GRADUANDS’ FUNCTION

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 2

GRADUANDS’ FUNCTION

60 At Buffet Tea

Women graduands from the University of Canterbury were entertained to a buffet tea by the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Federation of University Women at Jellicoe Hall last evening. About 60 graduands present were welcomed by the president of the association (Dr. F. M. Harding), the vice-presidents (Mesdames R. K. Baker, B. Muir, and F. M. Suggate), and the secretary (Miss B. Hale).

Officially-invited guests were Lady Mallaby (wife of the United Kingdom High Commissioner to New Zealand), the Mayoress (Mrs G. Manning), and Mrs D. W. Bain (wife of the Chancellor of the University of Canterbury). After congratulating the women on gaining their degrees, Dr. Harding spoke of the advantages of higher education, which, although appreciated within the university, often lacked acknowledgement from the average New Zealander.

“You should have an appreciation of what is good, and a knowledge of something first-rate,” said Dr. Harding. “You should have industry, patience, and wide interests.”

Lady Mallaby also spoke of the importance of the wide interests and high standards acquired at university. “The easy acceptance of the second rate is the cause of much delinquency,” she said. “An awake, eager mind is a precious gift, and although you will begin with humble, unexciting duties, you can go on to fascinating, unexpected things.” Lady Mallaby congratulated all the graduands, and especially Miss S. Page, who is the first New Zealand woman to win the 1851 Science Exhibition Scholarship. She will shortly leave for further study in England.

All the graduands were presented with rosettes by Lady Mallaby.