The New Zealand Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1910. UNIVERSITY REFORM

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7142, 1 June 1910, Page 6

The New Zealand Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1910. UNIVERSITY REFORM

Though opinions will differ, and differ widely, as to the precise manner in which the Now Zealand University ought to be reformed, if at all, there are few people, we should imagine, who are prepared to deny the wisdom of ; having the system reviewed by some : competent advisory authority. Wo have not yet arrived at a stage makins | it necessary to consider particular methods of training and examination, , but a position has been reached when it seems almost imperative that the i people of this Dominion should be as- \ sured upon points of very real importance to every section of society. Broadly, they are these: Whather the University is discharging with the highest degree of efficiency the functions expected of it by the State; whether the training its students receive is given upon lines which the accumulated experience of this and other countries pronounces.to be best. As Mr Herdman and Mr Harold Johnston very rightly pointed out at last night's meetins, these two questions are of the greatest significance, for they impinge upon tho national life of the race with unquestioned force. In these days _ when higher training and specialisation in knoarledge and research taw crystal-

Used into a world policy only the most wilful disregard of our needs and the future of our children could allow us to sit down with folded hands and bandaged eyes, oblivious to every lesson of modern life. Even those who are not prepared to associate themselves just yet with any specific "platform" in regard to. the University will find themselves in agreement with the reasonable attitude taken by the two, gentlemen to whom we have referred. Their concern is for light on a subject that will well bear illumination, and it is this the Eoform Association has been formed to obtain. We hope the association, which is by no means restricted to individuals of one idea, will succeed in impressing upon constituted authority the desirableness of giving the community the information it is so properly entitled to.

The speeches made by Professors Von Zcdlitz and Easterfield last night were an impressive argument, not only for reform in special directions, but particularly for having our system subjected to review from top to bottom. For years past there has been an uneasy suspicion in the public mind that the University has not met requirements, and that its real usefulness is subjected to a heavy discount' by reason of faulty methods. This suspicion has latterly in some quarters irrown into conviction, and when we have two of the professors telling a public assemblage that our University system is a fraud on the students most people will come- to the conclusion • that it is time something of a practical character were done, either to remove the cause of this indictment or to show the protest to be unfounded. When it is remembered that these -two professors are dealing with essentially modern subjects—<me of them Languages and the other Chemistry—the incident is one not to be lightly dismissed. Indeed, Professor Von Zedlitz does not hesitate to express his belief that the University course in literature : is so much humbug. Professor Basterfield's condemnation of the science course is no less sweeping, for he feels driven to tho conclusion that the University is granting degrees in science which have no positive use whatever. Whether a man is a " conservative" or a " reformer " can hardly make much difference to his attitude in the face of evidenco like this, for without subscribing to any of the reforms suggested by the professors it must surely be conceded that a prima facie case has been made out for investigation. If half of what we Were told last night be true it is not a question of,how much loncer this archaic system .will survive, but of how quickly relief from its frozenstupidity can be obtained. With the people in whose hands the practical work of training University students rests clamouring for reform and tho l.head of the Education Department telling us that all we hear about outside examinations is a story of cock and bull, the University problem becomes one for all intelligent citizens to take an immediate interest in.

It would be a- fatal mistake if the newly formed association : commenced groping about for definite Bchem.es of reform on.which, its members could agree. It has not, we take it, been called into existence for the futile purpose of considering the relative virtues of the many suggestions that will be forthcoming under that head, but to determine whether the need for reform exists. That is a simple issue, the sole question being—Can the New Zealand University be improved? If the association believes it con, the next step will be to decide upon the best way of bringing about this improvement or reform, or whatever it may be called. A Eoyai Commission , has been suggested. There is much to bo said for this proposal. A "change in the constitution of the Senate is another suggestion, but is hardly so promising. It. has been, represented to us that as Parliament will meet in a few weeks it would bo a good idea if the Roform Association were to put its case before the Prime Minister and the Minister for Education as soon as -possible, and that it should suggest referring, the matter to a special Parliamentary Committee. This committee, could hear evidence from a limited number of witnesses, weigh their suggestions, and, if thought desirable, recommend the manner in which the problem of reform. should be first approached. The main thing, of course, is to get the .problem reduced to definite shape- Specific reforms can be debated by Professorial Boards, the Senate, Reform Associations, Parliament, and private individuals when some'common standing place has been. provided. Until that is obtained there is no need, for developing division of opinion upon details. If a Boyal Commission was appointed the Eeform Association would have very useful opportunities for going more deeply into the subject than it would be pnident to attempt just at ' present. Now that such an association has "been formed it is to be hoped no time will; be lost in making its existence officially known to constituted authority.