancellor, else it is the responsibility of the university to "You have just heard me pay tribute to the add to the sum total of human knowledge. help, support and co-operation I have at all "I have already expressed by pleasure at times received from the administrative and the increased opportunities given to the sons technical as well as the academic staff of the and daughters of local citizens; now only a University and it is accordingly with particular bare twenty years after we have our graduates and very relevant pleasure that I present to you known to me in every continent in the world, Professor Eric Clarence Parker, Associate of thA many also active in teaching and research in Sydney Technical College and Fellow of th'" some of the great universities of the world and Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Dean equally we have attracted to our academic staff of the Faculty of Architecture of this Univer­ in particular scientists and scholars from many sity. lands and from many cultural backgrounds to "Eric Parker after periods in various Govern­ associate with our Australian colleagues from The Lord Mayor addresses the Congregation. ment Departments and with the Sydney Cit nearer home. The impact of the university Council as well as war service with the Royal Vice·Clwncellor was present [or the last time as a member when the Australian Vice·Chancellor's Committee met at the university on 19th November. community on the cultural life of Newcastle ments less recognizable. I have carefully avoided Australian Naval Reserve and the possessor of a n.'1! could provide a proper subject for investigation naming individuals throughout this expression Graduate Diploma in Architecture from the Pictured ([rom le[t), back: Pro[essors Caro (Deputy Vice·Chancellor, Melbourne), Russell (Flinders, S.A.), R. Myers (New South Wales), Badger (Adelaide), but we do appreciate the way in which our of thanks to all who have assisted me in seizing Sydney Technical College joined the academic Mr. Hambly (Secretary), Pro[essors Whelan (Western Australia), WiIlett (Cri[[ith, Qld.), Cowen (Queensland), Dr. Back (James Cook, Qld.), Dr. R. WiIliams (A.rv.. Canberra), Pro[essor Criew (Murdoch, WA.); front: Pro[essors Lazenby (New England, N.S. W), Mitchell (Macquarie, NS. W), Auchmuty, B. overseas academics and also our overseas stud­ a remarkable opportunity but without critical staff of the N.S.W. University of Technology as u., W,llwl1ls (Sydney), Dr. Matheson (Monash, Vic.), Sir Ceorge Cartland (Tasmania) and Dr. D. Myers (La Trobe, Vic.) ents have been accepted into the Newcastle and constructive thinking at all levels of the a Lecturer in 1951 and came to Newcastle in community. Progress depends on challenge and university to keep me up to date without devot­ 1957 as the first full-time Lecturer and Head on change: the replacement of our exported ed secretarial management to ensure the smooth of the Department ofArchitecture at the Univer- graduates by those who come to us from over­ operation of my office I would not be in a sity College. When the independent University Tile Vice·CI/ancel/or attended his last Coutlcil meeting on 15th November. Le[t to Right, standing: C.L. Hurrell K.H. White KC Booth M LA"'" H seas benefits both parties and is to the ultimate position to thank you all as I do this afternoon. ofNewcastle was established in 1965 MI. Parker R III M ' , .. ,. . .,' rle on. .. anyweathers, B.1•. Johtls, CD. El/yen, E.1. Buckman, Barbara J. J.ord, CJ.A. Comelius, M. Patricia A. Kirton, M.E. Edmonds, A. Forsythe, CB. advantage of civilization as a whole. I feel no greater tributes could be paid to a who had taken a very active part in the public Belcher, ~./11. FIsher, M. L.A., L. Cibbs, J.K. Ellis, Jan Taylor (Millute Secretary); seated: A.D. Tweedie (Vice·Principal), B.B. Cal/aghan, CB.E., J..T. Auchmury, "If I have been fortuna te in the environ­ retiring Vice'{:hancellor than those the council life of the area and had seen student numbers CB.E., 71le Hon. Sir Alister McMu/lin (Challcellor), P.D. Alexander (Secretary) and W.C. Derkenne. ment in which this new university was created of the university have chosen to shower on me, and departmental staff increase very conside I have personally been fortunate in the relations not merely this honorary degree in which I ably was promoted Associate Professor an we have established with the other universities shall always take pride as a permanent member seconded to the University Administration to of Australia and of the commonwealth and it take charge of its Planning and Maintenance is very pleasing to see some of my fellow Division. foor almost 10 years he had the dif­ Vice'{:hancellors here to join in our celebrat­ ficult task of ensuring the maintenance of high ions today. The Vice'{:hancellor of Sydney, the architectural aJ·.environmental standards on. senior Australian university, succeeded me as site which could easily have become a disastrou Chairman of the Australian Vice.{:hancellors' hotch-potch of conflicting styles and purposes. Committee. The Vice~hancellors of New Those of you who are present today must share South Wales and New England represent univer­ with me in appreciation of Professor Parker's sities which sponsored our infant existence and achievements as we contemplate what, in con­ for twelve of my twenty-two years in academic junction with the Master Planners, architects, life in this country I was a member of the designers, builders and other workers has be­ University of New South Wales which has come perhaps the most distinguished University proved a fruitful mother of universities since it Campus in this country. His standards are high, is about to give birth to another at Wollongong. his firmness ofvision invaluable and his resilience Present also are government representatives, superb. Our buildings and the general lay out members of scientific, technical and learned of the Faculties and Departmen IS have been societies and innumerable friends of the univer­ established, as I hope, for centuries to come and sity from landladies to parents. I would like to much of the credit must go to Professor Parker's thank you all individually for your continuing detailed contribution as University Planner. assistance and support but if I did I might be an "His period of secondment to the University inordinately long time retiring. has now been terminated and he has returned "I will conclude by referring once again to to his own Faculty as both Professor and Dean, my day by day associates, the Chancellor and there, no doubt, to surmount problems of a Council: the Senate: academic, technical different kind with equal vision and firmness. and administrative colleagues on the staff: it was "M r. Chancellor it is with particular person­ they who made our achievements possible; al pleasure that I present to you Eric Clarence without their dedication to the basic aims of the Parker whose support has done much to en­ university, without their work and effort, in hance the distinction of my term of office as many cases beyond the call of duty, our pro­ Vice'{:hancellor to be admitted to the Honor­ gress would have been more halting, our achieve- The degree is con[erred upon the Vice· Chancellor ary Degree of Master of Architecture." 6 THE GAZETTE DECEMBE R. 1974 DECEMBE R. 1974 THE GAZETTE 7 CONVOCATION'S GUEST who was twice Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, sity, but in the international status and reputat­ The Vice-Chancellor ",""s Convocation's spec­ was asked whether he would be willing to live ion which has been obtained by our staff and ial guest at its annual dinner at Edwards Hall on his life over again. He gave an emphatic negative: by our successful students. It is the outstanding 19th October, 1974. The Warden ofConvocat­ for, he said, 'we are apt greatly to underrate the students who make the reputation of a Univer­ ion (Professor K.R. Dutton) explained the part which accident and good Iuck have really sity and we were happy to have outstanding thinking behind the donation of a special col­ played in the shaping of our careers and in giv­ students righ t from our first intake of under­ lection of books bearing Professor Auchmuty 's ing us such careers and such successes as we have graduates. name to the University Library, while the Past had; the contingent plays a large part in the "As an Anglo-Irishman one of my great her­ Warden (Mr. W.G. Derkenne) attested to the best ordered lives'. Coming to Australia in this oes is Edmund Burke, who once wrote 'It is Vice-Clwncellor's close personal interest in grad­ expansive period as a historian I was proud to beller to do early and from foresight that which uate affairs. Professor Auchmuty responded. follow in the footsteps of the 19th century we may be obliged to do from necessity at last'. Mr. Ill. G. Derkenne proposed a toast in the founders of the senior Australian Universities Your past Warden, Mr. Derkenne, in his grac­ following tenns: and, especially, to follow in those of my fellow ious proposal to the toast to me asserted that I "James Johnston Auchmuty, our esteemed graduates of Trinity College, Dublin. So many thrived under criticism and frequently when I Vice-Chancellor, having suffered the"slings and of you have heard me on this subject that I will gave away to what he considered the most arrows· of fortune for 65 years but having en­ only refer you to the details of my Moomba cogent of arguments it was primarily because dured like some non-martyred latter-day St. Lecture at the University of Melbourne in 1969. of my memory of Burke's good advice. Sebastian (and without those unsightly shafts "Good work is always enjoyed work and if "I am very well aware as a historian that no too obviously protruding from him) - there is any truth in that statement I have eer­ one is indispensable. So I say with all honesty ".lames Johnston Auchmuty, having been tainly enjoyed my work at Newcastle. What that I am glad to retire at this time. Not that I buffeted by the seas of life, ridden the swells did I want to create? A University in touch feel incapable (in all respects at any rate), and and channels from Dundalk Bay near Portadown with contemporary opinion, yet of the highest no doubt I shall have difficulties of adjustment Northern Ireland to the blue stills of the Medit­ international intellectual standards and my after January 1, but I have been in charge of erranean and beyond to our sometimes turbul­ views on the idea of the University in its Aust­ the Administration of this College, and, sub­ ent Novocastrian Shores (and I am tempted to ralian setting are set out in The Australian Uni­ sequently, the University since 1958, and at say not having been swamped by such seas, versity of 1963. this point I should say how happy I am to see like ~ome human La Balsa, but the metaphor "I still believe that a University should be a my predecessor as Warden, Dr. Basden, with us The University I,ibrarian (Mr. E. Flowers), Professor Aucllmuty and the Warden of Convocatioll (Pro­ seems too insubstantial) - community of scholars whose task is the con­ this evening. If I could look like him after 15 fessor K.R. Dut1On) examine items from the testimonial book collection. "James Johnston Auchmuty, having trium­ ,. The Vice-Chancellor's coat-of-arms, which tinuation, enrichment and dissemination of years then I will have had a very happy retire­ phed, having walked the Appian way of acad­ "Later still, when the Union Buildinl( won wPpears on tile book-plate contained witllin knowledge (in the broadest sense) and the dec­ ment indeed. emic success, and now in the crown of his day - an architectural prize, James was proud. "Other Australian Vice-Chancellors, by and every volume in the Auchmuty Special Col­ laration of the truth wherever it may lead. But, "In fact, Vice-Chancellors have recently rar­ "James Johnston Auchmuty faces ov"r the "But it is significant I have to go back many large, just don't give so much of themselves_ lection. The translation of the motto is: of course, I became a University Administrator, ely served out their time; Sir Philip Baxter, next two and a half months the most difficult years, and to another campus, to dredge up this We have been very fortunate indeed_ All mem­ "Whilst I live I Ilope ". and so far as I am concerned a University Ad­ Sir John Crawford, Sir Robert Madgwick and ordeal of his life and one for which (despite his particularity of criticism. for, the fact is I am a bers, past and present. of Standing Committee, ministration exists only to ensure the most fav­ Sir Henry Basten have all retired well before 65, great ability and his capacity to deal with diff­ sometime critic turned admirer. That was an in­ the Past Warden and the present Warden would ourable possible conditions and facilities for and it is some years since one has lasted to what icult situations) he is - I regret to say - com­ evitable progression once I began to know him join me in a very keen appreciation of how, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the toast the furtherance of these University aims. migh t be called the biller end. pletely temperamentally unsuited. better. I would predict a similar result for any accordingly, Convocation and its activities now to our Foundation Vice-Chancellor, James John­ "I believe that we have established a Univ­ "It is clear to me that after 16 years of res­ "I speak of course of the fact that during other critics he might have. plays its role in the Auchmuty 'organic uni­ ston Auchmuty." ersity of the highest intellectual quality, that ponsibility for Administration here, new blood that time our Vice-Chancellor increasingly will "This knowledge of James has come to me versity approacltat Newcastle_ Professor A uchmuty said, in reply: we have made real contributions to knowledge and new ideas are needed. be besieged - and constantly by the onc in a number of ways, formally and informally, "This bequest is the greatest gift an acad­ "I am sure that many of you will agree that and that we have sent staff and graduates ab­ "Obviously the achievements of all these enemy he has nevt)r been able to master. That from the University Council, Committees etc., emic can make to a university_ If, at Newcastle, nothing may better prove my judgement to be road to bring fame to us in distant continents. years are not the result 0f my efforts alone. I enemy is praise. Because, as most of you know, but particularly through the activities of Con­ we are destined in time to grow strong and acad­ good than the fact that I am retiring at this par­ If I were to choose one of the proudest mom­ was always surrounded by a band of willing he has that brand of sensitivity which shrinks vocation. Our Vice-Chancellor's committment emically respected -- [ should say stronger an cular point of time, but equally obviously I ents of my life, I would choose the occasion at colleagues, associates - call them what you from any overt recognition of his ability and to a University concept, not as being a collect­ more respected - it will bc because of tht:: 'an prove my judgement even better if I immed­ the Commonwealth Universities Dinner in Mel­ will - at all levels, academic, secretarial, admin­ which most happily becomes resilient when he ion of Departments and Disciplines, but to be­ mould which James has shaped. iately cut short my speech to you this evening. bourne in 1968, attended among others by Mr. istrative. One at least of those present has been is under attack. He is much more at home deal­ ing a unified whole, to being an Organic Uni­ "If, James, I am making you embarrassed by "Unhappily it is not enough just to say Edward Heath, of subsequent Prime Ministerial with me continuously since I came to Sydney ing with criticism than compliments. versity, with high academic standards, is known praise, you have only yourself to blame_ You 'thank you' for the honour you have conferred fame, when I had the honour of proposing one in 1952, joining me up here in 1954. Without "Just as well. In these days for a Vice­ to you all. survive criticism. You rise above it. As you wel ..-n me in arranging this dinner and making such of the principal toasts and the other speakers those associates far less would have been acc­ Chancellor who wishes to dine on compliments "What some of you may not know is how know, our present Warden can imitate I' ..magnificent l(ift in my name to the University were the Vice-Chancellor of the University of omplished. Some of you will recollect the there are usually only lean pickings. much our University owes to him and to his beautifully - your accent, your sense of hum­ Library. You all know that old men are reputed Oxford and the President of Harvard. It was words of Mussolini on the Italian people at a "Certainly when I first met Professor Auch­ efforts, personally, to help L'Teate a viable and our, even you walk. But if he ,md his colleagues to be fond of giving good advice, because they not the personalities that counted on that occ­ turning point in the war. 'It is the material that mu ty I brought to our acquaintanct) a healthy active Convocation_ can imitate your sense of vision, your breadth are no longer in a position to set bad examples asion. It was the fact that the University of New­ I lack. Even Michelangelo had need of marble criticism. One of the first issues upon which he "This became evident to me four years al'.o of approach and jud!!ment, our university will and I shall accordingly be very careful in my castle, New South Wales, was put forward in the to make statues. If he had only clay he would and I had what might be grandio sely called a at an Australian University Graduates Confer­ be further enriched_ choice of advice for you this evening_ same grouping, in the same international have been nothing more than a pOller'. I won't confrontation was the question of an Architeet, ence in Sydney ~·here representatives of other "Thert) is no more critical a community "This country has given me very great oppor­ league. press the analogy with marble or manipulated and his method of selection, for the then pro­ Universities levelled complaints of frustration than the University community; there is no tunities and it is by my use of those opportunities "For me the Library, of course, is the cen­ clay too far, but I have been fortunate in my posed Union Building. The University College and lack of support from their Vice-ChancL'llors. more obvious a target for criticism by its mem­ that I must be judged. I arrived in Australia in tre of the University and for that reason I par­ associates. Particularly, I hope, through good Union Board had certain ideas they felt certain They were surprised some of them to hear bers than its Head. To emer~e praiscd and res­ 1952 and came to Newcastle in 1954 at the beg­ ticularly appreciate your fine gift to the Library judgement, equally, I trust, through good ex­ the Vice-Chancellor would not accept. I was what was happening here at Newcastle. pected in these circumstances, as you have done. inning of a period of great educational expans­ and the Council's honour to me in naming the ample, and they share - namelessly to-night told to expect a hard time and a predetermined "This is not just regional pride. During the en­ is no small triumph. To be as worthy of praise ion which speeded up In the 1960's. Why did I Library after me, though eq ually I recognize with me lest I forget any - in appreciating judgement. suin!! years I have had abundant opportunity and respect, as you are, is a l'reat triumph. come to Australia? Primarily because I had that for many of my co'lIeagues laboratories are your tributes. "Of course that wasn't what I received at all, to witne~s just what th is support from the cen­ "That you should so emerge was perhaps been expelled from another country. and sec­ equally central to the'needs of their disciplines. "Finally mention has already been made by unless a hard time is being put through a careful tral Administration, and it. chief, means. Basic, heralded by the fact that your wifl', Marl(aret, omlly because in what little reading I had done For me also the University Union, the Univer­ Mr. Derkenne to the fact that this week-end defence of one's reasons. When they prevailed, to it all of course, is a sympathy of approach, thrvul:hout all those trials I mentioned at the about Australia I was impressed by the claim sity Sports Union and the playing fields assoc­ my wife and I celebrate the 40th anniversary of and he accepted (albeit reluctantly) the Board's an identification of a common purpose and beginning of l11y comlllents. has survived also. I that academic salaries had kept closer in touch iated therewith are also important. Since I am our wedding. If anybody ought to be congrat­ approach, I did not immediately give him credit. goal the overall welfare of the University. have no doubt she is your critic. But equally I with the cost of living than they had in other speaking to a University audience I will perpet­ ulatt::d to-night on survival value, it is that lady I was still young enough to believe a sound arg­ "Some manifestations of this arc the pro­ have no doubt she admires you, as do we, and countries. I was at the same time offered the rate my one Latin quotation of the evening who has been compelled, or has accepted the ument was all that was needed in this world to vision of University personnel who hclp convoc­ wc admire her. Tomorrow witncsses your 40th Chair at a major American University and you 'Mens sana in corpore sano' (a healthy mind in compulsion, to follow me around the world, win issues_ ation in their own right as individuals, hilt have wcdding anniversary. On the eve of tliat anniv­ can imagine that with an American wife there a healthy body). however surprising that decision may seem to "Later, when James criticised tht:: archilt::ct­ a distinguished Icader to follow, thc provision ersary lllay we in imagination break into 40 was pressure tu cross the Atlantic, but happily "Nevertheless my greatest pride has not some of you. ure, I thought to myself: 'That's not his acad­ of financial support, the Vice-chancellor's un­ I(roups to sing a rejoiceful quartet for each year. by good luck rather than design I arrived in this been 'in the distinction of the Library, in the "Mr. past Warden I deeply appreciate the emic discipline', little realising that in years to failing attcndanee at our meetings and help We lwve certainly gathered here with that sym­ expanding country. well-planned campus, the magnificence of the manner in which you proposed the toast and come, the ironies of life being what they are, it with the entertainment of distinguished vis­ bolic intention, and to wish you botli well for "Towards the end of a long and outstanding Great Hall to which so many of you contributed, Ladies and Gentlemen I am indeed honuured seemed as if it were. itors_ many years to come. career Lord Haldane,' the eminent philosopher or the general physical Oll tline of the Univer- by the tributes that have been paid to me." 8 THE GAZETTE DECEMBER,1974 DECEMBER,1974 THE GAZETTE 9 From old Press cuttings

"The Australian staff-student ratio is de­ "PROFESSOR JAMES AUCHMUTY, Ass­ plorable; the accommodation is hopelessly ociate Professor of History at the Newcastle inadequate; the failure rate is abnormally high University of Technology, sees the Australian for world standards; the honours schools miser­ cut lunch as a hindrance to culture". ably small; the opportunities for research grave­ "He said he did feel that the more leisurely ly limited." U.A. 30.JJ.57 lunch, common in Europe. gave more time for important and educational conversation at meal times". 13.2.54

"AUSTRALIA IS A SMALL OUTPOST of Western civilisation and, as a young country, its "A MAJOR STEP IN TERTIARY EDUCA­ people must develop their talents to the full. TION in Newcastle will be taken tomorrow Unless Australians worked for themselves, the when the first Arts courses will begin at the country, in time of conflict, could be swamped College of the University of Technology. by the have-nots." J.J.A. 15.12.64 "Professor Auchmuty, who is the Head of the Humanities Department of the College, said today that great interest was being shown throughout the British Commonwealth in the "NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE combination of Arts with Science in a Tech­ will receive autonomy on January 1,1965, and nological University. 8J become Newcastle University. "There has been a strong feeling in many __ "The Minister in charge of Commonwealth parts of the world for some time", he said, activities in Education, Senator Gorton, said "that the scientists have been getting a bit out yesterday that the Commonwealth had approved of hand and need the Humanities to bring them the date for autonomy being advanced. back to earth again". 2.3.54 "At the next session of Federal Parliament, .stinglegislation, which provides for payments ~ Newcastle University College through the University of New South Wales, will be amend­ A historic photograph. The congregation for the visit to the University of the then Governor General "UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NEWCASTLE, ed to provide payment direct to the Newcastle of Australia, Lord Casey, on 15th February, 1967; Lord Casey unveiled the plaque commemorating was established within the magnificent build­ University. the establishment of the University of Shortland. ings of the Newcastle Technical College in "Under the legislation the Warden of New­ December, 1951. castle University College will become the first Vice-{;hancellor of the autonomous University." "It is now possible at Newcastle to obtain "WASTAGE OF THE TALENTS of Aust­ "THE POST OF VICE-{;HANCELLOR degrees, by day or evening study, in Arts, in 26.11.64 ralian women and girls is lamentable. Aust­ makes tremendous demands and Professor Science and in certain branches of Engineering. James Auchmuty's ideas about lunch prompted "The Newcastle Moming Herald" to publisll the ralia - the first country in the world to grant Auchmuty is equal to the task without appear­ "What began as a tiny trickle will soon be­ cartoon above. In June, 1956, Professor Auchmuty >«IS pictured in Newcastle with a former Lord women a right to vote - has perhaps the small­ ing to be in a hurry. come a mighty flood, for today there are over Mayor (AId. D. G. McDougall) and famous British historian, Arnold Toynbee. est proportion of women involved in specialised "He finds time to fit into his multitudinous students ambitious of ultimate graduation "AS THE MINUTIAE and routine of creat­ 400 work. Australian women should follow the duties support of the many sporting activities and they are directed in their work by a staff of iIIIiiIf and maintaining the new University weigh example set by Russian women, who play lead­ associated with the university's life. In fact, he over 30, representing some II universities in ~wn on him, he sadly expects to find less and ing roles in such fields as engineering and med­ regards the right and proper organisation of Europe, America and Australia." J.J.A. 16.8.54 less time available for his love of history. "He is first and foremost a scholar; an icine. They should not choose the traditional sport as a social part of the university's devel­ intellectual in the old tradition. You can see it professions - nursing and teaching." J.J.A., opment. in his face: a rather formidable face on first 15.12.65 "In his earlier days in Dublin he played both ....eeting, heavy fleshed, dominated by a vast cricket and rugby union, making a 'fair fist of "CHURCH SCHOOLS play an important ~panse of brow, with a mobile mouth. Rugby and a poor one of Cricket'. Until two or part in the community. They conserve the "There are little eccentricities in his dress: three years ago he played tennis consistently heritage of the past, which cannot be thrown in fact, Professor Auchmuty is rather renowned and well, but the increasing demands of his away without detriment to the present." J.J.A. position have ruled out tennis and he now 15.12.54 in Newcastle for his bright waistcoats and ties, but there are no eccentricities in that high pow­ "FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, Newcastle depends on swimming and golf for his physical ered mind: nim ble, well-organised, disciplined, has been a very pleasant and attractive place in well-being." 25.11.68 with a vast store of knowledge and experience which to live, and the feeling of being at home ready at a moment's notice. He makes decisions is shared by the many who have come from overseas and the other parts of Australia to "ON THE QUESTION OF A sin for quickly; does not like sleeping on problems. "AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES are too make the Newcastle dream - now over a cen­ Newcastle University College, it is the poky of "Professor Auchmuty does not suffer fools professionalised, too useful. There is very tury old - of having its own University, come the University of Technology and the Depart­ gladly; can be brusque in manner and speech. little creativity going on in them. They are true." J.J.A., 23.1.66 ment of Technical Education that tbe two in­ He can also be most charming and effusive and failing to give cultural leadership. stitutions should grow side by side". Professor he speaks well without hesitation or condes­ "I would like to see a drama department and J.P. Ba:\ter 10.5.55 cension: there is more than a touch of Irish literature studies evolve at this university. I am blarney in him." Alan Farrelly 1.1.65 not a churchman, but I would like to see theology here. "VIOLENCE IN UNIVERSITIES through­ "In this country universities teach students how to perform a successful job, and afterwards "THE ALMOST UNQUALIFIED ACCEP­ (On returning from an overseas trip) "I WAS out the world is a result of socialogical factors. they can fish and play bowls." .A. 29.9.68 TANCI· by (be Cummonwealth Government of PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED with the eff­ People in developed societies are starting to J.J the implicatiuns. financial and otherWise, of the icient insect eradication programme in Singa­ believe they have an absolute right to a univer­ repurt of the Murray Committee on the Aust­ pore. Despite the tropical climate, there is hard­ sity education. Increasing numbers of students ralian Universities should prove to be one of the ly a fly or mosquito on the island. This has means more and bigger universities. Trouble "A UNIVERSITY IS primarily for learning. !!reat !:Indmarks in the histury of Australian application to Shortland, because insects would will increase as university graduates increasingly not teaching. Students expect tu he taught cd lIea liun. be a problem unless the nearby swamps were become the new governing class." J.J.A., today. They weren't in my day. We gllt rl'ad­ properly treated." J.J.A. 21.10.65 27.11.68 ing lists." J.J .A., 31.10. 74 DECEMBER,1974 THE GAZETTE 11 10 THE GAZETTE DECEMBER,1974

UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION UNIVERSITY NEWS fessor K.W. Robinson; Economics and Com­ SPORTS CENTRE OPENED merce, Professor M.O. Jager; Engineering, Pro­ Professor Donald William George, of the Uni­ fessor A.W. Roberts; Mathematics, Professor The art collection belonging to the Univer­ versity of Sydney, will succeed Professor J.J. Sunday, 8th December, was a noteworthy R.G. Keats and Science, Professor J.A. Keats. sity of Newcastle has developed into one of the Auchmuty as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of occasion for the Sports Union, which saw its most important in the district outside the City the University on 1st January, 1975. ***** new indoor Sports Centre officially opened. Art Gallery itself. The University Council has restructured the The Vice-Chancellor, after whom the Centre ***** University's Faculty organisation. has been named, performed the opening cere­ The collection of art works for the Univer­ The University has received details of grants re­ The Department of Metallurgy has been trans­ mony. sity began in 1957 when the first graduates in commended by the Australian Research Grants ferred to the Faculty of Engineering from Ist The $300,000 building adds facilities for Arts of the old University College presented Committee and approved by the Minister for January, 1975. In consequence, the courses basketball, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, their Department with a painting by Carl Plate, Science (Mr. Morrison). The University will Another painting, by William Salmon, was pres­ presently under the supervision of the Faculty weightlifting and other indoor sports to the receive a total of $169,551 and 26 research of Applied Science will be transferred to the existing sporting facilities on the campus. ented by Arts graduates in 1958. projects in 1975. This compares with the 1974 Since then the collection has grown to em­ supervision of the Faculty of Engineering from allocation of $103,671. body paintings, portraits, watercolours, reprod­ 1st January, 1975, subject to the rights of In general the Auchmuty Sports Centre will uctions, engravings, silverware, sculpture, bann­ ** ** * students currently enrolled being preserved. enable members of the University to attain all­ Mr. W. Motyka, Lecturer in Commerce, is ers and stained glass panels. Nearly 50 oils, round physical fitness, while also strengthening presently in Poland working on an extended re­ * * *** watercolours and reproductions are hanging on the relationships between members of staff and search project. He was awarded a Copernicus Dr. Ralph Basden, Warden of the former New­ the walls. students. Fellowship by the Polish Government through castle University College from 1951 to 1959, The items in the University's collection were The official opening was attended by approx­ UNESCO. Recently turned 80 and in celebration of the executed by local and Australian artists and imately 200 guests. It featured a brilliant dis event, he was given a luncheon in the Staff have been appreciating in value ever since they ***** play of gymnastics lasting more than an hour, As a result of elections held recently the Deans House by members of the staff of the Depart­ were acquired. by eigh t young people from the N.S.W. Amateur the Faculties in 1975 and 1976 will be: ment of Chemistry, to which he is attached as Works have been either purchased with Un­ .4IIIIIIIil Gymnastics Association. Whitecture, Professor E.C. Parker; Arts, Pro- an Honorary Research Fellow. iversity funds or donated, the sources of the The Vice-Principal (Professor A.D. Tweedie) donations including the Faculty Wives Grotip, welcomed the guests and introduced the gym­ private and public organisations, service clubs, CANBERRA POSITION nasts - all champions and promising champions. students, members of staff and citizens. Their routines were explained by Mrs. F. Camp­ Funds are derived from an annual recurrent bell, representing the Gymnastics Association. allocation and contributions by members of ~Professor Eric O. Hall, a former Deputy staff. We-Chancellor and Professor of Metallurgy The University's collection is unusual in that at the University, has taken up his appointment The President of the Sports Union (Mr. B.P. it shows a particular interest in good local art­ as a Deputy Chairman of the Universities O'Shea) stated that the Sports Centre project ists. Some local artists featured are lrvine Hom­ Commission. was unusual in that it was the first major capital er, Rae Richards, Norma Allen and Virginia The Commission is an advisory body set up item that had beer. paid for with Sports Union Geyl. Homer's "The Student Teacher's first in 1959 whose principal function is to recom­ money. It was the Sports Union's hope that the Billet", four banners by Mrs. Richards and Mrs. mend to the Minister for Education (Mr. building would become a busy recreational Geyl's "A Tale of Three Towers" hang in the Beazley) the allocation of Commonwealth funds centre within the University, and also, that the Great Hall along with works by Margaret Olley to Universities on a triennial basis. Universities Commission would reserve funds to atld the most recent acquisition, "Rising Fog He is a New Zealander, sometime scholar of allow the proposed Stage II building to be con­ Sydney Harbour", an oil by George Lawrence. Victoria University College, Wellington, and the structed. A triptych by Norma Alien depicting con­ University of Cambridge, where he received his Mr. O'Shea thanked the Vice-Chancellor, on temporary Newcastle, is an interesting contrast Ph.D. in 1951 with a thesis dealing with the de- behalf of the Sports Union, for his support with "View of Hunter's River", W. Preston's mation of metals. He remained in England during the time he had been attached to the engraving executed in 1820? These pictures and a Lecturer in Physics at the University of University College and the University. Prof­ others in the collection can be seen in the Sheffield for seven years before coming to the essor Auchmuty, he said, had attended nearly Administration, which is also the location of former Newcastle University College as Head of all the main sporting events held at the Univer­ portraits of the Chancellor (by Graeme lnson), the Division of Applied Science and Professor of sity and met members of the majority of the Vice-Chancellor (by W.E. Pidgeon) and the tallurgy. visiting sporting teams. Warden of the old Newcastle University College, Professor Hall worked actively on preparing Dr. R. Basden (by Joshua Smith). A portrait of 4ewcastle University College for incorporation Professor £.0. Hall the late Deputy Chancellor, Dr. G. Edwards, by as the autonomous University of Newcastle and Before opening the Centre, the Vice-Chan­ lnson, hangs in the dining hall of the Univer­ was a member of the University's Interim cellor said: sity's hall of residence, which was named after Council in 1964 and 1965. When autonomy "It is something of an anti-climax to be university fills the vacant Chair created by him was granted he became Dean of the Faculty of making speeches after the magnificent and The diversity of the collection is demon­ Applied Science. He was Deputy Chairman of Professor Hall's move to Canberra. exciting display by the representative N.S.W. strated by the ceramic panel "Persephone: the Senate, and a member of the Council in 1969 The Vice-Chancellor paid a tribute to Pro­ Gymnasts. It is naturally a tremendous pleasure Arrival", by Lucy and Hatton Beck; the murals and 1970. fessor Hall for his great contribution to the to me to have my name commemorated in this in the Mathematics building that show the As Deputy Vice-Chancellor from 1971 he development of the University not only as an magnificent sports centre. I belong to a trad­ creative work of the late M.C. Escher; and the was Executive Member of the Planning Com­ administrator but also as a distinguished author ition which has always stressed the association stained glass panels above the main doors of the mittee, which is responsible for many tasks re­ of books and papers dealing with his academic of a healthy mind with a healthy body, and I Great Hall, made by Mr. P. Handel, of Beacon lating to the preparation of the University's subject. have regarded it as axiomatic that a university Hill, Sydney. submissions to the Universities Commission. Professor Auchmuty said that Professor which aims at developing the mind should also In the early future it is intended to exhibit He was also a Director of TUNRA Limited, Hall had been active on behalf of technological accept the responsibility to keep the body on the silverware in the collection among which and was decply committed with the establish­ disciplines, within the University and on outside which that mind depends in good condition. the Mace presented to the University by the ment and growth of computing facilities in the committees culminating in his recent election "It was very soon after I establis!'ed the University of New South Wales to mark the Univcrsity. as Senior Vice-President of the Australian Department of Arts in 1954 that the first of i;!ranting of autonomy holds pride of place. Professor Hall was closely involved with Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering. our sporting clubs. rugby union. was established. The collection is a most valuable cultural plans for the cstablishment of a Faculty of The Vice-Chancellor expressed his belief I have been closely connected with the develop­ asset to members of the University and the local Medicine at the University from January. 1975. that Professor Hall's recent, if brief, experience ment of sporting facilities and opportunities and cummunity. lk must now rclinquish his position of Senior as Executive Member of the Planning Commit­ dubs in the university ever sinee and although Vicc-President of the Australian Institute of tee would be of great assistance to him in his my primary support and e11l'ouragcmcnt has Picntred are items from the University's Art Nuclcar St:ienee and l'ngineerini;!. new appointment where his talents would be been given to rugby and to ni,kt't. I havl' Collection: "Movement", a sculpture by Don Assot:iate Prol"essor A. O,ltes is Acting Ilead utilized on behalf of all the Universities in at:tively followed the suct:t'sses and Llilures 01" Morris: "Interior". an oil by Ma rgare t alley; 01" the Department of 'vletallurgy until the Australia. pieces ofsilverware. 12 THE GAZETTE DECEMBER,1974 the other sporting clubs as they developed. "It is not the first time I have taken part in the opening of new sporting facilities: I can recollect being invited to open both our major and original sports field and also the first of our tennis courts, but of course it is the first occas­ ion on which the sporting complex I am invited to open has been called after me. No greater tribute could be paid to a vice-chancellor than the double headed one I have received with my name perpetuated and associated on the one hand with the library, the central core of the university and on the other with this indoor sports centre so long desired so late in develop­ ment. "It has been said that 'God helps those who help themselves' and it is in that spirit that the sports union has planned and completed this magnificent building, for, whilst all, or practic­ ally all, of our other sporting facilities have been provided out of university, which means govern­ ment grants, the greater part of the cost of this sports centre has been met from sports union funds, associated with a loan from the Com­ monwealth Trading Bank of $200,000 serviced from the funds of the sports union. The total cost, including equipment of this first stage of the building will be in excess of $300,000, and of course it is our hope that when the univer­ sities commission registers the self-sacrifice of our sports uniol) m.embers, it will quickly come to our support with the funds for the planned Walker, or John McLennan, Merv. Hallinan and "What I am trying to stress this afternoon is extensions of the second stage. George Haggerty, who were in due course the well established sporting tradition of the "There are certain peculiarities of the present succeeded by people still active in sporting university in many fields; the support given to construction associated with anticipated future circles, like Professors Ceoff. Curthoys, Barry that tradition by members of staff like Mr. extensions. This main hall, which as you have Gordon, Alan Oates and Godfrey Tanner, or O'Shea and Mr. Beaman in administrative posts, probably noted is 120 feet long by 60 feet Peter Kleeman, Ted Flowers, Keith Smith and and by dozens of other academics who actively wide - we have not yet gone metric - will cater Kevin Bell, not to mention dozens of others. participate, like the elderly gentlemen of the for basketball, badminton, volleyball and gym­ "It is obviously a matter of satisfaction to third cricket IX who on one occasion made a nastics and one basketball court meets inter­ me that in the over-whelming majority of clubs New Zealand tour in addition to others nearer national standards. There will be an increasing - there are 26 affiliated with the sports union home. Some week-ends I am told that those quantity of gymnastic equipment such as you -- all playing members are members of the representing the university in competitive fix­ have seen in use, and in the basement opportun­ university, though we did appreciate the early tures can be counted in the hundreds and t: . ities for weight lifting and circuit training. The assistance of associates. To give some idea of I must stress that our facilities are for all st changing rooms will also be available for use by the distribution of sporting activities through­ ents and not just for those who are outstanding, those playing on No. 2 oval, and on No. 3 when out the university I have collected statistics on so that some clubs turn out more than a half a it is completed, and women's liberation has won the number of blues awarded, first by the dozen teams at one time in the case of squash the day to the extent that there is equal accom­ college and then by the university: rugby union 17 .. all of which requires active organization. modation - 16 showers each for men and 28, cricket 10, basketball 5, tennis 4, athletics "IfMr. Booth was a very popular initiato women. 4, badminton 4, women's hockey 3, squash 3, our sporting traditions, his popularity his dr , "Two sports fields, an indoor sports centre, rowing 2, men's hockey 2, table tennis 2, weight and his en thusiasm has been carried on by his 4 tennis courts and other outdoor sporting lifting 1, fencing I and rugby league I. In case current successor, Harry Bradford, one of the amenities - all this is a far cry from the day somebody wants to know, of this total, 70,21 most hard-working men in the service of the uni· when Mr. Ken Booth, then the university's were awarded pre-autonomy and 49 since versity, and of the clubs associated with the amenities officer, first led a university rugby independence. sports union. With lsobel Heath and now Stan union team onto the field in 1954. Having "There are some odd reflections on those Barwick, together with the ground staff, a great watched so many games of various kinds inevit­ figures. Whilst rugby union easily tops the list, service is provided to all concerned and Harry ably there are incidents which stick in the it must be remembered it won the district must be very proud of all that has been achieved memory and Ken Booth coming back to com­ championship on several occasions, usually since his appointment in 1961. Our tributes are petitive sport as full-back is one: you all know under the leadership or with the support of also extended to the architect of the building, how quickly the union side reached first grade today's sports union president, Brian O'Shea, Brian Suters, to the Planner's Department and and won district competitions. and won the Kanematsu Cup at the very to the builder Mr. Hinds and his work force "At cricket I was present the day the first first inter-varsity after independence, yet there together with Mr. Alex Forsythe, our Council first grade century was scored for the university are no soccer blues, although we won the inter­ Member, who provided the financial advice. by Doug. March against Stockton, and oddly varsity competition at the first attempt - some "In the university the athletics club, even enough that same day somebody also, Rogers, will recall why there are no blues. though at one time presided over by the Vice­ I think, scored a century for the university in "In 1970 we won the inter-varsity under Principal, Professor Tweedie, has led a checker­ second grade. water championship again without individual ed existence: it is my hope that now, with "Some of my memories are so humourous award, but nevertheless a remarkable victory. these magnificent headquarters, it will go from they should only be told in private, but in those Students have found themselves in Australian strength to strength. I thank the sports union early days of the university college we owed representative sides, have participated in and the council of the university for honouring much to associate members who strengthened olympic and other international games overseas me so far above my expectations and have much our developing teams and to senior members of and one like Margaret Clark, has held a national pleasure in declaring the Auchmuty Sports staff. like Professors Arthur Ritchie and Ray Australian title (single rowing sculls). Centre'open." Newey & Beath Printers