RHODES SCHOLARS

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1932, Page 12

RHODES SCHOLARS

SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME. MANY PROMISING CAREERS. A brief revievz of achievements under the Rhodes Scholarships scheme Avas given by Sir Francis Wylie, formerly Oxford secretary for the Rhodes trustees, who arrived at Auckland from Sydney by the Marama in the course of a world tour. Sir Francis recently retired from the position of Oxford secretary after 28 years’ service, dating from the inception of the scheme. He is making his present tour on'behalf of the trustees to renew acquaintance with old Rhodes scholars and to keep in touch with their activities. “I think I am safe in saying that the great scheme of Cecil Rhodes is justifying itself fairly completely,” Sir Francis said. “To date, about 1600 or 1700 Rhodes scholars from the different countries of the Empire and from the United States have been through Oxford University, and although most of them are still young men, signs are not lacking that some of them will pi'ay their parts in Avorld affairs. “We recognise the problem presented in some cases by Rhodes scholars Avho leave their own countries, and, after their course at Oxford, either stay in England or obtain positions elsewhere. However, I think the scheme is big enough to alloAv a certain number to follow their own inclinations in these matters. The scheme, it must be remembered, is Imperial, and not designed merely for the benefit of one particular section of the Empire. “There has also been some criticism on the grounds that no Rhodes scholar has yet attained any position, of. great political importance. Such criticism is very largely superficial. Most former Rhodes scholars are still young men, with their own careers to make, and it is certainly desirable that they should make their mark in their own particular careers before entering politics. The Rhodes Scholarship scheme Avas not designed to manufacture professional politicians. > “It is a mistake to think that politics provides the only field in Avhich Rhodes scholars can accomplish that kind of work which Rhodes Avanted them to do. Rhodes hoped that some in time would gain positions of. influence in the political Avorld, but it Avas certainly not his intention to limit in this ivay the public duties referred to in his will. Any public-spirited citizen who does his best for his community and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs can do just as much. “Neiv Zealand sends a particularly fine type of Rhodes scholar to Oxford, as good a type as any —academically as well as physically. In the past there has perhaps been a tendency to attach too much importance to athletic ability. It must be realised that in a Rhodes scholar athletics are only a secondary consideration. They most certainly play their part in the building of physique and character, but the influence likely to be exerted by a man in middle life is the tiling Avhich really matters. A Rhodes scholar at the age of 45 is not much use in a Rugby scrum.” Dealing with the positions held in the world by former Rhodes scholars, Sir Francis said at least three had entered Parliamentary life in Australia; an American astronomer, Hubble, Avas probably the most notable scientist produced by the scheme, and in the academic and scholastic world many had gained distinction. Sir Francis, who is accompanied by Lady Wylie, has already visited South Africa and Australia. He will spend three weeks in New Zealand before returning to England through Canada.