E.—B.

Presented in pursuance of Section 25 of " The Auckland University College Act, 1882." The Chaibman, University College, Auckland, to the Hon. the Ministeb of Education. Sib. — University College, Auckland, 25th June, 1897. In pursuance of "The Auckland University College Act, 1882," I have the honour to forward the following report for the year 1896 : — 1. The three members of the College Council who retired by effluxion of time on the 21st of May were the following : Gerald Loftus Peacocke, Esq., appointed by His Excellency the Governor in Council; the Most Beverend William Garden Cowie, D.D., elected by the constituent members of the General Assembly resident in the Provincial District of Auckland; and the Hon. Sir George Maurice O'Eorke, elected by the graduates of the University on the books of the College. Mr. Peacocke and Bishop Cowie were re-elected, and Mr. Charles Thomas Major, M.A., B.Sc, was elected by the graduates on the roll of the University. Sir George Maurice O'Eorke was appointed a member of the Council in place of Mr. Eobert Hall, who had resigned. 2. The teaching staff consists now of five professors and two lecturers—viz., professors (1) of classics, (2) of English, (3) of mathematics, (4) of chemistry and experimental physics, (5) of biology and geology; and lecturers (1) on music, and (2) on French and German. 3. In 1896 the number of students who attended lectures was 227, of whom 136 were males and 91 were females. The number of undergraduates was 74, of whom 47 were males and 27 were females. Of non-matriculated students there were 153, of whom 89 were males and 64 were females. There were also 14 students examined who were exempted from attendance at lectures. 4. The audited statement of accounts is transmitted herewith. I have, &c, G. Maurice O'Eokke, Chairman. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington.

EDUCATION: THE AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. [In continuation of E.-8, 1896.]

Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.