Regulations Hazy

Lincoln pointed out that they were certainly not being made available to every ex-serviceman. There were seven at Lincoln. One had a £5/5/- a week bursary and the others had nothing. They couldn't find out why.

Auckland said they had an ex-serviceman who wanted to take a diploma course. He was told that monies were not available for those who wish to take diploma courses. But Lincoln pointed out that all their ex-servicemen are taking diploma courses.

Among eligibility conditions that must be satisfied before applications for bursaries can be considered is the proviso that the ex-serviceman or woman must have served for at least twelve months. We feel that as it is very likely that servicemen may be in action under that period it would be most unjust to deprive them of the benefits of the scheme. The section requiring that the ex-serviceman or woman make application within three years of discharge, we feel, might also be deleted. Many wounded will not recover for many years after this war. They will want to take up free studies when they do. This bars them. It must be deleted.

It was also thought rather stiff that those who held post-graduate and special bursaries under the scheme should be expected to serve with the New Zealand Government for three years after their termination. These conditions did not apply to post-graduate bursaries awarded during peace time and it was not right that conditions should be any stiffer for rehabilitated men. They didn't owe the Government anything. The people of this country had a debt to pay them.

The endeavours being made by the Senate to lighten the amount of degree work that will be required of men taking professional degrees by jettisoning some of their non-professional subjects was welcomed.