"Undesirable Aliens"

It has been said long, long ago that a Scotchman sleeps in the open whenever there is a nip in the air—and gels very little sleep. Be this as it may there is no doubt that whenever there is a vacancy on the professional staff or for that matter, on any other branch of the University, we find eager Scotchmen perched on the doorstep. Their sporran is marked with the degree of Edinburgh which is in very truth the "open sesame" to an appointment on the staff of our University. To such a degree has this abuse come to pass that the list of the teaching staff of the University of New Zealand looks like the roll call before the Battle of Bannockburn.

Now. Sir, New Zealand for the New Zealanders is a very good slogan and a very good rule. Recently at a Southern Uiversity a position fell vacant and applications were called for. Among those received, I am given to understand, was one from one of the most brilliant scholars Victoria College has produced. But once again the pibroch brayed and a Caledonian stern and wild stepped into the office.

The time has come when a native born New Zealander should be able to reap the rewards of his own studios in his own country. At present the limit seems to be a position on a primary or secondary school staff—but a University appointment is reserved for the descendants of Macbeth, Argyle and The Bride of Lammermoor.

It is the duty of our Past Students' Association to move in this matter. We New Zealanders are tired of that triumphant anthem "The Scotchmen are coming, hurrah, hurrah."