13 
The preamble of the University of Western Australia Act 
states : — • 
And whereas it is desirable that provision should be 
made for further instruction in those practical arts and 
liberal studies which are needed to advance the prosperity 
and welfare of the people: 
And whereas it is desirable that special encouragement 
and assistance should be afforded those who may be 
hindered in the acquisition of sound knowledge and useful 
learning by lack of opportunity or means: 
And whereas for these purposes it is expedient to in- 
corporate and endow a University within the State of 
Western Australia. 
Provision is made by the Act for payment of £13,500 per 
annum. 
The enrolments for the first year (1913) numbered 184, and 
since then the number of students has more than doubled. The 
number of students is as follows :— 
Number of 
Year. Students enrolled. 
1913 184 
1914 182 
1915 214 
1916 214 
1917 236 
1918 270 
1919 400 
This involves an increase in the accommodation and in the Teaching 
Staff, so that an increase in the annual grant is urgently required. 
It is a matter of disap point merit that, with the exception of Sir 
Winthrop Hackett, nothing in the way of an endowment has been 
made to the University. No doubt when the real value of the insti- 
tution is better understood and appreciated the University will have 
many more friends and supporters. 
There are many persons who do not approve of a free Univer- 
sity, and it is said that students do not appreciate learning if it is 
free. I do not agree with this view. 1 cannot believe that students 
do not appreciate the teaching and personal care given by the Teach- 
ing Staff, nor that graduates think less of their degrees because the 
State provided the facilities for obtaining them. No doubt there 
are students who join without any intention of continuing and who 
will drop out during the terms, and such students hinder others of 
more serious intent. To charge fees to all students simply in order 
to offer some obstacle to those who have no intention of studying 
would be hardly just to genuine students. 
