RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 788, 8 October 1929, Page 11

RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS

THREE AUCKLANDERS CHOSEN ONE FOR CANTERBURY Auckland University College’s two nominees for next year’s Rhodes Scholarships are Mr. Percy C. Minns and Mr. A. H. McDonald, according to the decision of the professorial board. Three names were submitted to the board, Mr. J. S. Watt being the un-

successful nominee. Mr. Philip L. M. Soljak, of Auckland, has been nominated by Canterbury College. He is now completing his honours course at Auckland. He was the Canterbury nominee last year. The selected candidates, together with those from the other universities have now to be submitted to a selection committee presided over by the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson. The names of candidates must be received by the Registrar of the University of New Zealand by October 20, and the selection committee must make its decision not later than December 31. New Zealand is entitled to appoint two Rhodes Scholars each year.

Mr. P. L. Soljak, of St. Mary’s Road, Ponsonby, was born at Rotorua in 1908, and attended the Tauranga District High School and the Marlst Brothers’ School, Auckland. In 1921 ho entered Sacred Heart College with three scholarships, including a junior national scholarship. He won a junior national scholarship (second entry), gaining third place in the Auckland Province. In 1922 ho won a senior Rational scholarship, gaining second place in the Dominion. In 1924 he was dux of the school, and winner of the McVeagh Memorial Essay in English literature. In 1925 he was winner of medals in mathematics and languages, together with the Foster Memorial Prize for all-round efficiency. He also won a junior University Jicholarship. He entered Canter). ;:*y College in 3 926. won the Robert Bell Scholarship in Journalism, and took his B.A. degree las.t year. Ho is at present studying Single Honours English at Auckland University College. He took an active part in swimming, football, and shooting at Sacred Heart College, being captain of the swimming team which won tho Auckland secondary schools’ relay 3924-25, and twice winning the school shooting cup. He was runner-up in the Canterbury College swimming championships in 3926-27. At Sacred Heart College Mr. Soljak was a member of the school council, secretary of the debating society, shared in the organisation of athletic and social functions, and was editor of the school magazine. He was recently elected to the Students’ Association as editor for publications. Besides contributing to college reviews in Auckland and Canterbury Mr. Soljak has also written for various journals and for the Government Publicity Office.