II

I.— 13a

(•'!.) That, with regard to finance, — (a.) The fees charged in the various colleges should be uniform; (l>.) All the colleges should be adequately endowed, ami where grants of a permanent character are made by Parliament, these should be statutory; and (c.) 'Hie financial position and requirements of each college should lie inquired into, each college being considered en its merits, and provision made accordingly. (The Committee think that this inquiry might be conducted by the InspectorGeneral of Schools.) <4.) That— (a.) The library equipment of the colleges should be strengthened, especially in the interests of research. (b.) The Inspector-General should be asked to report on this matter. (In preparing his report the Inspector-Genera] should oonsider whether a system of interexchange of books between the libraries could be given effect to.) (c.) The reports of the Inspector-General under this and the preceding paragraph should be referred to the Education Committee of the House next session for consideration. (5.) That, considering the age of the institution, and the geographical and other difficulties with which it has had to contend, the University has done very good work, and is justifying the expectations and accomplishing the objects of its founders. University education is free to all holders of scholarships, studentships, and bursaries, the number of these current last year being 557. If a student does not obtain a scholarship, but gains credit in the University Junior Scholarship Examination, he is entitled to a bursary, which carries with it the payment of college and University fees for three or four years. The University has thus opened the doors of the professions to all classes of the community, and iis graduates are taking leading positions in all walks of life. The Committee believes, however, that with reform on the lines above indicated the University will extend its usefulness as an educational agent, and become increas ingly identified with the practical life and work of the community. (6.) That— {<i.) This report be laid on the table of the House, and be referred to the Government for consideration. (l>.) That the minutes of evidence, together with the pamphlet of the petitioners entitled "University Reform in New Zealand," and trie "Opinions of some Xew Zealand Educational Authorities,' , be laid on the table of the House, and that the minutes of evidence be printed. 25th October, 1911. T. K. Sidky, Chairman.

(Note. —The petition of Thomas H. Luby and twelve othei'R (University professors), together with the departmental reports thereon, are included in 1.— 13 a, 1010.)