REFUGEE UNIVERSITY TEACHERS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 8

REFUGEE UNIVERSITY TEACHERS

Wanted In Dominion COLLEGES APPLY FOR GRANTS Prompted by information of a similar application from Auckland, the Victoria College Council decided last night to apply for a grant of £5OO a year for five years from the Government for the employment of a refugee university teacher or other scholar. The Auckland University College Council forwarded a copy of a letter it had sent to the Minister of Education, Mr. Fraser, which stated that for some time it had been receiving applications from teachers who, for various reasons, had lost their appointments in Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Some were distinguished scholars who now found themselves in great distress. Most were applying for positions, either temporary or permanent, on the college staff. Many could not bo usefully added to the college staff, but others it would be a distinction to the college to employ. However, lack of finance prevented positions being offered. The council felt that it should make an effort to alleviate the distress of one or more of the applicants and at the same time benefit its students. The council suggested to Mr. Eraser that the Government grant £5OO a year for five years to enable it to attach to the staff a disinguished refugee scholar or scientist. It was stated that Victoria University College had received similar applications. The principal, Professor T. A. Hunter, said that the applicants cotild be employed most satisfactorily supernumerary to the staff, doing research work.

Upon its being remarked by a member of the council that the Government was not likely to make a grant to oue college alone, the council decided, ou the motion of Mr. Justice Ostler, to make' a similar application for a grant.