HIGHER EDUCATION

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12185, 9 July 1925, Page 6

HIGHER EDUCATION

“WELL-TO-DO SUBSIDISED” OPINION OF DR HIGHT. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH July 8. “Subsidising the well-to-do” was the way Dr J. Hight described the working of the university system of engineering and medical schools when he was giving evidence before the commission today. Dr Hight, who is a dean of the faculty of commerce and law at the Canterbury College, said he considered there was a lack of public knowledge of university ideals, functions, and life. Sir Harry Reiohel: Does the system tend to confuse, in l the public mind, the functions of the teacher and the crammer, and also to confuse the ideals of university activity?—Yes. Dr Hight stated that hundreds of thousands of pounds were being spent on the special schools, but that seemed to_ be subsidising the well-to-do, ’ as only those with means could attend, the medical and engineering schools. This meant that a great many students who qualified in medicine, engineering and law were of an inferior calibre to the men who might be obtained if there was a reasonable system of assisting deserving students. Under the present regulations no one could graduate in medicine unless lie had means of his own. Mr Tate said that in liis own State the Government scholarship took the student to the end of his course, whether it was arts or medicine. Dr Hight: A lot is snid of medicine and law beiiijr overcrowded, but that is due to many of the men being third and fourth-rate. Sir Harry llcicbel: A higher entrance examination might reduce the number, and the quality would bo still further affected by a system of scholarships for young fellows of real ability who otherwise could not- go to the university?—Yen. Mr Tate (to Dr Hight): You consider that third-rate men are superfluous at any time?—Yes. Dr Hight: As you know, tho lawyer in New Zealand has many functions'. Mr Tate: Yes. Have you yet managed to get rid of your bush lawyers ?