NO SUBSTANTIATION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 41, 18 February 1941, Page 11

NO SUBSTANTIATION

ATTACK M UNIVERSITY "

TEACHING OF COMMUNISM

(By Telagraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, February 17. *

Charges recently made by the chairman of the Auckland Education Board, Mr. W. J. Campbell, that Communism was being spread by members of the staff of the Auckland University College were the subject of a full discussion at a meeting of the college council today* Members expressed .strong disapproval' of Mr. Campbell's ■refusal to advance evidence in support of his allegations. The president, Mr. W. H. Cocker, re■ported that since the last meeting of the council Mr. Campbell had made serious charges against the college and its staff, alleging among; other things that trie college had been for some years used as a place for ; teaching Communism. •„

"In view of the responsible position held by Mr. Campbell," continued Mr. Cocker, "I thought it proper to invite him to make available to the council the evidence on which his charges were based. At a meeting ol the board Mr. Campbell read a statement in which he: did not withdraw his charges but refused; to make known any evidence. So far as this council is aware, Mr. Campbell's allegations are entirely false." >: Mr. A., H. Johnstone, K.C., moved that the president's report be received and that his action in publicly calling upon Mr. Campbell to substantiate his charges be approved. This resolution :was adopted. Mr.. Johnstone then moved: "That this council strongly disapproves of the conduct of the chairman of the Education Board, who publicly made serious charges against this council, and then refused to supply evidence in ; ; support of.them." Mr. Burns, M.L.C., said he would vote in favour of an inquiry for he was afraid the good name of the college was being jeopardised. The motion was carried.