THE UNIVERSITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22524, 15 September 1936, Page 13

THE UNIVERSITY

tWHAT LAWYERS THINK SANGER OF STATE CONTROL "claim upon individuals EXAMPLES FROM AUSTRALIA BY INVESTIGATOR The following is the third in the series of articles commissioned by the Hebald on "The College and the Community." "Emphatically I am not one of those tvho think it is the business of the Government to provide all, or oven substantially all, the funds necessary for the conduct of a university." So said Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C., vice-presi-dent of the New Zealand Law Society, when, continuing my investigation, I interviewed members of the legal world. "The Government,',' continued Mr. Johnstone, "ought to help and help liberally. But there are good reasons why a university should not be wholly dependent on the State. To mention only one —the State which pays the • piper may not unnaturally wish to call the and it is obviously undesirable that party politics should enter into matters of university policy. Universities in England

"During the latter half of last century six colleges, all of which subsequently became universities, were founded in England by private endowments. Although in later times all these universities received large grants from the State, they have always maintained their academic, independence. Again, when the University of Cambridge found itself obliged in 1920 to seek financial assistance from the British Government, the Chancellor of the university, the Rt. Hon. A. J. Balfour, as he then was, indicated that the grant, if made, must be made unconditionally, otherwise the university would prefer not to receive it. "It is," said Mr. Johnstone, "vitally essential to the existence of a university that the public should regard it as an object of civic pride, worthy of benefaction. The population of the City of Adelaide is not much larger than that of the City of Auckland, and the University "of Adelaide was founded only eight years earlier than Auckland University College; yet, whereas the endowments of Auckland University College are negligible, the University of Adelaide has received in private benefaction not less than £350,000. Harvard Begun With £BSO

"Consider," said Mr. Johnstone, taking a book down from his shelves, "consider these impressive gifts to the University of Adelaide —£64,000 from J. H. Angas. some £IOO.OOO from Sir Thomas Elder, £29,000 from Robert Barr Smith and family, £IOO.OOO from Peter Waite. £15.000 from the family of John Darling, £12.000 from Mrs. G. Ai Jurv, £30.000 from Mrs. Jane Marks, £20.000 from Mrs. A. M. Simpson and Miss A. F. Keith Sheridan, £40.000 from Sir Langdon Bonython—and that does not by any means exhaust the list. "It may be said that there are few men m Auckland who could give £IOO,OOO, to the college. But there are many who could give £IO,OOO, many more who could give £IOOO. "In 1643." continued Mr. Johnstone, "a citizen of Boston writing to friends in England mentioned that one of the thinss 'longed lor and looked' after was to advance learning and to perpetuate it to posteritv.' In his letter, theeitizen of Boston adds: 'As we were thinking and consulting how to effect this great work, it pleased God to stir up m the heart of one Mr. Harvard (a godly gentleman and lover of lea mine then living among turt, to give one half of his (it leinc in all £l/00)., toward the erecting of a college (sic), and all his library.' . . "From this small beginning rose the great University of Harvard. Importance of Universities

"The nobility and the importance of the purpose served by the private benefaction of universities, especially in young countries such as Qwrs, is well expressed in the words- of Sir Samuel Wilson, i " \ „ . ' "Notifying the Chancellor of the University of Melbourne of his desire to defray the cost of the splendid hall which now bears his name, as a mark of his gratitude to the institution most v worthv of his aid, Sir Samuel explained that he made the gift because V the high educational standards which it maintains, the university enables men of talent and industry,' without distinction of station in life or of religious belief, to fit themselves for any position to which they may attain, whether as | -merchants, professional men, resident landowners, or statesmen, whose duty it will be to guide the destiny- of this young but growing country, the future ; greatness-of which no one can doubt. "Auckland University College. Mr. Johnstone went on. "has existed for over 50 years in a district by no means devoid of wealth. I say existed because no university can flourish in an atmosphere of apathy, poverty and indiffer- , erice. ' Fund Suggested

"When the War Memorial Museum wis wanted in Auckland, the sum required to build it, approximately £250,000, was soon There " seems to be no reason why a citizens committee should not be formed for . the purpose of gathering funds with which adequately to endow the university college." Mr. L. K. Munro, president of the Auckland District Law Society, agreed with Mr- Johnstone in believing that the college had a strong claim on private benefaction. "Where the State gives money," said Mr. Munro, "it is apt to assume control. It would indeed be a pity if the State, by virtue of the support it gives, should thus assume control of Auckland University College. The dignity and independence of the college /alike demand that it should receive the support of individuals. "Auckland has never displayed the interest in education which is characteristic of Christchurch and Dunedin, and "* though there are signs that interest in university education is increasing here we have s|ill a long way to go. Graduates and the Law

"There is a body of responsible that Auckland University College is producing graduates who take their place with distinction in the legal profession. I have, however, observed with regret that many lawyers look upon the college merely as a place from which they obtain their qualifications. They do not, unfortunately, regard the college as a seat of learning to which they owe affection and support. "I sould like to emphasise, however, . that there is a minority of whom this is not true, and some men at the top of their/profession devote time they can ill spare to helping the college.' ; Mr. Munro agreed with previous speakers that the college had an urgent duty to relate itself closely to the life of the community. It was difficult to suggest ways and means, but much, he thought might be done by means or public addresses and greater»use of • the rac^io.