THE UNIVERSITY SENATE AND INDECENT LITERATURE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 6731, 14 April 1885, Page 3

THE UNIVERSITY SENATE AND INDECENT LITERATURE.

TO THIS EDITOU. Sir, — So long ns classical studies were confined to the " Lords of Creation," the indecencies of tho ancient authors used as class books wero not objected to by the most pious of tho cloth, on the pica, I suppose, which allows " naughty things" to bo said in French which would not for a moment bo tolerated in English. When, however, ladies have invaded tho stored groves of learning ouce solely devoted to the laborious task of cramming the masculine mind with the treasures of Greek and Latin literature, a difficulty has arisen, as they insist on having in the Latin course prescribed by tin Senate of the University text books devoi 1 of indecent language aud allusions. Tho Senate, it appears, does not think that indecencies in Latin will specially harm young lady students, for it has refused to alter its prosed me. Tho ladies have in consequence petitioned tho Canterbury College of Governors for aid against the Senate and its improper decision. Professor Ilashun said the books were of such a nature that ho felt compelled to decline lo read them in his class, 'ihe Governors agreed to ask the Senate not to insist on the lady 'students reading immoral books, but to offer alternative ones. What the action of such a conservative body may be it is difficult to say. Perhaps an action at law against the Senate for endeavouring to corrupt tho minds of the young by forcing them to read indecent books would bring these violators of public decorum to order. — I am, &c , A Moral Student.