1883: Auckland University College

May 21, 2024

By AHNZ

Today in history, 21 May, 1883, the opening ceremony of Auckland University College. This took place in Old Choral Hall. Symonds Street. Being antique times they just called it Choral Hall back then. Today we call the institution the University of Auckland.

Governor William Jervois officiated, at least nominally. His speech emphasised that tertiary education was for both men and women and for members of all classes. In terms of expressing the right populist sentiments these were at the leading edge of where New Zealand mainstream culture was heading. Jervois had just come from Governorship of the Straits Settlements and South Australia which will have informed his wider view of this trend. He was quite right, New Zealand was heading for Liberalism and Feminism in the years shortly ahead.

Charirman of the University Council George O’Rorke also spoke as the man chiefly attributed for bringing the College to life. At this time he was also Speaker of the House of Representatives for Frederick Whitaker’s Ministry. George stuck the boot in a bit to the southern universities (Otago and Canterbury) for resisting the North Island’s attempt to join higher academia. Apparently, until today, Auckland had been in a “debased and degraded” educational position. O’Rorke also thanked Whitaker for making all this possible by contrast with the apathy and political intrigues of the previous administration (John Hall, Harry Atkinson.) Interestingly partisan for such an occasion.

“The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest, best-endowed, most research-driven university. Formally opened in May 1883 as Auckland University College, it then comprised a disused courthouse and jail, 95 students and just 4 teaching staff. By 1901, the roll had risen to 156 students, mostly part-timers training as teachers or law clerks.” – blurb, The University of Auckland: The First 125 Years, Nicholas Reid (2008)

“…formal opening of the Auckland University College, for the work on which they were engaged placing the advantages of a University education within the reach of every man and woman of Auckland… He rejoiced to find several women of this colony had not only entered their names as students, but had also carried off prizes and distinctions offered by the University of New Zealand. His Excellency here referred to the efforts made in the mother country and in the Australian colonies to extend the advantages of University education to all classes…” – Ashburton Guardian, Papers Past

“O’Rorke then spoke at soma length, and narrated the history of his struggle to get the University, the apathy of previous administrations, the political intrigues in the House, and the hostility of members from a certain province, who having a University, spacious buildings, and all that wealth could give, still desired to keep Auckland in a debased and degraded condition educationally. They owed the University largely to the Premier, Mr Whitaker. His Excellency having declared the University formally opened, three hearty cheers were given for his Excellency, and three for Sir G. M. O’Rorke, in recognition of his efforts to establish the University.” – ibid

At first there were just 95 students and 4 teachers and the venue was the old Auckland Provincial Council Chambers. The building was also known as General Assembly House or, mockingly, the Shediface, where parliament had met during the days Auckland was our political capital. Since then it had become a courthouse and jail before falling into disuse.

The site is now Parliament Reserve, a park within a sprawling University of Auckland grounds. Ref. Wiki

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Image ref. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Te Ara

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