STUDY OF COMMERCE

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1926, Page 9

STUDY OF COMMERCE

SCOPE OF UNIVERSITIES. A PROPOSAL FROM AMERICA. PROFESSOR COPLAND'S MISSION. The opinion that the time was ripe for the adoption of a broader vision in t-lio university colleges of New Zealand iu the study of -economics in their relation to practical commerce, was expressed yesterday by Professor D. B. Copland, professor of commerce at the Melbourne University, who, with Mrs. Copland and his daughter, is a passenger to America, by the Aorangi. Professor Copland is the first lecturer in commerce at the Melbourne University, the chair having been established about 15 months ago. He is travelling to the United States. England and the Continent at the invitation of tire Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, which is proposing to arrange a scheme of exchange scholarships between Australia, New Zealand and American University students. He will proceed to New York to discuss the scheme, and will also investigate the development of commercial research and its practical application. Although the present visit has direct application to Australia only, it is contemplated to include New Zealand, and this matter will also be gone into. A graduate of Canterbury College, Professor Copland has made a close study of economic conditions in the Dominion, and some years ago published a work on New Zealand’s wheat production. He is also the president of the Economic Society of Australia ami New Zealand, founded last year. A RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENT.

In reference to tire Rockefeller Memorial scheme, the visitor said that the proposal was to take a few graduates in commercial and allied subjects from Australian, and subsequently New Zealand, universities and give them an opportunity to study and carry out research work in American universities. Th< arrangement would be reciprocal in that graduates from the United States would cross the Pacific for the same purpose.

“As far as New Zealand is concerned, her political relations with the United States are only second in importance to those with Great Britain,” said Professor Copland. “Such a scheme as this will promote an understanding between the two countries which can only be productive of good, for the United States is investing £200,000,000 abroad every year and she is looking for good opportunities to place money. No doubt much private American capital comes into New Zealand. This is particularly true in the case of Australia, and early this year a public loan of £15,000,000 was raised in New York for use in the Commonwealth, with, of course, the concurrence of the British Government.

“New Zealand made great advances in .social legislation 30 years ago, but competent observers are to-day of the opinion that -some European .countries and the United States have gone further with certain measures in this connection that has New Zealand, or, for that matter, Australia. This proposal of the Rockefeller Memorial to enable New Zealanders to study in the United States will have beneficial effects in spreading a knowledge of what is being done there as well as in Canada.

“American universities have developed the study of economies and commerce much more fully than those in probably any other country in the world. As far as I know at present the results have been satisfactory, and graduates in commerce are eagerly demanded in the business world and by tfhe Governmen't. While I am in America I intend to ascertain fully the scope of the -studies and the degree to which they have been carried. MORE PROVISION FOR STUDY. “You have a Bachelor of Commerce degree in New Zealand and the deparments of economies in the several university Colleges are dealing with commerce as well,” Professor Copland added. “This is a useful combination, but more provision should be made for these studies. The reason is that they cover so wide a field that the necessary specialisation is impossible without a satisfactory division of work. So far in Melbourne the course lias been very successful and has created a very favourable impression in the business community.” Discussing the Economic 'Society, Mr. Copland said there were nine branches in six of the Australian capital cities, and three in New Zealand centres, excluding Auckland. It had over 600 members and he hoped to hear of the establishment of a 'branch here soon. The society published the Economic Record, which was recognised as an authoritative periodical. Two New Zealanders, Professor J. B. Condliffe, of Canterbury College, and Mr. Malcolm Fraser, Government Statistician, were on the editorial board. There were about 120 members in New Zealand, but the movement was only as yet in its infancy. The speaker said he had great faith in the good which was bound to result in the scheme he was about to investigate, as it held possibilities for the benefit of New Zealand by the fuller education of those who were to take part in its Commercial affairs.