A VALUABLE REPORT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1764, 31 May 1913, Page 4

A VALUABLE REPORT.

In another column we publish an article -in which Professor Laby gives a summary of the report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into university education in London. This document iB of great interest at the present time, when so much attention is being given to the question of university reform, and the opinions of the Commission have special importance for New Zealand in view of the fact that our own University'was modelled on the University of London, which at that time was merely an examining body. Its constitution has since been changed in some respects, but the functions of the University of New Zealand have practically remained unaltered. As that portion of the report which deals with the methods'of examination has a direct bearing upon some of the reforms which arc now being advocated in. New Zealand, it is interesting to note that the' Commissioners are of opinion that "both a detailed syllabus and an external examination are inconsistent with the true interests of university education, injurious to the students, degrading to the teachers, and ineffective for the attainment of the ends they are supposed to promote." For the public examination for degrees it is suggested that one or two assessors should bo appointed to act with the head of each department in the constituent colleges. This question of conducting examinations is a matter that will have to Co handled with the greatest caution by our University for it would be disastrous if anything should be clone to depreciate the value of New Zealand diplomas in the estimation of the educational world. _ The references in the report to evening students is also of interest to educationists in this Dominion, and any alterations which would have the effect of limiting tho opportunities of suitable studonts 01 obtaining the advantages of a university education can hardly be regarded as desirable reforms. As we have' previously stated, there is urgent need of a thorough inquiry into our university system, and in this connection the report on tho constitution of London University will provide a great deal of valuable information.