NEW DIPLOMA

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 4, 29 September 1939, Page 6

NEW DIPLOMA

Public Administration Course CONDITIONS APPROVED Conditions tor 'the granting of the diploma in public administration, for which a course is to be instituted at Victoria University College, were adopted by the college council last night. Laying before the council a report, which contained recommendations for the course, and which, lie said, had the unanimous approval ot the advisory committee that had been set up, the principal, Sir Thomas Hunter, said that a special grant had been provided by the Government for the work. A series of public lectures had been given and time spent in preparing a course that it was thought, would suit the needs of the Public Service and local bodies. The college had had the advice of members of the Public Service Association appointed to the advisory committee The actual course for the diploma would lake three years. There were two extra requirements that students must fulfil. A man must give evidence of academic standing and study, and the diploma would not be given till the college was satisfied of a man’s actual experience of public administration. Answering Mr. W. A. Armour, the principal said that attendance at lectures was necessary to a student taking the course. If the diploma were to be of real credit to the college and of value to a man it must be worth earning. They ought ,to aim at giving a diploma that a man could take all over the world. Contact between the student and the college was essential. A man in the Public Service could usually be moved to Wellington if he were suitable. ~ ~ Mr H. A. Parkinson said that, the provision that a candidate must have experience in public administration seemed to exclude all except public servants, which was undesirable. There were men in large commercial institutions who should be considered. The principal said that no such restriction was intended, but they intended to avoid giving the diploma to people who had had no experience of administration. Mr. M. F. Luckie asked if the committee was satisfied that the diploma would be worth wdiile. A gift was iiiecessary for success in an administrative post, and there were men without secondary education who could run rings round any man that the diploma course would produce. Mr. W. P. Rollings: That occurs in all branches of education. Mr. Justice Smith said the object of the course was to produce a number of men who would be able to take charge of public administration, and he asked why any should be expected to. obtain their experience in private business. The principal agreed, but said he would be sorry to see such a restriction.

The report was adopted after an amendment intended to remove any implication that the course was restricted to public servants. Before a candidate begins the course, he must have passed certain subjects,' for the B.A. or LL.B. degree. There will be a preliminary examination atj the end of the first year and a final, examination at the end of the second; year. A candidate Who begins hisj course in 1940 or 1941 may be exempted from passing in some of the prerequi-' site subjects. ■' It was reported that Mr. R. S. Parker had arrived to take up his duties as lecturer on public administration, i