UNIVERSITY SENATE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1921, Page 5

UNIVERSITY SENATE.

CASE OF BEV. MB. ARCHES. A MOTION WITHDRAWN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Jan. 29* At the University Senate, the Chancellor (Sir Robert Stout), replying to the criticisms of hie address regarding the economic instructor (the Rev. Mr. Archer) in Canterbury, quoted from a pamphlet by Mr. Archer, speaking of “legalised robbery,” taking the Government out of the hanSs of robbers, and the transferring from private to public hands of the business of producing and distributing the necessities of life. This, Sir Robert Stout contended, was the revolutionary programme. Mr. Archer further said: “We (the Baptists) have not shrunk from shedding our blood in sacrifice.” That was an implication of a bloody revolution. He insisted that the statements that he had quoted were simply encouraging sedition and tending to destroy the prosperity of the Dominion. The responsibility rested on the Senate. He had done his duty. Professor Benham, who had moved that the Senate disagree with the Chancellor’s address said he would Withdraw the motion, though he thought it unfortunate that the Chancellor’s opinion had been printed in his address. Professor Hunter objected to the withdrawal, but it was carried by twelve votes to eight. ADMINISTRATION OF W.E.A.

Professor MacMillan Brown moved that a committee be appointed to examine into the working of the Workers’ Educational Association in the various centres and the application of the grant that the Senate administers. Professor Brown said that the Senate did not appear to realise fully its responsibility for the administration of the finances of the Workers’ Educational Association. The Senate did not rid itself of the responsibility by handing over the administration to* the university colleges. Certain rules should be laid down for the qualification of tutors. He thmight they ought to see that the teaching was genuine, and not propaganda. Professor von Haast seconded ]the motion. Professor Hunter moved an amendment that a committee be appointed to examine into the use which the colleges are making of the grants made by the university to colleges out of the endowment fund. Professor Brown said that he was willing to accept the amendment. He pointed out that all that was alleged against the W.E.A. was the appointment of one tutor in Canterbury. The statements made had done the whole movement great harm. There was no criticism about the Victoria College branch of the. work, with 23 classes in the district. Auckland had' a large number of classes, and so had Otago. The work done in New Zealand was referred to with approval by the English W.E.A. Sir Robert Stout said he would adhere to his printed statement, and would not withdraw one word. Professor McMillan Brown also re- | plied, and the motion, as amended by ! Professor Hunter, was carried unanimously.