Conference opening address

Abstract

Extract

The year 1964 should be a milestone not only for Massey University but also for the veterinary profession. It sees the institution on this campus receive full university status as Massey University of Manawatu following a series of constitutional changes which, I venture to suggest, is unlikely to have any counterpart in the academic world, for changes in name and constitution have occurred over the past four years. Massey Agricultural College, part of the old University of New Zealand, was established in 1926; it continued as such until 1961 when it was constituted Massey College under the aegis of Victoria University of Wellington following the devolution of the University of New Zealand. For the brief spell of one year (1962) the institution had the simple title of Massey College but in 1963 its official title became Massey University College of Manawatu, the change in title being brought about by a merger of Massey College and the existing branch of Victoria University known as the Palmerston North University College. By Act of Parliament passed last session, the institution acquired full University status as from January 1, 1964. Such a rapid series of changes naturally brought in its train numerous changes in policy and administration and it is to the credit of all concerned that these changes have been brought about more smoothly than one had dared to hope.