The Press MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1936. The Export of Brains

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21941, 16 November 1936, Page 8

The Press MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1936. The Export of Brains

In a speech in Wellington at a function in honour of Mr J. E. Lovelock the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, made the disturbing revelation that the percentage of Rhodes scholars returning to New Zealand is the smallest for any country in which Rhodes scholarships are awarded. There are, unfortunately, no figures available for the various post-gradu-ate scholarships awarded by the University of New Zealand; but it is safe to assert that only a very small percentage of the holders return to New Zealand. The truth seems to be that even’ year this country exports the cream of its university students, most of whom find their life work in other parts of the Empire. Mr Lovelock’s case has attracted attention because he has made himself famous throughout the world as an athlete; and there are indications that some special effort will be made to induce him to return to New Zealand when he has completed his medical course. But it is no, belittlement of Mr Lovelock’s very remarkable qualities to say that there are dozens more New Zealanders at present studying overseas who, although their names are unknown, are quite as capable as he is of rendering valuable service to their country. As things are, the odds are heavily against their returning. That is not because New Zealanders are deficient in affection for their country; nor is it because 'monetary rewards in New Zealand are smaller than in other parts of the Empire. Most men of exceptional and highly-trained ability are more concerned to find scope* for that ability than to secure well-paid positions. The real reason why young New Zealanders who go abroad stay abroad is that they find it extremely difficult to return to positions which offer them a reasonable chance to use and develop their capacities. Most university graduates are fitted for academic work, teaching, or administration. The New Zealand University is so seriously understaffed that men who hope to do original work or research find the positions it has to offer unattractive. As for the teaching service, it is sufficient to say that a prospective teacher who supplemehts his training by going to an overseas university will be in a worse position than if he had remained in New Zealand, The public service, which ought tj be the main avenue of employment for Rhodes scholars and post-graduate students, and which is sadly in need of the sort of ability that these men have to offer, is virtually a closed corporation. Not only is there no administrative division for recruiting men who continue their education into the early twenties, but the Public Service Act makes it impossible for a position of any importance to be filled otherwise than by promotion from below or by transfer from some other department. Though there are some exceptions to this rule, they are negligible in practice. Strange as.it may seem, New Zealand university graduates at English universities find it easier to enter the British colonial civil service than to become civil servants in their own country. Such a situation is a reflection on the intelligence of the New Zealand people; and it must be hoped that the remarks of the Chief Justice will-bring about some change.