THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5565, 29 January 1879, Page 2

THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION.

The Higher Education Commission continues its long sittings daily, but so far has not got further than plotting out work for the future. The four committees appointed to consider severally upon what points inquiry should be made in respect of secondary education so far as it relates to primary schools, University education, technical education, and finance and reserves, have reperted. Some of the reports have been adopted, and others are still under consideration. The commissioners will commence to take evidence this week. It was intended to begin with the examination of the Chancellor and Registrar of the New Zealand University on Saturday, but the Rev. B. W. Harvey has been invited to give evidence, and, if he consents, probably he will be examined in a day or two, in consequence of his projected early departure from the colony. A schedule of questions to be put to the Chancellor and Registrar has been printed ; and a paper has been prepared for transmission to the heads of all affiliated institutions and secondary schools, requesting them to give information with regard to finances, endowments, teaching power, nature of instruction imparted, and a variety of other matters. Upon the replies received will depend to a great extent what oral evidence is to be taken. It is we might almost say definitely settled that the commission will not touch the question of religious teaching in schools. Indeed the commissioners take the view that they are by the terms of the commission expressly debarred from dealing with primary education, except in so far as it impinges upon secondary education. The will of Parliament on the subject of religious instruction In schools has been definitely expressed by Act, and the commissioners feel that it is no part of their duty to review the decision of Parliament, unless specially directed to do so. It is expected that the chairman, Mr. O'Rorke, will arrive in Wellington on Friday. Mr. Tole, as before stated, has found it impossible to sit, and the Government are now taking steps to fill up the vacancy. So far as can at present be judged, it is quite probable that the commission may find it impossible to report by the end of June, aud may have to ask for qo extension of time.