—OU, aliens and NZUSA

In your last issue I note your report that at the NZUSA Annual Conference the opinion was expressed that "as admission to the Medical School is on a competitive basis, British subjects should be given preference over aliens." I wish to express through your columns my whole-hearted disagreement with this opinion.

Limitation of admission to University courses by making "pass" examinations competitive is a regrettable necessity, and a reflection on the vision of the University. But granted the necessity, selection of students should still be made in rational manner, and should still aim at selection of those likely to contribute most to the community. We have no other criterion than that provided by examinations. No satisfactory test of future professional integrity has yet been evolved.

The primary functions of a University are, to my mind, the advancement of knowledge and of education. The University does not teach in order that its students shall make money, nor should it discriminate concerning those whom it is willing to teach in order to give advantage, money and opportunity to one section of the community rather than to another. The only standards which the University should consider in dealing with admission of students are recognised and definable standards of intellectual attainment and integrity. Discriminations of the type suggested, which as the Jews know to their cost, are an essential part of fascist ideology, have no place in a democratic state, and should be opposed by every section of the University.

Student opinion in New Zealand has a reputation for progressive thought. In this matter, however, it appears that even the University Senate is more liberal than the NZ USA. I trust that the views of the student body do not support the NZUSA's opinion.—I am, etc.,