1.—13 a

II

The Senate, at the same meeting, agreed that reform of the constitution of the University was necessary, but could suggest no other means of bringing this about than those methods which have proved abortive in the past. Since there is general agreement as to the main fact of the need for reform of the University, but no hope of agreement, among the bodies involved, as to the means of reform, we, the undersigned, petition for an inquiry into University education in New Zealand by a Royal Commission, on which shall sit. at leasi one British educationist of repute who has had experience of similar inquiries.

REPORT. Report on the Petition of James Adamson and 27 Others, and Five Similar Petitions, 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 has the honour to report on the petitions of James Adamson and 27 others, Leonard J. Wild and 90 others, Robert Church and 23 others, Kenneth J. Dellow and 84 others, Hon. Sir G. M. O'Rorke and 21 others, and Arnold Wall and 5 others — That 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, 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 insure 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 Ins report cm 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; (h.) 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 the 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. 30th September, 1913, G. M. Thomson, Chairman.