LOYALTY ISSUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23719, 27 July 1940, Page 8

LOYALTY ISSUE

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

ROYAL COMMISSION URGED

RETURNED SOLDIERS' ACTION

[BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION] DUNEDUs, Friday

Repercussions to statements previously made by the Returned Soldiers' Association executive alleging subversive activities within the Otago University were heard last night at the general meeting of the association. The following motion was passed:— "That it be a recommendation to the executive to consider urging on all 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 Empire." Dr. Stuart Moore, in sponsoring the resolution, said the Returned Soldiers' Association had suggested that the university itself should conduct the inquiry, but the council treated this advice as a dangerous attack and an insult. Present conditions demanded not only that definite acts of a subversive character should be detected and dealt with, but also that the influence and atmosphere of the curriculum of the university be reviewed. Tim concerned nil university colleges in New Zealand and embraced also the Workers' Educational Association, responsibility for which the council now entirely disowned, although it had the duty of approving of the tutors of that body. It concerned also 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 Department of Education are unsound, and constitute a national , danger. Their power is increased through the influence the department can exert on financial grants given to the universities and other institutions."