ACADEMIC ROBES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20421, 25 November 1929, Page 14

ACADEMIC ROBES.

Sir, —I think the views expressed by "A Graduate" on the subject of academic robes require comment. He (or she) gives three reasons for compelling students to wear gowns;— The need to. fall into line with English practice, the vital necessity to add to the dignity of students, and the need for providing employment. With regard to the first, I believe that those connected with our colleges are too eager to copy the English universities. It would be better if they were to leave the New Zealand University to develop a tradition of its own more suitable to the needs, views and temperament of the New Zealand people. I admit that occasionally the students are less dignified than is wise, but the time has passed when the mere enveloping one's person in voluminous garments adds to one's dignity. The third reason "A Graduate" gives is hardly worthy of comment. It is an example of the economic fallacy that is assisting to drive most civilised countries into financial difficulties. With regard to the comparison between the cost of gowns and of tennis racquets I will simply remark that the playing of tennis is not compulsory. In addition to the objections indicated £bove I would add the following:—(1) Gowns are a confounded nuisance; (2) they are dirty; (3) they are drab; if they were red and blue and green and yellow it would be something in their favour; (4) they are ridiculous—as ridiculous as a top hat; (5) the students do not want them—if they did they would wear them without compulsion. Finally, I must express surprise that the Students' Association executive have proposed this rule. They are supposed to represent the students, a difficult enough task, and they should kno\£ the feeling of the students in the matter. , I may be mistaken in believing that do "not. John Domele.