DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 27 July 1940, Page 8

DOMINION NEWS

[Per Press Association]

DUNEDIN, J’uly 26.

Repercussions to statements previously made by the R.S.A. executive, alleging subversive activities within the Otago University, were heard last evening, at a general meeting of the Association. The following motion was passed: “That it be a recommendation to the executive to consider urging on ail political parties the appointment of a Royal Commission,, to inquire into the relationship of our whole educational and library systems and services to loyalty to the Crown and the Empire.” Dr. Stuart Moore, sponsoring the resolution, said that the R.S.A. had suggested the university itself should, conduct an inquiry, but the Council j treated this advice as a dangerous i attack and an insult. The present, conditions demanded not only that [ definite acts of a subversive charac-j ter should be detected and dealt! with, but also that the influence and! atmosphere of the curriculum at the; university should be reviewed. This concerned all university colleges in New Zealand, and embraced also the, WE A. the responsibility for which, the Council now entirely disowned,, although it had the duty of approv-, ing the tutors of that body; but itj was concerned also with our whole educational and library system and service. Dr. Moore continued: “The theories: of the educational experts that guide! the policy and practice of our De-; partment of Education are unsound,! and constitute a national danger.. Their power is increased through the; influence the Department can exert j on financial grants given to univer-j sities and other institutions.”