RHODES SCHOLARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21983, 14 December 1934, Page 10

RHODES SCHOLARS

NEW ZEALAND HOLDERS

QUESTION OF COMING HOME

SINNERS" WHO STAY AWAY

[from our own correspondent]

LONDON. Nov. 6

The discussion regarding Rhodes Scholars not returning to their own countries was referred to by Dr. A. E. Porritt, a Rhodes Scholar, at the annual dinner in London of graduates of the University of New Zealand. He said he believed that a certain proportion of New Zealand students who remained here could do, and had done, as much good work in England and in other parts of the world for New Zealand as if they returned to the Dominion. Rhodes in his will wished the Rhodes Scholars to return to imbue the Dominions with the spirit that they acquired at Oxford That was quite true, but the further point had to be remembered, that a certain number must remain away to keep alive in England and other places the points of view of their own Dominions.

Recently in circularising Otago Rhodes scholars, said Dr. Porritt, he found that 50 per cent were not in New Zealand. Very few were in England, and the remainder were distributed over Europe, America, India, China, Canada and South Africa. Their influence was being spread throughout the world, and he was sure that was what Rhodes intended rather than that it should be narrowed, to a period of three years in England and then a return to one's own Dominion.

Throe years ago the selection committee in New Zealand would not elect any Rhodes Scholars. That action on the part of the committee had made a very favourable impression here, and had set a good example to other countries to retain the high standard of selection in their choice of Rhodes Scholars. New Zealand graduates and undergraduates had a great responsibility here. The true welcome they received in England was largely the result of the reputation built up by the New Zealanders during the war. It ■was for the present generation of students, therefore, to see that this prestige, for which they were not responsible, was permanently retained. Lord Rutherford of Nelson, chairman of the gathering, said that the University of New Zealand was a very flourishing institution, as was shown by the quality of the young people who had been sent to this country. The real danger to New Zealand was that those scholars, instead of going back to help their native land, were competing with Englishmen for the best jobs. "I am one of the sinners," added Lord Rutherford. "While it is an advantage to this country, it is a real disadvantage to the Dominion. I leave myself out as a back number. It is a real disadvantage that so many of the better educated —presumably the most intelligent—young people should leave their countrv for their country's good." The same thing was happening in Canada, the brilliant students crossing the border to the United States.