DIVINITY DEGREES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 45, 22 January 1936, Page 10

DIVINITY DEGREES

REPORT TO SENATE

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Jan. 21. A ‘ report on the question of the granting of degrees in theology, as ropeatedly asked for by representatives of the churches, was presented to the New Zealand University Senate to-day by Mr W. J. Morrell on behalf of u committee appointed to report on the question. The committee was of the opinion that the best way of obtaining the objects of the churches was to secure the establishment of a special college of divinity under the sanction of the Government. Air Morrell said tlie committee' considered the best means of meeting the wishes of the churches might be by the establishment of a separate, college on tlie lines followed in Aielboitrne. lie was aware that the representatives of the churches, however, desired tlie degrees to bo conferred by the University ns thus having a higher standing and attracting more entrants, me committee thought, however, that the degrees of a college as proposed would acquire and maintain a status as high ns that of University degrees. The college might later lie affiliated with tlie University.

If tlie churches decided to go on with the proposal the senate, would willingly co-operate by providing for divinity subjects in the studies for existing degrees. The committee was genuinely in sympathy with the desire of New Zealand students to obtain degrees in divinity. Tho report was adopted.