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The Spike or Victoria College Review 1946

Spike Editorial

page 5

Spike Editorial

Spike editorial

With the advent of the first year of peace, overseas post-graduate study has been resumed. In view of the publication, by one of our graduates, of an article expressing the idea that for him and his fellows, New Zealand held no future, and the subsequent debate, held at the College, which defeated a motion embracing this argument, it would be well that we seriously consider this matter.

There can be little doubt that New Zealand, as indeed the whole world, is at the crossroads in social development. In the changes which must follow, the University graduate and clear role to play. Certainly, there is much to be gained from study at overseas Universities, but the place for knowledge thus gained to be used is here, and not in the U.S.A or Europe. Apart from the recognized value of such post-graduate studies, we must realize that it is not necessary to live abroad in order to study the economics, technology and society of other countries—there is ample material here from which to gain knowledge which can be of service to the New Zealand community. It is often said that the first desire of the successful French student is to "rush off to France and talk the language—where it's the usual thing." The ability to speak French is, in itself, of no great importance: the important aspect is the greater ability of such a student to interpret the values of French society and culture so that they may be of use to us.

The error of those who prefer to "export their brains" lies, therefore, in emphasizing the wrong aspect of the question. This results largely from the continued isolation of the University from the life of the community. We are beginning to break down that isolation. The establishment of a University Press could be a strong move in this direction: we must see that it is. A re-orientation is at present taking place in the curricula of schools: we must ensure that University curricula also maintain a close relation with the development of society.

The returned serviceman of times regrets the free and easy leave periods spent in this or that cosmopolitan metropolis, and yearns to revisit them: the results would be of doubtful value, and we need students who are interested in more than fleshpots—and there is no doubt that ex-servicemen are among the many who realize this.

Emil Ludwig once questioned Joseph Stalin about the value of the time spent by many exiled revolutionaries in Europe. He was told that there were many who

"were twenty years in Europe, lived somewhere in Charlottenburg or in the Latin Quarter, spent years sitting in cafes and consuming beer, and yet did not study Europe and did not understand Europe."

We have an important contribution to make to the progress of New Zealand, and of the world. If we prefer seclusion, we will, sooner or later, be again forced out on to the streets to defend our existence.