B—7a,

Session 11. 1912. NEW ZEALAND

UNIVERSITY COLLEGES OF NEW ZEALAND (REPORT BY INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF SCHOOLS ON), AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE IN THEIR REPORT TO THE HOUSE OF 25th OCTOBER, 1911 (I.-13a).

Laid on the. Table of the House of Representatives by Leave. The Hon. the Minister op Education. The two questions in regard to which I was directed by the Minister of Education, on the request of the Education Committee, to make inquiry and report were stated as follows in the report of the Committee (see 1.-13 a, 1911, page ii) :— I. " (c.) The financial position and requirements of each college should be inquired into, each college being considered on its merits, and provision made accordingly. (The Committee think that this inquiry might be conducted by the Inspector-General of Schools)." 11. " (a.) The library equipment of the colleges should be strengthened, especially in the interests of research. " (b.) The Inspector-General should be asked to report on this matter. (In preparing his report the Inspector-General should consider whether a system of interexchange of books between the libraries could be given effect to.)" I have the honour to report accordingly. In the course of the inquiry I visited each college several times. Recognizing that, although I had no power to call for evidence, it was desirable, if not essential, that I should obtain the views of all concerned, I consulted the several College Councils and Professorial Boards. I have given full consideration to the representations made to me and to the facts I have gathered ; in some cases I have followed the recommendations that were made, in other cases I was led to a somewhat different conclusion: in short, the responsibility for the recommendations contained in this report rests with me. In regard to a large number of the questions involved I recognize, of course, that there is room for much difference of opinion. I have to thank all concerned, the Councils and the Professorial Boards, especially the Chairmen of these bodies, and the Registrars and other officers of the colleges, for the great assistance they so courteously gave me in the course of the inquiry. G. HOGBEN, Education Department, 17th October, 1912. Inspector-General of Schools.

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