LAW AND MEDICINE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18429, 9 July 1925, Page 16

LAW AND MEDICINE.

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM CRITICISED. "Subsidising the well-to-do" was the way Dr. J. Hight described the working of the University system of engineering and medical schools, when he was giving evidence yesterday before tlio Royal Commission, set up to consider university education in tho Dominion. The Commission, which, is at present sitting in Christchurch, consists of Sir Hiarry R. Reichel, Principal of the University of Wales, and Mi Jb\ Tate, i/irector of Education in Victoria. Dr. Hight, who is the dean of t1.3 FiiC-Jiy ot Commerce and Law at Canter uary College, said lie considered that there was a lack of public knowledge of university ideals, functions and life.

feir Harry: Does the system tend to confuse in the public mind the functions of the teacher and the crammer, and also to confuse the ideals of university activity ? —Yes Dr. Highfc stated that hundreds of thousands of pounds were being spent on the special schools, but that seemed to Le subsidising the as only those with means couid attend the medical and engineering schools. This meant that a great many students who qualified in medicine, engineering and law were of inferior calibre to the men who might be obtained if there was a reasonable system of assisting deserving students. Under the present regulations no one could graduate in medicine unless he had means of his own.

Mr Tate said that in his o-cn State ,the Government Scholarship took the student to the end of his course, whether it was arts or medicine. I>r. Hight: A lot is said of medicine and law being overcrowded, but that is due to many of the men being third and fourth rate. Sir Harry: A higher entrance examination might reduce the number and the quality would be still further affected by a system of scholarships for young fellows of real ability, who otherwise could not go to the University? —Yes.

Mr Tate (to Dr. Hight): You consider that third rate men are superfluous at any time? —Yes. Dr. Hight: As you know, the lawyer in New Zealand has many functions. Mr Tate: Yes, have you yet managed to get rid of your bush lawyers ? -t