PUBLIC SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23002, 1 April 1938, Page 11

PUBLIC SERVICE

POSTS FOE GBADUATES BETTER OPPORTUNITIES DEPUTATION FROM STUDENTS J 1 S' PRIME MINISTER'S ASSURANCE [BY TELEGIIAFH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] " WELLINGTON, Thursday "I would like to give you ian assurance that I personally—and here I speak also for the Government—will do .everything possible to widen the opportunities not only for the university graduate, but for all those who are leaving our schools and colleges," stated the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, in receiving a deputation to-day from I;he New Zealand University Students' Association seeking better opportunities for graduates to enter the Public Service." The Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Praser, and the Solicitor-General, Mr. H. H. Cornish, were also present. A point stressed by the deputation was that the best itien required in New Zealand, but the. best did not always remain in it. It was suggested that a committee should be set up to inquire into the relationship between the Universities and the public service and to see if the educational system could not be made to dovetail more satisfactorily with the public service. Vital Question

"You have raised a question of the first importance to our young people," said Mr. Savage. "It is vitally important because it is part ojjj the national problem of providing more opportunity within New Zealand for making the best use of knowledge and the highest educational training. "Probably more has been done to provide opportunities for university graduates in the last two years than has been done in the previous 15 years. Many new activities have been undertaken by the Government, and some new departments have been set up, and the services of trained university men hare been catered for. Provision was made for them to be employed whatever their age, and they were given salaries which were fitting to their age, knowledge and experience.

Work for Engineers "The Government's public works policy has made a large number of openings for men with engineering degrees, and a number of these have been given, employment. Of course, the Government cannot promise to take on everybody on these conditions of employment, merely because he has a degree, but a great many have been absorbed, and I am sure that when the students know these facts they will realise that what they are asking for. now is, in fact, being given to th£m. "I have always thought it a most serious matter that our most gifted .scholars, scientists, doctors, engineers and journalists, trained in bur, NewZealand universities, should go abroad to positions offering more opportunity for advancement than they can obtain in their own country," added Mr. Savage. "Some of them have gained high distinction, and all of them have at least shown sufficient merit to hold talent. I venture to say that none of them would remain abroad if they could secure the same positions in their native land." Authoritative Inquiry Mr. Frasev, after the submission of a list of names suggested for the committee's personnel, said that for the inquiry to carry any weight it needed people well equipped. "This is a bigger thing than you contemplate., and we will be pleased to cooperate in an authoritative inquiry, added the Minister. "The public Service is giving more service than it is sometimes credited with, and there is a lot of loose talk about best brains being forced to leave the country because there is no opening for them here. "It may be that our education system is better than that of other countries, with the result that more talented individuals are turned out than there are positions for." The Minister said that to place these men in subordinate positions was a sheer waste. He arid Mr. Gornish would go into the matter, and an authoritive inquiry into the whole question would be undertaken.