UNIVERSITY UNITS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 924, 18 March 1930, Page 7

UNIVERSITY UNITS

REVIEW OF RESULTS IN ENGLAND BETTER PUBLIC SUPPORT A review of several educational questions inquired into during a recent tour in Britain was given yesterday afternoon by Dr. H. Ranston, who was welcomed by his co-members of the Auckland University College Council. In connection with the question of a separate university, he said, he inquired from a number of Northern University officials at Home, who felt that, in separating, they had done the right thing. At Leeds a sum of 500,000 had been secured for the university. Had it been one of federated universities this would never have been forthcoming. The position at Manchester was the same—degree standards were higher and men’s pockets were opened. Dr. Ranston said that business and industry in Britain were realising and accepting the value of university training in commerce generally. Universities, on the other hand, were realising the need for concentrating on practical things. An effect was that the universities were likely to secure from commerce and industry a degree of financial support that would mean greatly increased individual university incomes. On the other hand, he added, business and industrial men were inclined to assert that graduates entering their employ expected rather higher starting salaries. Employers opposed the giving of these on the grounds that such graduates were equipped to advance far more rapidly. Finally. Dr. Ranston referred to the success of divinity degree work in the universities of Britain. “Frankly,” he said, “I am looking forward to the day when our own theological colleges are affiliated with the university.” In answer to a member’s question, Dr. Ranston said that the opinion in Great Britain on the question of the accrediting system of advancement was inclined to be that it was superficial. However, a form of accrediting was used in certain English institutions and for part of the matriculation examination. Dr. Ranston was thanked for his review. the chairman, Sir George Fowlds, remarking that the doctor has brought back evidence to support many of liis, Sir George’s, opinions.