The Public Pays

First and foremost, said Dr. Currie, the University has an obligation to see that the money which the taxpayers contribute towards its upkeep is spent wisely and carefully. Society gives this money in order "that able young men can learn the complex skills and professions of modern life. Fees alone would never be sufficient to pay for the upkeep of a well-equipped University. Indeed it was pointed out that 80 per cent, of the University income came from public moneys Therefore, in the first place, it was a case of what the people, the taxpayers, expected for their money, said Dr. Currie: "They need doctors, teachers, engineers and unfortunately—lawyers."

In a country like New Zealand, the levels of intellectual capacity are much the same as in other countries and our Universities are capable by any standards of producing the stalled craftsmen of modern society, though it was admitted that the facilities for higher research in arts and science were understandbaly not as good as overseas.

It followed, then, said Dr. Currie, that the University had a duty to the public to take only the beat of those who offered themselves for enrolment, and these were to be discovered by whatever system was thought to be the most effective. However, the speaker left the question of matriculation v. examination open, and did not discuss it further.