STATE SCHOLARSHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 95, 23 April 1931, Page 3

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS.

ABOLITION CRITICISED. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S VIEW. NOT FAVOURED IX AUCKLAND. The abolition of national scholarships is not favoured by the Chamber of Commerce. "The opinion has been freely expressed by many of those closely associated with educational matters that the abolition of scholarships is a retrograde one and is opposed to true democratic principles," wrote the executive of the chamber in a letter to the Prime Minister. ''From the inclusion of the provisions in the Finance Act," the letter proceeded, '"it would appear that the financial aspect of the matter is responsible for the proposals, and it has been suggested that a saving at least as great would be achieved if the scholarships were retained and the number of free places reduced by the imposition of a higher standard of qualification. Undoubtedly at present the low standard of free place qualification results in much waste in postprimary education." A further ground for objection is that the proposed change will tend to deny to the children of poorer parents the full benefits of advanced education. If this should happen the loss to the community is incalculable. The president, Mr. A. M. Seaman, said that the executive, in sending the letter, might have overstepped the mark. Mr. F. M. Ilills: I think the subject is quite within the province of the chamber. It shows our general policy. Mr. A. G. Lunn: I think we are working along very sound lines. The action of the executive in sending the letter was confirmed.