E.—-7a,

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KBPORT. To His Excellency, General Sir Charles Fergusson, Bart., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0., Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand. May it please Your Excellency,—We, the members of the Royal Commission appointed on the 14th day of April, 1925, to inquire into the present facilities for university education in New Zealand, have the honour to submit our report. The following is the scope of our Commission : — " To inquire into and to report upon — " (1.) The present facilities for university education in New Zealand. " (2.) The working of the present organization of the University of New Zealand, its affiliated colleges and recognized professional schools. " (3.) The constitution of the University Senate, together with the question of whether special interests, such as agriculture, industry, and commerce should be represented on the Senate. " (4.) The question of whether the present system of four colleges federated under the New Zealand University is satisfactory or is capable of improvement. In particular, whether each of the present four University colleges should become a separate university, and, if so, under what conditions. " (5.) The standard and scope of the degree and other examinations conducted by the University. " (6.) The question of whether university examinations should be conducted by internal or external examiners, or by a combination of both. " (7.) The question of accrediting students for entrance to the University in lieu of the Matriculation Examination. " (8.) The relation of university education to that provided in secondary and technical schools. " (9.) The provision that should be made in New Zealand for university teaching and research. " (10.) Any other matters concerning higher education which the Commissioners would feel worthy of report to the Government." METHOD OF INQUIRY FOLLOWED. We met for the first time in Wellington on the 24th June. We have since visited all the University centres in turn, spending about a week in each, and devoting the time almost continuously to the taking of evidence bearing more or less directly on the subjects referred to us. This evidence has been tendered, in most cases voluntarily, in response to a general invitation issued by the Minister of Education, by witnesses of every class whose position and work bring them in contact with the activities of the University of New Zealand, and of the four University colleges. Our object has been to secure as full and wide an expression as possible of the views formed by responsible persons respecting the existing University system ; and in particular to ensure that no opinion which is held by any persons