“Plugging the brain drain”

Press, 11 February 1986, Page 20

“Plugging the brain drain”

Sir, —Exhibits at the “Ancient Celebrations” exhibition at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery impressed me by their beauty, and reminded me of the rich and varied cultures of which they are only a fraction. However, taking lan Macfarlane’s article (February 7) to its logical conclusion, if the same exhibition were held in 1000 years, all you would see of our age would be fragments of computer and perhaps a few fossilised accountants. Mr Macfarlane does not seem to realise that a people’s culture cannot be tailored to achieve “optimum returns on moneys invested.” In restricting the many university courses he wants to, he is also saying that the theatre, literature, dance troupes ... have “no relevance to the needs of New Zealand society.” Saying that people could only do these courses if they “can pay the price,” he adds to the injustice whereby, increasingly, only the rich can afford higher education. — Yours, etc.,

MARK D. HUBBARD. February 7, 1986.

Sir, —1984 came and went with many a suggestion that George Orwell’s book of that title had prophesied in some part what our world is now about. It

seems that any remnants of hope of getting ourselves out of such a situation are going to be well and truely squashed by men such as lan Macfarlane. His article “Time to plug the brain drain” (“The Press,” February 7) shows his predilection towards a Nazilike training of youth to fit the moulds that he believes are worthy of being filled. Gone creativity, sensitivity, difference and growth. No wonder that people are leaving this country in their droves with men like Mr Macfarlane gleefully painting a drab picture of how the future will be here. — Yours, etc., ANGELA YEOMAN. February 10, 1986.

Sir,—There is more in heaven and Earth than is dreamed of in lan Macfarlane’s crude accountant’s philosophy ("The Press,” February 7). — Yours, etc.,

DENIS WALKER. February 7, 1986.