RHODES SCHOLARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19504, 12 June 1925, Page 11

RHODES SCHOLARS

TOUR OF INVESTIGATION. STATEMENT BY DR RENDALL. NEW ZEALANDERS RANKED HIGH. A visitor to Dunedin at fho present moment of no small distinction in the scholastic world is Dr M. J. Kendall, who arrived from the north by the through express. Up till last July Dr Rendall occupied tho position of head master of Winchester College, the mother of Eton, and tho oldest public school in tho whole of Great Britain. He is now secretary of the Cecil Rhodes Trust, and is travelling round tho Empire on a tour of investigation for that trust. He is accompanied by his secretary, Mr M. Wright, who has just loft Balliol, Oxford. They are the guests in Dunedin of Mr Colin Gilray, of John M'Glashan College, who was one of the early and distinguished Rhodes Scholars sent forward by Otago University. Dr Kendall courteously granted a brief interview to an Otago Daily Times reporter yesterday, and in tho course of it gave a very concise and informative summary of the position of tho Rhodes Trust. “The Rhodes Trustees,” ho said, “are in charge of the fortune of Mr Cecil Rsodes, a largo part of which, but not the whole, is used to provide scholarships enabling men from the dominions and from America to spend three years at Oxford. The Rhodes Trust is still in its infancy, or rather it has Just escaped that stage as the first scholar’s were elected in 1904-. Naturally the whole system needs perpetual investigation. We wish at Homo to know how the dominions view it, and we are anxious, as far as posaibl, to moot their wishes. For instance, since it was founded 23 additional scholarships have been granted to tho dominions and it is possible--though it is difficult to forecast tho future—that more may bo available. “The constitution of Rhodes Scholarship Committees in various States was first started by Sir George Parkin, who died throe or four years since, and I am to somo extent carrying on tho work which ho started with such ability. I hope to ascertain tho views of committees about ail kinds o I questions, financial, constitutional, and general. Is -the £350 per annum at present granted enough for its purpose? Do the best men come forward for scholarships ? Do they enjoy Oxford and "at tho beat out of it? Are they going at the best ago, which varies at present from 19 to 25? The Rhodes Committees have worked with great zeal and energy. They always have his Excellency the Governor as their chairman and the Chief Justice of the State as a member. Tho task they have is one of great difficulty. They have to chose the best man available who is strong in character, robust in intellect, and fond of manly sport; but it would bo a groat mistake to elect a bookworm however able who had little influence upon others, or an athlete, however distinguished in sport, who has small ability. “I am often asked whether the Rhodes Scholars have justified the money spent upon them. Personally I have no doubt that they have done so abundantly. The benefit has been mutual. Rhodes Scholars, and especially those of New Zealand, whose Intellectual record stands first among all tho dominions, have brought a breath of fresh air which has been much appreciated in Oxford. Tho influence of 200 Rhodes scholars on Oxford, for that is their number at any given time, can hardly bo exaggerated. They have on the other hand gained from Oxford fresh ideals and broad views which perhaps no other university could give them. Those three years spent at Oxford, whatever they do afterwards, are of untold Influence in binding the Empire together. “Disappointment, is often expressed that the Rhodes Scholars have not achieved more on their return to their own country. The answer is obvious. The oldest Rhodes Scholar is still qdite a young man with his future yet to make. Many scholars in Australia and New Zealand arc hoping before long to make themselves felt in politics. A large number are busy in schools and universities handing on the torcli which they have lighted at Oxford. Wo should naturally be glad If most of (hem rose to eminence in their own State. As time passes I believe this Ideal may be to a large extent realised.” Dr Kendall left England on his world tour last October, and so far has visited South Africa, all the States of Australia, and the northern part of New Zealand, lie is now on ills way to Canada, and will also visit the United States. He has visited moat, of tho chief secondary schools in Australia, and also in tho dominion. “I think I should say,” he remarked in response to a lending question, "I have found their tone and general spirit excellent, but there is no doubt they have a long way to go in education before they can reach the standard of the Old Country, The examination fiend is still too much before their eyes', and they are only beginning to learn the right use of leisure.” The interviewer gathered from Dr Kendall that examination nevdr did bulk so largely at Home as they do here. “My boys at Winchester,” he remarked reminiscently, “never thought about examinations. It. was the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.” Dr Kendall is too wise a traveller to be drawn into committing himself deeply to opinions about the country lie is visiting, but lie said he found, like other travellers, that New Zealand was tho place most like England. He has been captivated by its beauty, and said that his outstanding impressions were of its unbounded hospitality and its perhaps unrivalled beauty.