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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 7. June 23rd, 1948

[Introduction]

It must have been an almost unique event in the history of this college for members of the college staff and the student body to thrash out, at a meeting of a student club, matters vitally affecting the whole university. This was just what happened at the Socialist Club meeting on 9th June. It was called by circularizing all club members and members of the college staff—in all about 200 people—to discuss the embryonic "Improved National Bursary Scheme" which the New Zealand Student Labour Federation has sent out to all its constituent clubs. Considering this, attendance was poor—only 30 people being present. But most encouraging was the presence of three senior lecturers, and the local S.C.M. chaplain.

From the chair, Harry Evison read letters from the Principal, the Liaison Officer, and other professors and lecturers, who all agreed broadly to the need for an improved bursary scheme. The general opinion was that there should be more financial aid to enable more people to attend university full-time, though they had various extensions and modifications to suggest to the federation's draft scheme. Professor Richardson's chief complaint was that the scheme was a "modified Australian scheme" and not a New Zealand one.

Harold Dowrick, President of the N.Z.S.L.F., answered this objection in his introduction of the scheme. He pointed out that when visiting Australia this year, he and Ron Smith had been very impressed by the Commonwealth Federal Assistance Scheme, which was far more adequate and less complicated than the schemes working in New Zealand.

By far the best work in the university, from all viewpoints, is done by full-time students. Many people who deserve a university education have not the cash to attend full time. The obvious source of funds is the Government, which must be urged to provide more bursaries.