E.—7 A.

make it as far as possible an impartial guardian of tlie national interests rather than a balanced representation of those of the constituent colleges." * In regard to the representation of professors upon the Council, we are of opinion that it is a great mistake to give too liberal representation to the teaching staff upon the governing body. What is necessary is that the opinions of the Academic Board, when received by the Council, may, if necessary, be enlarged or interpreted, and that, when matters which appear to be mainly of a business nature really affect academic concerns, there shall be present those who will draw the attention of the Council to the necessity or desirability of consulting the Academic Board before a decision is reached. We feel that if professors are represented strongly on the Council there will be an inevitable tendency to ignore the opinions of the Academic Board and to discuss academic matters in detail. A Council left to itself will rarely act without, or contrary to, the advice of its expert advisers, but, if strong academic opinion is expressed upon any and every matter, as is likely to be the case when the teaching staff are present in strong force, the Council will gradually move away from its dependence upon the Academic Board and begin to decide academic matters for itself. A small representation of the teaching staff nominated by the Academic Board appears to us to be the best means of maintaining the dignity and power of the Academic Board. A great deal will depend, upon the wisdom with which members of Convocation exercise their choice. If the graduates of the University really appreciate the value of the privilege of electing to the Council, they have the opportunity of selecting from among the best and most public-spirited citizens in the Dominion. A position upon, the Council of the University should be regarded as a great honour, and it should attract high-minded men and women of outstanding ability. Few positions carry greater opportunities for service, for a fine university affects for good every department of the national life. President Eliot, of Harvard University, in his " University Administration " says : " The kind of man needed 011 the governing board of a university is the highly educated public-spirited business or professional man, who takes a strong interest in educational and social problems, and believes in higher education as the source of enlightenment and progress. He should also be a man who has been successful in his own calling, and commands the confidence of all who know him. The faculty he will most need is good judgment." We have been specifically asked to report whether " special, interests " such as agriculture, industry, and commerce should be represented on the Senate. Our opinion, and we feel that it is supported by the opinion of the greater number of the persons who tendered evidence, is that special interests, as such, should not be directly represented. Under the power proposed to be given to the Governor-General in Council, he will no doubt consider carefully whether a person with the qualifications for membership of Council, which we have emphasized, has the further qualification of connection with some great interest which it is desirable to bring into closer relations with the University. In such a case he will no doubt exercise his power of appointment wisely. We consider that the best place for the representation of such interests is the College Council. In regard to examinations, we consider that the professor of a subject should be its chief examiner. We are not prepared to recommend the course followed in Australian universities of leaving the examinations entirely in the hands of the teaching staff. We therefore recommend that an examiner other than the professor shall be appointed by the Council 011 the nomination of the Academic Board. This examiner will in most cases be a professor or senior teacher in another University College. The professor of the subject should have the initial responsibility of drafting the paper, while the external examiner should have the duty of approvingit with such modifications as he may consider desirable. The external examiner should also have the right to veto the passing of any candidate. These suggestions are made from the point of view of the maintenance of standards. Under the plan we contemplate, the examination of his students will become part of the regular duty of the teacher, as much a part of it, indeed, as his ordinary teaching.

Limitation of representation of professors justified.

Responsibility of Convocation.

Membership of Council a great opportunity for service.

" Special interests " should not be represented on University Council.

Examinations.

* Royal Commission University of Wales, p. 64, 1918.

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