H.—l

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determined upon, with critical, grammatical, and historical questions. In the optional subjects the standard of examination was equally low. The examination was, in fact, in school work only, and resembled more an examination for matriculation than for a University degree. While we disapprove of the action of the University in affiliating the schools and in lowering its degree examinations to a school standard, it ousrht at the same time to be remembered that hardly any other course was open to it at that date. It would have been absurd to institute degree examinations unless the University had been able to avail itself of some machinery for preparing candidates. Canterbury College was not then in existence. Otago University existed only as a rival University. The secondary schools were the only institutions which the University could utilize for the purpose of providing,, even imperfectly, the necessary training of undergraduates. It is also true that, alongside of the 1 mischievous effects to which we have referred, there were certain benefits which resulted from the affiliation of the schools. We have it in evidence that the [ schools were encouraged by the higher status conferred upon them by affiliation, that the general character of secondary education was perceptibly improved, and that the pupils, in many cases, were induced to remain longer under instruction. These benefits, however, could all have been secured equally well without affiliation. Here!, as in England, quite sufficient stimulus can be supplied to the schools, in the way in which alone it can be legitimately supplied—by the institution of junior scholarships at the entrance to the University. It has been said above that the expedient of affiliating the secondary schools was forced upon the University by the absence of any colleges devoted to purely University work. That such colleges are required, not only in Otago and Canterbury, but also at other centres of population, is proved by a large mass of evidence. On the other hand some of the witnesses in Wellington and Auckland were opposed to the establishment of University colleges in those places, their principal objection being, that the cost would be disproportionate to the advantage to be gained. That the cost would be considerable is undoubtedly true; but it is equally true that the advantage to be derived is almost incalculable. Not only would those students who now leave home for the purpose of obtaining a University education obtain equal advantages at far less expense, but there would be an increase, such as it is almost impossible to foresee, in the number of students who would seek the advantages of a University education if that education were brought home to their own doors.

Circumstances in ■which plan of was adopted.

Affiliation advantage" which might kve been secured by'system of scholarships,

New colleges required.

III.—PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS. Our Commission required us Jtp make full inquiry into the nature and condition of all institutions within the-colony for the promotion of technical education. Precise reference was made to training schools, schools of art and design, and schools or colleges of practical science. We have had some hesitation in resolving to include within the scope of our inquiry such institutions as schools of medicine and law; but on the whole it seemed better to err on the side of completeness than to neglect anything to which it might be expected that we should direct our attention. The important field of employment for young men afforded by the medical profession naturally suggests the desirability of establishing one or more medical schools as part of the University system. In the evidence obtained on this subject there is so far a general agreement, but difference of opinion exists as to whether the proper time for taking action has yet arrived. The chief objections advanced by witnesses to the immediate establishment of such a school are as follows : — 1. That the quality of the medical education that could be afforded would be so defective that the interests of the public might suffer. This objection is founded on the alleged insufficiency of the hospital in any one place to afford the clinical training which is essential to the acquisition of the medical art, and on

Medical schools,