OXFORD SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21987, 23 June 1933, Page 10

OXFORD SOCIETY

WORLD-WIDE FEDERATION

“ SPIRIT OF NEIGHBOURLINESS ”

Having as its aim the binding together in a world-wide federation of former students of the University of Oxford, the Oxford Society was established hist year under the encouragement of the Chancellor of the University (Viscount Grey, of Falloden). Some of the ideals which actuated the founders of the society and a resume of the progress which had so far been made towards realising these were given to a Daily Times reporter last evening by Mr E. L. Jones, who acted as secretary to the society up till the end of last year and bore a large share of the initial work of organisation. At the outset, Mr Jones explained that the formation of the society had been undertaken in an attempt by men who had had the privilege of membership of Oxford University to give practical expression to the definition of a good citizen which had recently been enunciated by the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness, speaking of British citizenship, had stated that he would like it to be said of citizens of the Empire that “they were the best of neighbours.” It had been realised, said Mr Jones, that men who had been moulded by the influence of Oxford were under a deep debt of gratitude to their university, and that it was incumbent upon them to endeavour to give some service in return to those younger men and women who were about to become Oxford students or who, having completed their training, were standing on the threshold of life. It was estimated that there were to-day some 50,000 Oxford men scattered over the world. They were in every country of importance from the equator to the poles, they represented every profession, and from among them had come many leaders in the Empire’s life. Of this number, however, more than two-thirds were now out of touch with their university. The founders of the society had seen that the vast influence which could be brought to bear by these former students for the benefit of Oxford men generally, and of younger men in particular, was being lost through a lack of organisation. This was regarded as being especially unfortunate in view of the fact that the men who were leaving the University to-day to take up life in a world in the throes of depression were facing a task infinitely more difficult than that which confronted the Oxford student of a decade ago.- Furthermore, the undergraduate of the present time were the sons and daughters of the generation which had lost so many of its members in the war., Hundreds of these young people were, therefore, entering upon a life new to them and beset with many problems, while deprived of the benefit of a father’s advice and influence. It was felt that, in accordance with the spirit of “ good neighbourliness ” and in return for what Oxford had done for them, old university men should lend a helping hand to these orphans of the war. The society , would also oiler, through its group scattered over the world, assistance to members who found themselves cut off from home ties and in a strange land. Thus a young man going to Shanghai, or Toronto, or Calcutta would find himself introduced to men with similar traditions and culture, who would bo able to assist him in innumerable ways in adapting himself to new conditions. The ideal of the society was “ service rather than benefit,” and it would be the duty of every member to offer the hand of friendship to other members of their great federation.

Membership was open to anyone who had matriculated at Oxford. At the present time the number who had linked themselves with the society was in the vicinity of 8000, but it was the aim of the founders to obtain a total membership, comprised of groups throughout the world, of from 20,000 to 25,000. Correspondents were appointed in local groups, and by means of this great system of intercommunication Oxford men returning to England from overseas were welcomed back to the university, and their sons and daughters going up to the university were helped and guided. In England more than 150 local groups had been formed. It was intended to classify members according to their professions, with the ultimate idea of having at the disposal of the society expert advice, which would be available for the young graduate in* the choice and furtherance of his career. An Oxford University idea has bom adopted by the society in its selection of title for the head of the organisation. The various colleges have what are known as “visitors.” These are usually persons of high distinction who give to their colleges the benefit of their ripe experience in the form of general guidance and supervision. For this oifiee of visitor the society has selected the Prince of Wales, himself a former member of Balliol College and an enthusiastic supporter of the ideals actuating the founders. Up till the present time the work of organisation has been carried out by a provisional executive, nominated by Viscount Grey, but at a meeting to be held on June 28 the constitution will be settled and a permanent executive chosen.

Asked what steps had been taken to form a group of Oxford men in New Zealand, Mr Jones replied that the matter was under discussion, but nothing definite had yet been decided on. In view of the fact that he was himself no longer secretary of the society he could not say what would be done in this country. There was little doubt, however, that such a group would be formed, an! he indicated that, in view of the smallness of the number of Oxford men in the Dominion, one group would probably suffice for the whole of New Zealand, with correspondents in each of the four centres.