Educational Bursaries

Evening Star, Issue 26038, 28 February 1947, Page 5

Educational Bursaries

Worthy Effort of R.S.A. In last week’s column an attempt was made to give an outline of the relief work carried out by the R.S.A. The granting of educational bursaries is part of that work and it is intended in this article to cover the subject more fully.

The excellent work of the R.S.A. in many spheres of activity is not as well known as it should be, often among members of the association themselves. Many go so far as to complain of the size of the subscription they are asked to pay—lss per annum—and state that in their opinion they do not obtain a great enough return for their money. It is hoped that with a wider knowledge of the many and varied works of the association carried on steadily year by year, members will come to a fuller realisation of the place the R.S.A. holds in the community, and will be less ready to complain and more willing to contribute in every way to helping to keep the R.S.A. the vital force it is. Therefore, to a consideration of the educational bursaries granted by the association, the R.S.A. realises with everyone else that when a young family is deprived of the support of a father, either totally or partially,

through death or disablement, one aspect of .their lives: that is likely to suffer is their education. In many cases-: thechildren.".must of necessity start work at an early age because there is insufficient money to carry on their education or because their wages are required to help with other members of the family. So, by means of bursaries, the R.S.A. endeavours to ensure that such children who wish to can proceed as far as they like with their education. In this form of assistance the R.S.A. pays out in bursaries up to £6OO per annum. The number of bursaries varies each year from 20 to 40, so that if-you look back over the last 20 years you realise that the association has allotted some 400-800 bursaries, with a total monetary output of from £IO,OOO-£12,000 —a very fine' record. The work does not stop with a monetary grant. The association is in constant touch with the head master or principal- of the school, college, or other institution which the bursar attends. Close personal attention is given to school reports and every care taken to see that the proper advice and encouragement is given. As in other forms of relief work, the association, through its Educational Committee, co-operates with other public bodies. Because otf its standing and close association with such bodies, the R.S.A. is'able to bring very con-

■rlerable resources to its aid in granting educational help to the children of deceased or disabled servicemen.

The work is not spectacular. Reports of good steady progress on the part of the bursars is the only result to the R.S.A. Occasionally, however, a case that is news comes along. The latent case that is worthy of a special mention is that of a student who was assisted by a bursary, and has now been appointed to a high post as lecturer in the Melbourne University. As with other forms of relief, assistance is granted to all ex-servicemen, whether members of the association or not. Further, it is not confined to the dependants of servicemen killed or disabled on service. The dependants of those who have died or been disabled or fallen into difficulties since their return from service are all assisted where possible by the association. The need for such assistance will always be present. To meet it the R.S.A. must be maintained as a strong and vigorous association, and only the members by their loyal and _ wholehearted support can so.maintain it. Thoughtful Gesture. In July, 1944, when the New Zealand Divison was near Lake Trasimeno, the majority of the men of the Fourth Reinforcement were withdrawn to New Zealand on furlough. One of those involved was a member of the “I” Section of the 22nd Battalion, to whom his fellow-members made a cash presentation of 2,000 lire, the equivalent of £6 5s in New Zealand currency. The recipient of the money sought some worthy use for the money, and has now paid in the £6 5s to the “Food for England ” fund organised by tlieJßoyal Society of St. George. The donation was made in the name of “ Personnel. Intelligence Section, 22nd Battalion, 2nd NTZ.E.F.” Members of the unit who subscribed to the presentation will be interested to learn that their sacrifice of many days’ pay in 1944 will help out the meagre rations of some deserving English families in 1947.