Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1892 [PAGE 21]

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UNIVERSITY O F ILLINOIS.

In several instances the classes are very full, and in practical or laboratory work there is need of more personal assistance than the instructor can give. In the freshmen class in chemistry, for example, ninety beginners go into the laboratory after the lecture or recitation for an hour's laboratory practice. They are all new to the work, and much personal labor is needed. In some cases this has been met by the employment of student assistants, with quite satisfactory results. The same sort of aid is useful in the physical laboratory, in the drawing rooms, and sometimes in field practice of engineers. I t can not always be foreseen, as it is not always easy to predict the numbers t h a t will join classes. Competent students are usually willing to do this work for a small compensation, their chief recompense coming from the practice and instruction they themselves gain. I t would be serviceable if the Regent might have authority to employ students in this manner within reasonable limits, as necessities may arise.

T H E M A C H I N E SHOP.

The movement of the machine shop into the upper story is nearly completed. Some more work has been done than was contemplated in t h e proposition made at the last meeting, particularly in lowering the floor of the old platform, which seemed desirable, and to be done, if done at all, at the time when the moving was going forward. About $800 will be required to complete the changes in the lower room. This accords closely with the original estimate. If possible, it would be well to have t h i s sum authorized, so t h a t the work could go forward as it should be found convenient. A matter which seems to be more important, is found in the condition of the coal and iron sheds, which are so dilapidated as to be an absolute discredit to the University, particularly observable because they stand adjacent to the horse railway. I have requested Professor Woods to prepare plans and estimates for new sheds for the mechanical department, to be 20 feet wide and 85 feet long; to contain place for cinders, for coal, for stores, and for a water closet; to be built of brick, with waits 10 feet high, and to extend from the west line of the new boiler house to about the middle of the old brick blacksmith shop. The estimate for the building is $750. If the two can not now be provided for I think the shop can wait for the shed. The new boiler is set and nearly ready for use.

THE LIBRARY SHELVING

is in place, complete, except the iron railing, which will be put up during the term, at the convenience of the shops. The work when done will probably have cost about $100 less than the sum assigned. The repairs in University Hall and the Chemical Laboratory have absorbed more than was expected, and the assignment has been exceeded by about $150. The plaster under the central stairs at University Hall owing to the constant vibration from much passing, has continually fallen, and been often replaced. For this reason the plaster under the upper flight, having again come to repair, has been entirely removed, and replaced with ceiling, at a cost of $35.00. The plaster still falls from t h e middle stairway, and the change should be completed. For this purpose, and for the overdraft already made, I ask t h a t $200 be assigned from t h e state appropriation for buildings and grounds.

T H E H A L F - W A Y HOUSE.

The electric railway company has found it necessary to remove t h e naif-way house in order to make connection between its lines by a curve. The building has been carefully taken apart by the builder, and is now