VETERINARY SCIENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 11

VETERINARY SCIENCE

NO DOMINION COURSE MEN GREATLY NEEDED BURSARIES TO BE SOUGHT A proposal tli.it bursaries be provided to assist New Zealand students to take veterinary science courses overseas was endorsed yesterday by the New Zealand University Senate, which resolved to approach the Government in regard to the matter. The executive committee of the senate submitted a letter which it had received last May from the then director of the Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, Professor R. K. Alexander, urging that action be taken. The letter stated that there was a constant demand for veterinary surgeons in New Zealand and 30 of them were in the employ of the Government. These men were usually imported from England or Scotland, and six wore then on their way to the Dominion. No course in veterinary science was provided in New Zealand, although many students would take one if it were available, thus relieving the pressure of candidates for all professions. Three Lincoln College students had lately gone overseas to obtain degrees in the subject. Higher leaving certificates and junior university scholarships were available for practically every university course except veterinary science. The board of the Canterbury Agricultural College had resolved to take steps to secure support for a request to the proper authorities to make available for students pursuing veterinary science courses at approved colleges overseas the same assistance in the shape of scholarships, bursaries, etc., as would be available if they were pursuing courses in New Zealand. Professor H. G. Denham, who is chairman of the board of the Canterbury Agricultural College, speaking in support of the proposal, said the adoption of intensive grazing in New Zealand had' led to an increase in stock diseases, and these required veterinary treatment to keep them in check. Statistics showed that 2.000.000 sheep had died in the Dominion in one year, mostly from disease. A veterinary science course had been instituted a number of years ago, but there had been no demand for it because intensive grazing bad not then been brought into practice. In addition to the three students mentioned in the letter, he knew of one other who contemplated going to Australia for a veterinary course. Professor Denham moved that the Government be asked to make suitable provision for bursaries to enable students to pursue studies in veterinary science. The motion was carried.