Notes

Abstract

THE professors of the University of Melbourne have interviewed the Premier on the subject of the decrease in the grant to that institution. They said that there was no possibility of reducing the present staff, as it was not overmanned. Many of their number had come to the colony under special contract with the authorities of the university, and it would be a serious matter if faith were broken with them by insisting on a reduction in their salaries. Mr. Patterson replied that these were times of retrenchment, and it was right that everybody should contribute something to pull the country out of its difficulty. It appeared, however, that the University had been cut down £5000 last year, and it was further proposed to reduce the expenditure on the institution by £3000. He reiterated generally the statement made by the Minister of Education on the subject of retrenchment, but he promised to hold a consultation with Mr. Campbell, with the view of ascertaining if anything could be done in the matter. He thought it possible that Mr. Campbell, on taking a review of the special circumstances of their case, might see his way to some abatement of the rigorous course which had been proposed.