THE HEITIKI CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19657, 8 June 1927, Page 8

THE HEITIKI CLUB.

UNIVERSITY GATHERING. NEW ZEALANDERS AT CAMBRIDGE [from odr own correspondent.] LONDON, May 6. Earl Jellicoe and Sir Ernest Rutherford Were again the guests of honour at the annual dinner of the Heitiki Club, held on April 29 at the Bull Hotel, Cambridge. Thero were 36 present, a larger number than last year, which showed the gradually increasing popularity of this University Club among New Zealandera. After the King had been toasted, Mr. J. N. Peart, the ex-president, proposed "New Zealand." He reminded the assembled company of the importance of returning to New Zealand, as soon as their time had ceased at the university, in order that New Zealand might gain from the experience her sons had gathered abroad. It was impossible, he stated by way of excusing his presence in the country, for him to leave England at that moment, unless the Government made a special grant to assist educated New Zealanders back again. (Laughter.) Sir Ernest Rutherford, in replying, indicated the privileged position that New Zealanders held over the Colonials in England. He recalled an old saying which he had heard many times: "They always back up the Old Country through thick and thin"; and this clearly showed that the true Imperial spirit existed in the hearts of all New Zealanders. The environment and the. stock from which they sprang each showed itself in the successes which New Zealanderg achieved while at the universities; but at the same time he hoped they would never forget the obligation which they owed to New Zealand.

Mr. 0. F. McHardy (president) proposed the health of the guests and regretted that this time the High Commissioner was unable to attend, as it was necessary for him to .unveil a war memorial in Jerusalem.

Earl Jellicoe, in replying, said he appreciated very much the hospitality of the Heitiki Club. Ho wished to return some day to New Zealand, and if he could seize the opportunity it would be to stay there a considerable time. All the soldiers had set a very high standard during the war, and it behoved everyone who was able to take part in the public life of New Zealand, so that it could be said each man had done his be3t for the country whether in times of war or peace. (Applause.) Mr. B. Elliot (secretary) proposed the "University," to which Mr. L. G. H. Greenwood, M.A., replied. The tradi-, tions of Cambridge were not half so im- 1 portant as the associations which formed an inseparable part of the university, he stated. He had noticed recently in a j modern university that the undergraduates were not an integral part of it; they arrived at 9 in the morning, from the suburbs, and departed at 5 p.m., like so many workingmen. It was very important for New Zealanders to spread in greater quantities and more evenly over Cambridge, instead of congregating at 1 pne .college and consequently forming a I

In conclusion he trusted that the Government would give posts not to those who have spent all their lives in New Zealand, nor to any Englishmen, but to the New Zealander who had travelled and gained knowledge and experience at either g>[ the university.