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No. 6. Copy of a DESBATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 90.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, Ist November, 1872. At the request of my Eesponsible Advisers, I have the honor to transmit herewith— (a.) A Ministerial Memorandum, forwarding a Eetition to the Queen from the Chancellor and Members of Council of the University of New Zealand, praying that Letters Batent may be granted requiring all Her Majesty's subjects to recognize the Degrees conferred by the University of New Zealand in the same manner as if the said University had been a University established under a Eoyal Charter or an Imperial enactment. (b.) A Ministerial Memorandum, forwarding a Eetition to the Queen from the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Council of the University of Otago, praying that Letters Batent may be granted to the above effect also to the University of Otago. 2. It will be observed that the Ministers recommend these Betitions for favourable consideration, " while expressing their desire that the granting of a " Charter to one University may not be regarded as operating adversely to the " granting of a similar privilege to any other University which may be estab- " lished in New Zealand, with a standing of learning such as may be approved by " Her Majesty." In fact, in addition to the University already founded by the Colonial Barliament, and to the University established at Dunedin by the Frovincial Council of Otago, it has been proposed to establish a third University at Auckland in this Colony. 3. The documents annexed to the two Betitions accompanying this Despatch will afford information respecting the origin and present state of the two Universities already existing in New Zealand. I have no means here of ascertaining the principles and rules which have guided the Advisers of the Crown in granting Charters or Letters Batent (such as those asked for in the enclosed Betitions) to other Colonial Universities, and I am consequently hardly in a position to submit any personal suggestions or observations on the subject. 4. Whatever decision may be arrived at in this case, I am confident that Her Majesty's Government will gladly recognize that great honor is due to the Colonists of New Zealand for the liberal provision which they have made for education at this early stage in the history of the Colony, and, notwithstanding the many dangers and difficulties with Avhich they have had to struggle. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.

Enclosure 1 in No. 6. Memorandum by Mr. Wateriiouse. Ministers have the honor to forward to His Excellency, for transmission to Her Majesty the Queen, the accompanying Petition from tho Chancellor and Members of the Council of the University of New Zealand to Her Majesty, to whose favourable consideration the Petition is recommended by Ministers. Ministers respectfully suggest that, in accordance with the desire of the petitioners, the accompanying documents, which give full information concerning the origin and present position of the New Zealand University, may be forwarded to England with their Memorial. Wellington, 22nd October, 1872. G. M. Waterhouse. (Sub-Enclosures sent home in original.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 6. Memorandum by Mr. AVaterhouse. His Excellency is respectfully advised to transmit to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies for submission to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, the accompanying Memorial to Her Majesty, praying th.at Her Majesty may be pleased to grant a Charter to the University of Otago.