F.—No. 1.

66

REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE

An institution of this character could be established in the Colony with case; could.be carried on with little expense; would develop native talent to an extent hitherto unprecedented in this portion of Her Majesty's dominions ; and would form a proper terminus ad quern of L all the existing scholastic institutions in the several Provinces. *#* I have no further remarks to make at this stage, but will be most willing to lend any aid in my power to carry out any plan in the interests of a higher education which in its wisdom the Committee may see it fit to recommend, or the Legislature to adopt. D. Bruce.

Rev. James McDonald.—l.] We do in the following manner, viz.:—Denominational Colleges should be established in New Zealand, and connected with the University to be founded in this Colony. The scholars of each of the said Colleges should be entitled to the right of matriculation after a certain term spent in the Colleges, on receiving a certificate from the superiors of their respective Colleges for that purpose. We do not approve of the plan of sending our youth beyond the Colony for education, for by so doing the Government may be taxed with the charge of being inadequate to discharge the sacred duty of educating their own subjects; and, morever, it would be making an outlay of money in another country which might and should be expended in their fatherland. 2.] We do, with the qualification that those exhibitions should be solely in Denominational Colleges, and be given by the superiors to their respective pupils ; for if this course be observed, there shall never be a misunderstanding between the clergy and the people. 3.] We think it advisable that a Denominational Board should be formed by the spiritual heads of each persuasion, and the said heads being empowered to hold examinations in their respective Colleges, hence would arise a religious harmony among all teachers of the community. We moreover think that the spiritual heads of each persuasion should have the appointment of Professor, Masters, &c., in their respective Colleges. 4.] We think so; for hence emulation would naturally arise among the youth of the Colony, and besides, an opportunity would thereby be given to all aspirants to literary honours, and particularly to such as are disposed to advance themselves in society, and who, from their peculiar circumstances, could never attempt any such thing. 5.] We are of opinion that £150 at least would be required per annum : that is, £100 for the University, £30 for private tuition or grinding, and the remaining £20 for sundries, &c. 6.] The subjects, we think, should be those attainments and requirements required to qualify the students for any of the then liberal professions, viz., Divinity, Law and Medicine. Hence we think in the first place that each scholar should be well grounded in the truths of Christianity and of course liable to an examination in any one of the faculties to which he aspires attaining. In the second place he should be well grounded in his native language, and get such an English course of education as may qualify him to fill any of the secular pursuits of life in his native Colony. In the third place Classics, Mathematics, and Ancient and Modern History should form a great part of his study. 7.] Notwithstanding our many national and private schools of such great reputation in the Colony, we are of opinion that an University is much wanting, if possible, and heartily wish for its establishment without delay, as thereby the work of education should in every point of view be much promoted, and an opportunity given to the youth of this Colony to show their genius, and that too to the credit of the founders of the said University. Remarks on the said queries in general: We think that a fair representation of each persuasion of the community is required for the University Board. In the second place we think that the heads of each religious persuasion should solely and exclusively have the appointment of the members of the said board, and of those of the Denominational Colleges ; and we think the said Board should be authorized by themselves or persons appointed by them to examine all candidates for honours or degrees on all subjects excepting that of religion. This latter subject should solely devolve on the respective heads of each denomination. We also think that gentlemen of each persuasion should be empowered to make such regulations as may best meet the requirements and wants of their respective denominations. In a Colony like this, it should be desirable and expected too, that endowments should be made on a liberal scale by Government; therefore we think that there should be an annual grant for the support of the University and Colleges. In conclusion, we think the University Board should consist of seven members, each denomination fairly and impartially represented; three members with the Provost shall form a quorum, and on the demise or removal of the Provost, they can elect a successor as circumstances may require. The members of the Denominational Board should be appointed by the head of the denomination, and the said head should have the appointment of the Rector, Professors, and staff of each College; and the said Denominational Board should be empowered to manage all matters (temporal) appertaining to the said College, subject, however, to the approval of the Rector, reserving matters of appeal to the religious superiors of each denomination. In fine by the term Rector in reference to the Denominational Board, we mean a Priest always approved