I.—B

No. 52.—Petition of Alma B. Davies, of Hamilton Praying for compensation on account of termination of services as a teacher. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st November, 1945.

New Zealand Council for Educational Research Bill I have the honour to report that the Education Committee has carefully considered the New Zealand Council for Educational Research Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with amendments as shown on the copy attached hereto. 23rd November, 1945.

V . No. 92.—Petition of J. B. Oliphant, of Auckland, and 7 Others. No. 105.—Petition of R. E. Smith, Accountant, of Christchurch, and 3 Others Praying for academic recognition commensurate with their term of military service. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. In submitting its report the Committee is fully alive to the following matters: — Firstly, that the detailed requests of the petitioners, with one exception (No. 5), are matters for the University of New Zealand rather than the Government: Secondly, that, in its handling of the cases of the members of our Forces, the University has shown a fine appreciation of the just and reasonable claims of the men, a proper regard for their real interests, and a correct interpretation of its duty to safeguard the interests of the people and to maintain the prestige of its own degrees: Thirdly, that, in the circumstances, the Government would be reluctant to do more than express the view that, within such limits as the University regards as binding upon itself, it do its utmost to see that the members of our Forces are placed, as far as possible, in the position they might well have reached if they had not enlisted for active service. The Committee expresses most strongly the hope that the Government urge the University, if possible, to provide two examinations a year for those students for the profession who by reason of their service overseas have lost time in the prosecution of their studies and who desire to qualify for admission to their professions as soon as is reasonably possible. The Committee express the hope that the Government will accede to the prayer in paragraph 5 on page 3 of the petition and extend financial assistance by way of rehabilitation to cover the whole year in the case of those students who seek to pass University examinations and are not earning a sufficient wage. 29th November, 1945.

Special Report I have the honour to report that the Education Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the long and faithful services of Mr. M. S. Pasley, Clerk of the Committee since 1928, who is now retiring from the Public Service, and to wish him prosperity and happiness in his retirement. Clyde Carr, Chairman. 29th November, 1945.

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