A documentary by Gerard Curran to mark the centennial of Otago University, 1869-1969. It looks at the development and history of university. Multiple speakers are not identified by name in the programme, but are listed in the credits as being (in order of appearance):
Reverend Sidney Smaill
Dr Ryeburn
Dr McAllister
Mr Hayward
Mrs Dorothy Page
Dr Basil Howard
Prof. E.W. Heard
Associate Prof. D.E. Buchanan
Professor W.E. Adams
Sir John Walsh
Mrs Ryeburn
Profesor D.P. Coleman
Mr A.R.McKegg
Sir Gilbert Archie
The University Sextet was directed by Trevor Miller.
Opens with an excerpt of a comedic song about the university and its centennial (performed by the University Sextet)
Narrator Bruce Robertson recounts the establishment of the university with the support of Otago Superintendant James McAndrew.
The ordanance of the Provincial Council establishing the university, is read.
Several male speakers discuss the founders' motivation for establishing the university.
A woman talks about the holders of the first professorial positions: Professor Sale, Professor Shand, Professor Black.
81 students enrolled in the first year. The first graduation took place before the university came under the umbrella of the University of New Zealand.
Several male speakers discuss what makes Otago and its students different to other New Zealand universities.
A man speaks about the origins of the School of Mines under Professor Black, and then Professor Ulrich in 1878.
A medical school was established and the first graduate Dr Christie, graduated in 1887.
The dental school was next - an unidentified man speaks about its establishment. Sir John Walsh and Sir Charles Hercus, recent deans were qualified as both doctors and dentists. Bernard Freyberg is singled out as a distinguished dental school graduate.
A man discusses the problems students can present.
A woman talks about town and gown relations. In 1902, the cash-strapped university received donations from the Dunedin public and Otago Savings Bank. A man says the 15,000 pounds received enabled the medical school to expand, in particular.
The opening of the Home Science School - the first in Australiasia was seen as a daring move. A woman from the school says it was supported by Sir Truby King and others although some other academics were against it.
The benefits of Otago's residential halls and colleges are discussed.
A woman talks about the need to prevent women's halls of residence from 'undesirables'.
A man notes that staff are less eccentric than they used to be, commenting on several: Robert Gable, a professor of Mathematics; John Trevor, a Drama lecturer; Jock Anderson, a lecturer in Classics; John Pocock, lecturer of Political Science.
A number of Otago's outstanding academic leaders are commented on briefly by unidentified speakers:
Professor R.J.T. Bell, chairman of the Professorial Board
The Medical School's three deans and Professor John Scott, Professors Malcolm and Gallen.
Dr H.P. Pickerill of the Dental School
Professor Morrell, Professor of History
A man comments on the atmosphere and community feel of the university and its relations with greater Dunedin.