DEGREES IN DIVINITY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1033, 24 January 1911, Page 4

DEGREES IN DIVINITY.

"'FAVOURED BY THE UNIVERSITY 'SENATE.. -■:. . ißy ' Telefirapu—Press Association.! ' v Christchurch, January 23. There was an interesting discussion at ■ the sitting of the University Senate this morning regarding degrees in divinity. The subject was brought up by the following motion, proposed by. Sir Maurice O'Horke:- ,

"That in tho opinion of the Senate it is derogatory to the dignity and usefulness of the Now' Zealand University that it Should be debarred* from granting degrees in Divinity; and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Government, with a request that it will have the law amended next session, so as to authorise the granting of such degrees."

Sir Maurice O'Rorke regarded it as a blot in the escutcheon of the New Zealand University that it was prohibited from giving degrees'in divinity. It might be. argued that passing such a resolution as he proposed : would be regarded as encouraging the study of religion, which was prohibited in the Government . schools. l -;i-ha.knlw>,w'ever, he regarded as,a reason why. they should' encourage it. Ho did not intend to discuss the reason for the action-of the Government. The Senate could ✓follow ithouconrse adopted by the first University in New Zealand, the Otagq University. •' ' Professor- Salmond seconded the motion. He said hedid. not consider that- it was opposed to the charter of the. University. The Chancellor said that he deeply regretted that Professor Salmond should assume that the charter lent any colour to the suggestion that the University could grant any degrees in divinity. . The stat-' ute was exceedingly precise, as it definitely excluded the Senate from granting degrees in theology. Professor. Eastertield supported the motion. Theology was a. subject which should be sehously studied, as a knowledge of the truth could only bo arrived !at after.scientific .study. Tho Rev. A. Cameron also supported the motion. .... _ .' . Professor Macmillan- Brown opposed the motion, because ho was in favour of undenominational education. It prevented the bickerings that would, be introduced through the fact of there being so many sects. It was better that the churches should look after their own children. If the change were made the University would have to affiliate with tho theological colleges. Oh a division the motion was carried by. 13 votes to 8, the voting being as follows :-r-

•Ayes: Mr. J, Allen, the Eev. A. Cameron, the Hon. Dr. Collins, Prof. Easterfield, tho Eev. W. H. Evans, Dr'. Fitchett, Mr. H. A. Gordon, Mr. G. 'Hogben, Dr. M'Dowell, tho Hon. Sir; G. M. O'Rorke, Prof Salmond, Prof. E. J. Scott, and the Hon.'J. A. Tole.

Noes: Prof. P. D. Brown, Prof. Macmillan Brown, Prof. Chilton, Mr. H. F, Von Haast, Mr. J. Hay, Prof.Shand, Mr, J; Tibbs, and - tho. Chancellor.