UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25804, 27 March 1945, Page 6

UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS

Sir, —It is a well-known fact that Otago is a Presbyterian province. In our early history Otago was a very sedate province indeed, but now we are in an entirely different era, and it is time the Presbyterian people realised this. I realise that it was this church that was instrumental in the founding of our University, and the church has guarded its interests well up to date; but this time it has gone a little too far. The way the church has opposed the appointment of a non-Pres-bvterian as one of the University professors is scandalous. It J s W® Presbyterian Church realised that it is not the only sect in Otago and that its religion is not the only one which has men well fitted to be professors in one of New Zealand’s leading universities. The men best fitted for the positions available should be chosen, and not the nien who are Presbyterians aU 11 the J? m ?L c F r f;!‘ byterian talent is naturally the best for a province of that sect, but why be so narrow-minded about the matter? As the Otago University is free for all and not a private concern, why try to make it one? The people at the bead ° f tke church of all places should be broadminded in these matters, instead of being decidedly to the contrary as they appear to be. —I am, etc., Dffa’s Son.