25

A.—l

Hon. the Colonial Secretary, covering for transmission to you the following documents : — (1.) Petition to the Queen from the Governors of Canterbury College, praying Her Majesty not to grant a charter to any educational body in New Zealand other than the New Zealand University. (2.) Copy of resolutions adopted by the Senate of the University of New Zealand, expressing the opinion of the Senate that it is undesirable that the power to confer University degrees should be possessed by more than one institution in the colony. 2. Since writing my Despatch No. 16, of 13th May, 1879, I have read an address on Education recently delivered by the Attorney-General, the Hon. Robert Stout; and I think it may be convenient for me to forward to you a printed copy of the paper, as it gives a clear and concise history of the New Zealand and Otago Universities, and of the agreement come to between these bodies in 1874, which the authorities of the Otago University now seek to annul. 3. I learn from Mr. Stout's remarks the fact, of which I was not before aware, that a Royal Commission is at present inquiring here into the question of higher education, in order that Parliament may have the fullest information before dealing with the subject. I think, therefore, that it would be premature for Her Majesty's Government to come to any decision upon the petition of the Otago University until the report of the Commission upon the question at issue between the two Universities, which may shortly be looked for, has been received and laid before Parliament. I have, &c, HERCULES ROBINSON. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach.

Enclosure in No. 41. Memorandum for His Excellency. Ministers have the honor to advise His Excellency to forward for presentation the accompanying petition from the Governors of the Canterbury College, praying Her Majesty not to grant a Royal Charter to the University of Otago. 2. Copies of resolutions adopted by the Senate of the University of New Zealand on the same subject are enclosed. 3. Ministers have already advised His Excellency that " they respectfully support with their recommendation the prayer of the petition" received from the governing body of the Otago University, that a charter be granted. G. S. Whitmore, Wellington, 15th May, 1879. (in the absence of the Premier.)

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 41. Resolutions of Senate of New Zealand University. 1. That, in the opinion of this University, it is undesirable, under the existing circumstances of the colony, that the power to confer University degrees should be possessed by more than one institution in the colony. 2. That this resolution be forwarded to the Governor, with the request that it may be brought under the attention of the proper authority in Great Britain, in conjunction with any petition which may be proposed by any local body for power to grant degrees independently of this University.

No. 42. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach. (No. 22.) Government House, Wellington, Sir,— New Zealand, 21st May, 1879. In connection with my predecessor's Despatches Nos. 9 and 14, of the Ist and 20th March, I have now the honor to forward you a copy of a memorandum which I have received from the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, in the absence of the Premier, requesting me to forward to you a copy of a memorandum from the Attorney-General, expressing the opinion that, notwithstanding an explanation which has been received from Mr. Gorrie, the Acting High Commissioner, it 4—A. 1.