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REPORTS. No. 13.—Petition of James Adamson and, 27 Others (and 5 similar Petitions, as per Schedule attached). Praying for an inquiry into University education in New Zealand by a Royal Commission on which shall sit at least one British educationist of repute with experience of similar inquiries. The Education Committee, to which these petitions were referred, having considered the prayer of the petitioners, having heard evidence in support of their claims, and having also reconsidered the evidence on the same subject brought before the Education' Committee of the House in 1911 (vide E.-12, 1912, and 1.-13 a, 1913), begs to report as follows :— 1. That the University of New Zealand should be brought more closely into touch with the affiliated teaching institutions. 2. That the question of dealing with the subject of University reform in New Zealand was postponed in 1911 in the hope that the University Senate would itself evolve a scheme of internal reform. The Senate has recently issued to the graduates three schemes for their consideration. It is, however, very doubtful whether this course of action will lead to any practical result. 3. That, while day teaching is essential for the prosecution of all higher University work, the continuance of evening classes is necessary under present conditions to ensure the correlation of the University with the technical work of the country and the general life of the people. Any scheme, therefore, for improving and extending the work of the University should endeavour to provide for both. The Committee does not advise the setting up of a Royal Commission, but recommends — (1.) That the Government be asked to bring down legislation to alter the constitution of the Senate so as to make it consist mainly of members elected from the Councils of the affiliated colleges. (2.) That a body representative of the Professorial Boards be constituted, and that it possess advisory powers in all academic matters. (3.) That provision be made in accordance with the recommendations of the InspectorGeneral of Schools in his report on the University Colleges of New Zealand (E.-7a, 1912) for— (a.) Strengthening the various faculties of the affiliated colleges, including grants for specialization in Victoria College and Auckland University College ; (b.) For better equipment of the libraries ; and (c.) For the prosecution of research. (4.) That to meet the immediate needs of the colleges for the current financial year the sum of £4,500 be granted as follows :— To Auckland University College, for strengthening th*e faculties of arts, science, and commerce, £1,500 in addition to grants hitherto made : To Victoria College, to meet the deficit in the current year's finances, to enable the Registrar's Office to be put on a proper footing, and to strengthen the teaching staff, £1,500 in addition to the grants appearing in the appropriation of 1911-12 : To Otago University, for strengthening the Medical School, £1,500 in addition to all grants appearing in the last appropriations. (Vide also Appendix 1.-13 a.) 30th September, 1913. Schedule. No. 14.—Leonard J. Wild and 90 others. No. 17.—Hon. Sir G. M. O'Rorke and 21 others. No. 15.—Robert Church and 23 others. No.|lB. —Arnold Wall and 5 others. No. 16.—Kenneth J. DeHow and 84 others. No. 169. —Petition of Joseph Southwick. Praying for a compassionate allowance in recognition of twenty-three years' service as school-teacher prior to the Teachers' Superannuation Act coming into force. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 17th October, 1913. No. 430.—Petition of Anna P. Stout and 1,249 Others. Praying that the " Imperial " system of dress-cutting be introduced into the schools of New Zealand. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th November, 1913. I am directed to report that this Committee reaffirms its resolution that this matter be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th December, 1913.