APPLICANTS TO A.F.S.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29501, 1 May 1961, Page 17

APPLICANTS TO A.F.S.

Quality And Potential Applicants for the 1961-62 American Field Service International Scholarships had impressed with their quality and potential, said the president of the national executive (Mr R. G. Pearce) in his report to the annual meeting in Christchurch on Saturday. About 50 persons from the main branches attended the meeting. Afterwards they were entertained with music and dancing when visiting American scholars and returned New Zealand scholars met. The quality of the current applicants bore no reflection on those of previous years, said Mr Pearce, who added that it was of the utmost importance that the standard of those being awarded scholarships from New Zealand be maintained at the highest. Mr Pearce said there were 25 American students this year at various schools in the Dominion. Their arrival in mid-January had been particularly appropriate, as it enabled them to settle down in their foster homes ready for the start of the school year, whereas in previous years there had been a lag of a month. Of the 25 students, 17 were in schools participating in the programme for the first time. Although not every school was able to accept a student every year, it was gratifying that new schools were being offered as replacements in sufficient numbers. Boa Toor

The 18 North Island students arrived in Christchurch yesterday and will leave today on a bus tour of the Sotith Island. Arrangements are being made for the seven students in the South Island to tour the North Island immediately before their departure for home. Although many schools were becoming aware of the American Field Service programme and the valuable contribution it could make to a school’s life, there were many others which had not participated tn the scheme, said Mr Pearce. “Surely it is not too much to expect we should be able to act as hosts to at least 30 young Americans each year. One disappointing feature is that this year several schools were prepared to have a student, but no offer of suitable homes could be obtained," said Mr Pearce. "Is it Indicative that while schools are becoming increasingly conscious of the value of participating, public appreciation of the way in which the whole American Field Service programme is designed to promote international understanding is lagging behind?” he said. Officers elected were: president, Mr R. G. Pearce; vicepresident, Mr M. Ireland; secretary, Mrs P. B Laingtreasurer, Mr B. J. Bradly; committee, Mesdames T M Stanton, R. V, E. Waldron, Miss F. Chapman.