THE NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY, (REPORT ON INSTITUTIONS AFFILIATED TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, H-03a

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

THE NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY, (REPORT ON INSTITUTIONS AFFILIATED TO).

'Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

To the Chancellor of the University of New Zealand. Sir,— Wellington, August 7, 1873. In accordance with the instructions with which you were good enough to honour me, I have visited and inspected the several institutions affiliated to the University of New Zealand. These institutions are four, viz., at Auckland, Nelson, "Wellington, and Canterbury. I will report on them in order from North to South. The College and Grammar School, at Auckland, is a local institution, with very considerable endowments, the revenues from which are on the point of increasing rapidly. They are likely, lam informed, to bring in shortly £2000 or more per annum. The building in which the boys are taught is part of the old barracks, and sufficiently large and commodious for the purpose. The open space around is capable of being used as a playground. There has no long time ago been a change in the headmastership and general management of the school work. The late head master, Dr. Kidd, of Trinity College, Dublin, is a gentleman enjoying, and I believe deservedly, a high reputation as a scholar and a logician, but from some cause or other he does not appear to have given satisfaction to the governing body as a teacher and organiser. It is indeed frequently found that learned and deeply read men are little fitted to communicate knowledge to any except the most willing pupils, which as a rule boys are not. The present head master, Mr. McCrae, is, so far as I could judge, and the opportunities courteously afforded me for doing so were ample, admirably fitted for the post he occupies. The order, discipline, good humour and apparent eagerness of the boys to learn in every class are worthy of all praise. It is perhaps owing to the comparatively short time the school has been under the control of the present head master that the standard of the upper forms is not higher. Still everything that is taught appears to be taught thoroughly aud well; and it is to be expected that the best lads now in the school, if they are not removed into the active business of life, will in a year or two take that place in the annual competition for University Scholarships, to which the Province of Auckland, from its early settlement and large population, may reasonably hope to attain. Greek is poorly taught in the school, there being only two pupils, and those in a very early stage. The latin is not far advanced, still so far as it goes the knowledge of it is sound and well grounded. Algebra, as far as the solution of quadratic equations and progressions, six books of Euclid and some amount of plain trigonometer.y, appear to be thoroughly understood by and familiar to the best boys. Trench is taught by Mr. TheoreL Drawing is carefully attended to, and there are working botanical classes in which the pupils appear to take a most lively interest. It is one of the drawbacks of colonial life, which the prizes offered by the University have a tendency to remedy, that few parents find it convenient to retain their children long enough at school or in a state of pupilage, to enable them to obtain the full benefits of a liberal education. Still many of the boys of Auckland will carry away with them habits of accuracy of method and of observation which must be useful to them in life, and may under favourable circumstances lead to distinction in literature and science. There are no arrangements for boarders in connection with the school; the number of the boys is about 200. The list of those doing University work is— First Latin ... ... ... ... ... 9 Lately Georgics, now Sallust. Second Latin ... ... ... ... ...13 Cornelius, Nepos and Caesar (extracts.) First Mathematics ... ... ... ... 6 Algebra to Binomial Theorem. Second Mathematics ... ... ... ...21 Euclid, 6 books, Trigonometry. General History ... ... ... ...22 Student's Hume, Collier, &c. Physical Geography ... ... ... ...22 Hughes. Botany ... ... ... ... ...35 French 22 Ahn's French Course, Voltaire, Charles XII. Courses of lectures in connection with the University are given in the evening on the following subjects, and are attended by young persons from the city in about.the numbers stated: — Latin 15—3 being ladies. Mathematics (first division), 4—l being a lady. Mathematics (second division), 4. French, 12 —6 being ladies. Logic, 17. I was present at one of each of these lectures. The instruction given is not a mere rehearsal, which might be printed and read at leisure with greater advantage, but is conveyed principally by question and oral examination. The standard in general is not high, not so high in fact as that of the corresponding classes in the school, but so far as any subject is taught it appears to be taught thoroughly. It is to be regretted that more advanced pupils do not exist, I may say not only at

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Auckland, but also at other places where University evening lectures are given; but the only way to secure a supply of them in future is to encourage and make the most of such beginnings as we possess. It seems to me better that the University should by its lectures teach something, although that something be in a good many cases elementary, rather than that there should bo no teaching at all. A great part of the teaching of the great and famous Universities of the old world was in their earlier days little more than what is now in those countries the province of the public school. The discipline, at least as late as the days of Milton, had not advanced beyond the peurile stage, " Cceteraque ingenio non subeunda meo." It is not, however, all of the University lectures at Auckland which are of this elementary character. Dr. Kidd's class in logic, very fairly attended by a number of intelligent young men, for the most part engaged in business through the day, and of an average age of twenty-five years, would pass muster with an ordinary set of undergraduates in the University of Oxford in the same subject. I confess that I was agreeably surprised by this lecture. 'The subject is one which does not usually attract the attention which it deserves, and yet the interest "taken, in it at Auckland is much greater than that shewn anywhere within tho sphere of the University's operation for the study of German. It is indeed strange and to be regretted that German ■throughout the Colony, with a very modified exception at Christchurch, should be so generally neglected. The affiliated College or School at Nelson is, as may be expected from the population of the Town and Province of Nelson, much less numerously attended than that of Auckland. It has, however, enjoyed the advantage of being for a series of years without change, and under the care of a good scholar and excellent teacher, the Eev. F. Simmons. The buildings are large and roomy, and at present in good repair, although from the character of the timber employed in the construction their durability may be somewhat doubtful. There is accommodation for some forty to fifty boarders under the school roof. At present there are vacancies. The sleeping rooms and appliances seem all that can be desired. Mr. Mackay, the mathematical and second master, with Mrs. Mackay, have charge of the boarders, and appear to pay every attention to the health and comfort of the boys. There is a good play ground attached to the school. The upper classes are engaged on the text books for the University Scholarships of next year. The boys are well taught, well grounded, and fairly advanced. Their exercises would bear printing, without the disgrace attached to those lately published in Otago in a report by Professor Sale on the state of the High School there. In classical attainments the Nelson boys are decidedly ahead of the lads at Auckland. The Greek for the age of the boys is good. In mathematics the superiority of Nelson is not so apparent. In both cases the teaching is good, and the standard reached about the same. At Nelson ancient history as well as modern is systematically taught. Instruction is given in French by an excellent linguist, Mr. Montalk. The position, first, fourth, and fifth, taken by the school in the late University examinations renders it unnecessary for me to dwell at length on the proficiency of the scholars. Lectures in the evening under the University are given by Dr. Boor, physician to the hospital, in botany and chemistry. The number of students attending these lectures is only small—some eight or ten at each. I was unable, owing to the intermittent departure of steamers from Nelson, to be present at the chemistry class; the botany is apparently both well taught and also illustrated from living plants. Tho students who attend have every appearance of anxiety to learn. It may be said that a spark only of knowledge is thus kept burning; but a spark carefully nursed and tended may be cherished into a bright and glowing flame. With the small and somewhat scattered population of Nelson, and the insufficient lighting of the place, a large attendance at the evening lectures in the winter months is not to be looked for. The last defect, however, is rapidly being removed. The school at anyrate to which the University must principally look for its students is fairly attended and exceedingly well taught. The supply of able and intelligent lads is greatly furthered by the system of Provincial Scholarships, under which the best boys from the lower schools are drafted into the High School or College and enabled to continue their education there—free or nearly free from expense —for a year or two longer than they otherwise could have done. I may add to my remarks on Nelson, that both amongst the masters, parents, and boys some disappointment appears to have been caused, not by the position taken by Nelson in the late scholarship examination, but from the circumstance that the rule of the University then for the last time in force prevented more than three scholarships in all from being awarded. I pointed out to the lads and others that, from the new rule adopted, so unfortunate a result was not likely to occur again. The School or College at "Wellington affiliated to the University is decidedly inferior to any of the other institutions which I have visited. I must not be understood to throw any doubt on the competency of the masters in respect to scholarship or accurate and sufficient knowledge of the subjects taught, but from some cause or other there appears to be in the school a lack of discipline, which must to a great extent interfere with tho progress of lads of any but the most favourable dispositions. Some boys, provided that information is supplied, will learn under any circumstances, but such cases are the exception. There were no candidates from Wellington for the last University Scholarships, and in the preceding year the place taken by the school was low. An explanation in some degree accounting for this and for the low standard of the school is suggested with a show of reason. The age at which lads leave the Wellington College is said to be on the whole younger than is usual even in a Colony. Prom Wellington being the seat of Government parents are able to bring a constant pressure on Ministers or heads of departments having influence with Ministers, with a view to obtain appointments for their sons in the civil service. The boys are neither out of sight nor out of mind. As soon as they are out of sufficient standing they pass the civil service examination and leave school. The cream of the school is thus incessantly being removed from it. As it is the upper form which, for the most part gives the tone to a school, the absence of a well advanced upper form is necessarily a great loss to Wellington. There is no accommodation provided for boarders by the institution. One or two of the masters, however, receive pupils into their private houses. The absence of a good play ground is also a drawback. The river, and six at Eton, the cricket at Harrow, the football at Eugby, exert a great moral influence, not the least important part of education, on the youths trained at these famous

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schools. There is, however, every prospect of a great improvement being effected shortly in the state of higher education in Wellington. The Provincial Council and authorities are fully alive to the importance of the subject, and have provided, or are providing, by endowments and grants, for giving much greater efficiency to the College. A liberal salary for the next four years has been guaranteed to secure the services of an able head master from Europe. Dr. Vaughan has been requested and authorised to select in England a scholar of repute to undertake the post. Eunds will not be wanting for tho erection of suitable buildings and accommodation. There seems no reason to doubt that in the course of a year or two good results will be effected by these efforts. Lectures were given during the last session of the Wellington College, in connection with the University, on the following subjects : — Classics, by H. Gr. Tuckey, 8.A., St. John's, Cambridge. Mathematics, by W. S. Hamilton, Edinburgh Training College. English Language and Literature, by T. W. Bowden, 8.A., Magdalen Hall, Oxford. These lectures were given prior to my undertaking the office of Inspector, and were, I am informed, duly visited and reported on to you by the Bishop of Wellington. This year the Governors have determined on instituting a course of lectures on Natural Science in place of the above (the ordinary curriculum of the College, including the before-mentioned subjects.) Arrangements have been made with Captain Hutton, P.G.S., to become Professor of Natural Science to the College. Captain Hutton has accordingly commenced two courses of lectures in geology. One of these is delivered in the evenings twice a-week at the Maori House, and is attended by twelve or thirteen pupils, a number which, as the lectures go on, may probably increase. Tho other is delivered in the temporary class rooms of the Wellington College three days a-week, in the afternoon, and is attended by twenty students, nearly all pupils from the College or School. Tlie Canterbury Collegiate Union is affiliated to the University, but the several members of that Union, or at any rate Christ's College, seem to consider that the affiliation in their corporate capacity does not necessarily extend to them as separate teaching bodies. In consequence of this nice distinction some formal difficulty and delay took place before I was admitted to the inspection of the practical working and the course of instruction pursued in Christ's College. The utmost courtesy, consistent with firmness, was shown by the authorities of the College in the handling of this difficulty, and a compromise was at length arrived at. I can report to you most favourably on the standard of education and general character and tone of the school of Christ's College. Accommodation is provided for boarders in the houses of two masters, resident in the College Buildings, and also at Mr. Cotterell's, outside the walls. The boys at these several houses appear to be thoroughly well cared for. Erom the number of boys at the school (120 odd), a large proportion of whom are boarders, both from Canterbury and other Provinces, Christ's College exhibits to a great extent the character of an English public school of the second magnitude, such for instance as fiepton or Uppingham. The play grounds, the buildings, the appliances and the surroundings are all calculated to produce, and I believe do produce, a healthy spirit of pride in the boys, that they belong to the place, and tend to foster in them a generous ambition of doing nothing unworthy of what they consider the first school in New Zealand. As the lower school is not in the opinion of the authorities included in the affiliation to the University, I will not express in detail any opinion, however favourable, as to the efficiency of it. The University scholars and candidates for scholarships, and the boys in the same forms with them, are exceedingly well taught in classics by Mr. Worthy. The standard reached is quite on a par with that generally attained by boys of the same age in many English schools. The same is no doubt true of the mathematics under Mr. Corfe, the present head master. It is, however, unnecessary for me to dwell on this head, as the reports of the University examiners extend to all the boys I was in theory, and except as a matter of courtesy, supposed to inspect. The Collegiate Union, as an affiliated body, keeps the University terms. Lectures were given in Trinity term, 1873, on the following subjects:— Classics, by E. A. Worthy, 8.A., Mondays and Thursdays, at 8 p.m., and for University Scholars, at 9 a.m. Mathematics, by C. C. Corfe, B.A. Tuesdays and Fridays, from Bto 10 p.m., in Euclid and Algebra; Wednesdays, from Bto 10 p.m., Logarithms. Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, by Dr. Haast, F.E.S. On Tuesdays and Eridays, from 3 to 4 p.m., Zoology, by L. Powell, M.D. Mondays and Thursdays, from 7 to 8 p.m., English Language and Literature, by Rev. C. Eraser, M.A. Tuesdays and Eridays, from 7 to 8 p.m., Jurisprudence, by C. J. Foster, L.L.D. Thursdays, at 7 p.m., Modern Languages, by Eev. C. Turrell, M.A. ; Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 6.30 to 8 p.m. In Trinity term, 1872, lectures were delivered in Classics, attendance, 22; Mathematics, 12; Physical Science, 37 ; Modern Languages, 43. Michaelmas term, 1872. —Classics, 15; Mathematics, 8 ; Physical Science, 15 ; Modern Languages, 26 ; History, 5 (by H. J. Tancred, Esq., Chancellor of the University); Geology, 17. Lent term, 1873, English, 14; Mathematics, 10; Botany, 16 ; Classics, 15; Modern Languages, 21; Jurisprudence, 4. I had the pleasure of .attending in person one lecture of each of the courses being delivered in Trinity term, 1873, with the exception of Dr. Foster's on jurisprudence. The attendance at these lectures was not so numerous as the figures put down above for the terms of 1872 and Lent term 1573. The shortness of the days, the depth of winter, and the inclemency of the weather, together with the fact that several of the courses were only just commencing will account for this. The Collegiate Union are fortunate in having available for purposes of illustration the very excellent Museum of Christchurch, which is under the care of Dr. Haast. The remarks which I have made on the character of the evening lectures at Auckland apply, although in a somewhat modified degree, to those at Christchurch. The evening lectures on latin, mathematics, and modern languages

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are of an elementary nature. In fact nearly all the lectures I attended appear to be not so much au exposition of the highest knowledge on the subject, as an endeavour to lead upwards and instruct pupils who are willing-but in general are not far advanced. The small class in jurisprudence, as I understood from Dr. Poster, is of a higher character. As the general result of my visit of inspection to the several affiliated bodies, I would express an opinion that the New Zealand University is doing good work, better in some places than in others, but of use in all. In estimating its value we should not, I think, expect to find the standard it has so far reached equal to that which has been attained in the Universities of Europe, or of the older Colonies. Our small and scattered population and the struggle for material well being, or even for substantial comfort, which many parents have to maintain, prevent a full supply of youth able to continue their studies with undivided attention to the average age of University students elsewhere. Time and the prosperity of the Colony will gradually cure this defect. Minerva sprung in full maturity from the scull of Jupiter ; but a class of highly educated men is not likely to be produced in New Zealand without careful nurture and rearing from such beginnings as we possess. The state of the University of New Zealand wdl well bear comparison with that of the University of Sydney in its earlier days. I mention Sydney because I have had opportunities of knowing that the first principal of Sydney, my old and lamented friend Dr. "Woolley, would have been glad if the materials with which he commenced had been equal to those which are now being shaped and moulded by the University of New Zealand. J. C. Andrew. B7 Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 373.