University Graduates in the Public Service

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 107, 30 January 1935, Page 11

University Graduates in the Public Service

Sir, —At the present time nuntbers of parents are anxiously considering university courses and careers for their sous who have just left school. It is particularly appropriate, therefore, to see a discussion in. your columns o-n. this subject. Instead of indulging in a diatribe against the Public Service Commissioner, it is preferable to consider the present situation, which has been evolved by a system which is subject to an appreciate amount of political control, the mass of regulations which vainly attempt to prevent this. Although the commissioner has not said so in so many words, he has, in talking to public servants, dropped the hint that opportunities for science graduates, including those in engineering and mining, are few and far between. This is barne out by the unsatisfactory experiences of some of these who are already in the service. On the other hand, the commissioner has quite definitely indicated that the most useful degrees for a public servant are in law and accountancy. This view is shared by quite a number of senior administrative officers, who at the same time are not very favourably disposed to holders of science degrees. Parents and sons should therefore choose accordingly. But any young man possessed of brains and common sense, who decides to study for one of these degrees, will usually find greater opportunities for his talents outside the service. A word of warning may here be added for the benefit of those attracted by the glamour of research, which is engendered by constant talk of wireless, aeroplanes and other scientific inventions. Opportunities for scientific workers in New Zealand are few and far between, and comparatively little true research is carried out. This word has become so hackneyed that its meaning is not understood by a tenth of those who use it. The only branch of science which provides ample scope and an independent livelihood for those of reasonable ability is medicine. —I am, etc., SCIENTIA. Wellington, January 28.