Academics Divided On Words And Motto

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30827, 12 August 1965, Page 8

Academics Divided On Words And Motto

“The Press” Special Service

WELLINGTON, August 11. A trend he saw towards the use of redundant words in titles of chairs at Massey University of Manawatu was deplored by Professor W. C. Clark at a meeting of the university council. He referred to a professorial board proposal to change the title of the chair of horticulture to “horticultural science” as “just playing with words.” “H we’re going to call the art of gardening ‘horticultural science’ we may as well change the chair of chemistry to ‘chemical science,’ physics to ‘physical science’ and mathematics to *mathematical science,’ “ Professor Clark said. “We’re throwing in redundant words all the time: it’s just the art of elongation,” he added. The Vice-Chancellor (Dr. A. Stewart) said there was a difference. “There is more art in horticulture and more science in horticultural science,” he said. Dr.- Stewart said that the

renaming of chairs was a result of a rise in grading of departments and the extension of the courses offered. Earlier the council had run into more trouble over words —and symbols—when the proposed arms and motto for the university were being discussed. Members eould not agree whether the motto “Floreat Scientia” (“Let Knowledge Flourish”) should be in Latin or English, or even whether the arms should bear any motto at all. Mr O. Conibear objected to the use of a “dead language,” which, he said, would be understood by only one in five students. Dr. W. A. McGillivray agreed, but put the number at one in 100. Dr. Stewart, however, defended the use of Latin on the ground of tradition, but he thought that a crash helmet over the shield might be a more appropriate symbol than a ram’s head. The council decided to ask the College of Arms to advise it on the matter.