Spy Inquiry ‘Useful'

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31169, 20 September 1966, Page 1

Spy Inquiry ‘Useful'

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 19.

The commission of inquiry into affairs at Auckland University involving an officer of Security Intelligence had served a most useful purpose by reaffirming certain important principles, the Pro-Chancellor of the University (Mr W. H. Cooper) said today.

“It is pleasing to note that Sir Douglas Hutchison (the Commission) held That the

university had authority to take the action that it did' and that its decision was the best one that could be made under the circumstances,” Mr Cooper said at a meeting of the university council. It was also pleasing that the commission had found no ground for criticism of the staff numbers directly concerned, he said. “The recommendations made by Sir Douglas Hutchison concerning future relationships between the Security Service and the university will be most helpful to both parties, affirming as they do both the principle of academic freedom of speech and responsibility of the univer- %

sity to respect the right of every student to a full and free education,” Mr Cooper said. The Commission had given a calm and impartial judgment on matters which had caused a great deal of concern, he said. It was clear that much harm was being done at the time to the university and to the reputations of staff members closely connected with the so-called Godfrey case. The council recorded its appreciation to the ViceChancellor (Mr K. J. Maidment) for the way in which he conducted the affairs of the university “during a most difficult and trying time.”