RHODES SCHOLARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19452, 7 October 1926, Page 8

RHODES SCHOLARS.

Sir, —On September 14 last there was published in your paper an anonymous statement made by a member of the University Senate to the effect that under present conditions Rhodes Scholars were being selected whose records were rather disappointing. The same issue of the Herald contained a leading article which suggested that this comment was uncalled for. In yonr issue of October 1. however, there appeared in your leading columns a quotation from the Melbourne Argus, which contained serious reflections upon the public spirit of Australian Rhodes scholars. As the article in question contains a serious reproach against a very small class of people, it can hardly be allowed to pass without comment. The main grievance to wliiclr voice is given in the article concerned is that Rhodes scholars have made "few attempts at unselfish public leadership." While many Rhodes scholars wero killed in the war, and most of the other (who were old enough at the. time) saw active service, it is certain that few of those who t have returned fo their own respective countries have taken a prominent part in public life. It is doubtful whether any change in the method of selection yould improve matters. At present the candidates <jre nominated by the professors and students of their respective colleges. The final selection is made by a committee, the majority of whom are responsible and experienced public men, and who arc provided with detailed information as to the records and characters of the candidates. If the successful candidates are not the best all-round students of their year, they have at least a respectable claim to that honour. At Oxford their records appear to be good, while the recent award of a second scholarship to this country seems to indicate that the authorities of that university would like to have more of our Rhodes scholars under their charge. Ihe method of selection seems effective enough It must, however, be admitted that whenever a Rhodes scholar returns to his own country there is an end to him. Most of them, accordinglv, remain abroad. The apparent inaction of those who return may be ascribed to two reasons. One is the suspicion with which anyone of scholastic attainments is regarded :n a young country. The other is the publicity to which Rhodes scholars arc subjected. They, are, a,s it were, in the situation of a bottle on a post. A bottle is a very useful article. It ;s the most suitable instrument for the carriage of liquids that the ingenuity of man lias yet been able to devise. Yet a bottle set on upon a post will seldom be applied to the profitable use for which it was designed. It will more often be used as a target. So it is with Rhodes scholars. Perhaps this is what the Argus article means when it says that they are " men set ajart." They go away to Lngland amidst a flourish of trumpets as tbe country's representatives. I hey come back, if at all, as unemployed young men looking for a job. They "are hardly in a position to -enter public life. It would be better for them if immediate use were made of their faculties. It might also be better for the country; for in Great Britain, where we carrv out extensivo immigration campaigns,* unfavourable comment is made upon the fact that colonial Rhodes scholars, who may bo taken to know the conditions existing in their own countries, show a marked tendency -to remain away from home. But these are merely utilitarian considerations. There are compensations. The difference, between a Rhodes scholar's situation when he comes home and his siuation when ho goes away will save him from sinful pride. It is also amusing to outsiders, and there is little enough funuseiment in life. Let us prolong what we havo. A. F. Meldtium, B.C.L. (Oxou) LL.B (N.Z.) Hamilton