TEACHING OF EVOLUTION

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25226, 3 July 1947, Page 3

TEACHING OF EVOLUTION

ROYAL SOCIETY’S RESOLUTION

move for rescission FAILS An unsuccessful move to rescind the recent resolution of the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand about teaching of evolution was made at a meeting last evening only eight in an attendance of .more than 40 supporting the motion. The original resolution read:— "That since the weight of scientific opinion is strongly in support of the theory of evolution as the 'central theory of the science of life, in the opinion of this branch the concept of evolution and some of the basic facts and principles which support it should not be excluded irom science courses in schools: and that this resolution be communicated to the Ministers of Broadcasting and Education, with a request to the Minister of Broadcasting that a public statement be made on the reason for discontinuing the series of broadcasts ‘How Things Began’ ” Mr C. R. Russell, secretary of the branch, who moved for rescission, said he was not concerned with the truth of the theory of evolution; but he was troubled about the manner in which the matter had been brought forward before a small meeting without notice and the possibility of the resolution standing as a public and political expression of a minority opinion He was convinced that the evolution quantum, and atomic theories could not be grasped by the immature minds of children and teachers had agreed with him. They said they had had more trouble with parents on evolution than any other topic. There was divided opinion in the Government on teaching evolution in schools and by passing its resolution the branch became a political pressure group acting in matters beyond its jurisdiction Mr Murray seconded the motion for rescission but did not comment .„ A U t W s .^ tage the chairman (Mr E. w. Hullett) said speakers, other than Mr Russell and the proposer of the original motion, would be limited to three minutes.

Mr G. Stokell said he was surprised at the restriction. The society had no constitutional function to dictate educational policy. The society aimed to add to the sum of human knowledgethe educational system to disseminate existing knowledge. The branch appeared to be dominated by persons not concerned with the true object, but who sought to use the name of the society to give influence to their personal opinions.

Broadcast by 8.8. C. Dr. O. H. Frankel, who proposed the original resolution, said he had not had time to give notice because the broadcasts were stopped shortly before the last meeting. The claim that children could not grasp the broadcasts was answered in the fact that, by request, the series had extended over four years through the 8.8. C., after consultation with educational authorities. The society should be concerned in such matters because some unknown group might not like some feature of chemistry or some feature of nutrition and after an agitation, like that concerning the broadcasts, items might be withdrawn from the education scheme without consulting all parties The society in New Zealand should follow the lead of the parent body in supporting the teaching of science as it was found, should not remain in an ivory tower Here was a beginning of interference with teaching by unknown bodies, said Field. Any objection should be publicly considered by reHesentahyes of science and teaching. The Minister of Education had made a statement that the series had been suspended. That left open the possibility that there might be such an examination.

Mr F. Baird said he supported rescission because he agreed that the subject was unsuitable for young children and because he felt the branch was out of order. For the information of members he would point out that the school syllabus of 1926 said that some idea of evolution should be taught in nature study, said Mr L. W. McCaskill In reply Mr Russell said the branch was interfering. The 8.8. C. ,had used the series but it had raised wide pro-

M^c» r i t u e v ° te . fa y a show of hands, Mr Stoxell askea why those opposing rescission were not numbered, suog S la fr 'J} 31 many had not voted. ” th»» r »£ ,lleti K S3 i l<i t his was n °t so and J?l ere . had been a substantial Hp J h= l u V ri ln i °PP°sjtion to. rescission. He had declared the motion lost and aid not propose to count again.