UNIVERSITY ATMOSPHERE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21176, 27 July 1940, Page 3

UNIVERSITY ATMOSPHERE

ALLEGATIONS BY R.S.A. EDUCATION POLICY ATTACKED (By TelegTapb.—Press Association) DUNEDIN, Friday Repercussions to statements previously made by the Returned Soldiers’ Association executive alleging subversive activities within Otago University were heard last night at the general meeting of the association. The following motion was carried: 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, sponsoring the resolution, said the R.S.A. had suggested that the University itself conduct an inquiry, but the council had 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, atmosphere and curriculum of the University be reviewed. This concerned all 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 tutors. Dr. Moore continued: “The theories of 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 linancial grants given to universities and other institutions.**