PLANS FOR VISIT OF THEOLOGIAN DEFENDED BY CHANCELLOR

Evening Star, Issue 26154, 16 July 1947, Page 9

PLANS FOR VISIT OF THEOLOGIAN DEFENDED BY CHANCELLOR

The advisability of the University of Otago sponsoring an . address and a conversazione for a distinguished., visiting Presbyterian was defended by the Chancellor Cthe Very ißev. D. C. Herron) and the Rev. H. J. Ryburn at a meeting of the University Council yesterday afternoon. The discussion arose after the presentation of a recommendation that the Rev. Dr J. Baillie be asked to address a meeting of the council, staff, and students in the Concert Chamber (or in Ivnox Church if the Concert Chamber was not available), and that a conversazione be held in Allen Hall on March 19. when Dr Baillie might meet members of the various University bodies. “Is Dr Baillie distinguished in aiiy other way than as a Presbyterian divine?” asked Mr M. Joel, who was making his first appearance as a member of the council. Was •it wise for the University, a non-sectarian body, to sponsor such a lecture, asked Mr Joel. Was it wise also to show a preference for any particular religous sect. Would Dr (Baillie be discussing religious matters or some distinctly different topic. “Dr Baillie is a distinguished Scotsman,” declared Mr Herron. “ He is not _ going to propagate Presbyterianism.” • “By inviting one religious representative it will be difficult to avoid inviting others,” commented Mr Joel. “We might yet have a ißoman Catholic arch-bishop, a Jewish rabbi,, or a prominent Freethinker.” “As an undistinguished Presbyterian divine, I would point out that Dr Baillie is coming to Dunedin in any case,” said Mr Ryburn. “tWe should not forget ,that the Presbyterian Church had some stake in founding Dunedin, and the Presbyterian Church helped to found this University. I quite agree that we might have lectures by other religious representatives, but keep them for the next centenary.” The discussion closed ' with the announcement by the Chancellor that later advice had been received that Dr Baillie would not be available to give an address.