DIVINITY DEGREES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19, 24 January 1911, Page 2

DIVINITY DEGREES.

INTERESTING DISCUSSION AT UNIVERSITY SENATE. [B* TELEGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, 23rd Jan. There was an interesting discussion, at the sitting of the University Senate this morning regarding degrees m Divinity. The subject was brought up by the following motion, proposed by Sir "Maurice O'Rorke : — "That in the opinion of the Senate it is derogatory to the dignity i and usefulness of the New Zealand , University that it should be debarred I from granting degrees in Divinity ; and that a copy of this resolution bo forwarded to the Government, with a request that it will have the law amended next session, so as to authorise the granting of such degrees." Sir Maurice j O'Rorke regarded it as a blot on the escutcheon of the New Zealand University that it was prohibited from giving degrees in Divinity. It might be argued tha,t passing such a resolution as he proposed would be regarded as encouraging the study of religion, which i was prohibited in the Government | schools. That, however, he regarded as a reason why they should encourage it. He. did not intend to discuss the reason | for the action of the Government. The I Senate could follow the course adopter]' by the first University in New Zealand, the Otago University. Professor Salmond seconded the mojfcion. He said he did not consider that it was opposed to the charter of tht> University. The Chancellor said that he deeply regretted that Professor Salmond should assume that the charter lent any colour to tho suggestion that the University could grant any degrees in Divinity. Tho statute was exceedingly precise, as it definitely excluded the Senate from granting degrees in theology. Professor Easterfiel'd supported the motion. Theology was a, subject which should be seriously studied, as a knowledge of the truth could only be arrived at after scientific study. I The- Rev. A. Cameron also supported the motion. Professor JMacmillan Brown opposed , ths motion, because he was in favour of undenominational education. It pre- ; vented the bickerings that would be introduced through the fact of there being so many sects. It was better that | the churches should look after then- own children. If the change were made the , University would have to affiliate with the 'theological colleges. On a division the motion was carried by 15 votes to 8, tho voting being as follows :—: — Ayes : Mr. J. Allen, the Rev. A. Cameron, the Hon. Dr. Collins.. Professor Easterfield, the Rev. W. H. Evans, Dr. Fitchett, Mr. H. A. Goidon, Mr. G. Hogben, Dr. M'Dowell, the Hon. Sir I G. M. O'Rorke, Professor Salmond, Professor R. J. Scott, and the Hon. J. A. Tole. Noes : Professor F. D. Brown, Professor Macroillan Brown, Professor Chilton, j Mr. H. I<\ yon Haast, Mr. J. Hay, I Professor Shand, Mr. J. Tibbs, and the j Chancellor.