METHODS OF SELECTION

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 13

METHODS OF SELECTION

RHODES SCHOLARSHIP NOMINEES DISCUSSION BY ACADEMIC BOARD LIKELY The methods of selecting the nominees for the New Zealand Rhodes Scholarships In the four university colleges will probably be one of the subjects to be given full discussion at the meeting of the New Zealand University Academic Board, which will begin about October 29 in Wellington, according to Dr. J. Hight, rector of Canterbury University College, who discussed the methods of selection in reply to enquiries made by a reporter of "The Press" yesterday. _ "There seems to be some misapprehension in the public mind as to the basis of selection," said Dr. Hight. "People seem to think that ability m sport is the main qualification, but this is not so." He referred to the views of Cecil Rhodes on the subject, quoted in various publications, that the qualities of intellect and character were the main considerations, and that moderate participation in sport was mainly essential, insofar as.it gave access to the social life at the University of Oxford.' The ability to play one game well for this purpose would be considered sufficient. Interest in sporting activities outside the college was not necessarily a qualification. There could not be considered to be any such thing as the "typical Rhodes scholar."

There are slight differences in the methods of\SP'ecting the nominees for the Rhodes Scholarship at the four colleges, and this, according to Dr. Hight, would be likely to come under consideration at the meeting of the A cademic Board. He said that the object was to make for closer approximation in the methods adopted, though pven with the d'ffprences existing there was every faculty for ensuring the seVct'on of the candidates. At all the colleges the final nomination of the candidates is made by the orofessorial board, though there are different mp+hods of ascertaining the opinior -of the student body. At Canferbnry C^l'efe a noil is he'd, and the result is submitted f or consideration bv th» board. M the other collets p.xec<t ; vo of the Students' Association is asked by the board to f*'"ve Us opinion. Any man student having the neresssrv formal cmalifications of at*e and attainments can apply to be considered as a candidate.