P.—No. L

-strong inducement would be held out to boys, even after they had left school, to prosecute their studies generally, instead of confining themselves to the mere routine work of the day, which has necessarily a cramping influence upon the mind. G. P. Abram.

John Hislop, Esq.—l.] I should prefer that by the time any competition for University Scholarships could take place there were a New Zealand University or College in operation. Ido not mean in Otago, but in a locality suitable for a central institution of this nature. In connection with a New Zealand University I should recommend the establishment of Scholarships from the Grammar and High Schools throughout the Colony. To this might be added a scheme of Travelling Scholarships, to be competed for and held by students who had gone through the curriculum of the New Zealand University, with a view to such successful competitors travelling for a year or two in Europe, or elsewhere, so as to extend their scholarship in such a manner as might consist with their various talents, tastes, and objects in life, as well to visit manufactories, seats of learning, and places of interest generally in other parts of the world. 2.] Most certainly. But this is already provided for by several of the Provinces, such as Nelson, Canterbury, and Otago. 3.] Not in my present circumstances. 4.] From the favour with which the idea of a New Zealand University is held by gentlemen connected with all parts of the Colony, I am in hope that it will not be necessary practically to •consider this matter; but if it were, I should suppose that the selection of a University would be in a great measure left to each scholar and his parents or guardians. 5.] I am not able to do so. 6.] I am not able to do so in my present circumstances. 7.] This is already answered. John Hislop.

Jno. P. Taylor, Esq.—l.] I strongly recommend the foundation of scholarships for sending boys to the two English Universities. This will keep up a close connection between us and the mother country, and we shall retain for our best minds the tone of feeling which can only be produced by old associations. 2.] That under the High Schools there should be preparatory or Grammar Schools; that these preparatory schools may be private establishments ; that there should be a few exhibitions or prizes given to boys who may compete for them between nine and eleven years of age. That examiners, of whom the Master of the High School of the district shall be one, shall decide whether any school shall be considered a preparatory school. This is for the encouragement of the earlier training masters. Then there should be exhibitions of greater worth for the education of boys in the High Schools; that these exhibitions should be given for excellence in the usual routine of Classics and Mathematics, and that prizes should be given yearly for excellence in other studies, modern languages, &c. 3.] That where there is no High School the nearest High School should be considered the centre of that Educational District. That the Master of the High School, with two other Examiners, appointed by the Provincial Government, should be the Board which should decide "whether any private establishment is worthy of being ranked as a Preparatory or Grammar School. That the same Board might decide about the High School Exhibitions. That the Board of Examiners for the University Scholarships should consist of two Head Masters and others appointed by the General Government. That there should be a Board for each Island. 4.] That the University Exhibitions should be for Oxford or Cambridge; that the choice should be left to the examiners, subject to the wish of the guardians, but that the proportion should not be more than three to one in favour of Cambridge. 5.] That there may be some exhibitions of £300 per annum. Perhaps the option might be given of stating a smaller sum for education in a Colonial University. 6.] Simply Classics and Mathematics, according to the Oxford and Cambridge standard. 7.] That reserves should be made at once for the foundation of a New Zealand University, but that the immediate establishment of one would be altogether premature. That what we have to seek for at present is the promotion of the best tone of intelligence that prevails at home. *#* That the action of the General Government in limiting the admission into the Civil Service to those under eighteen years of age is at the present time premature and injurious to the prospects of the country, as it would keep out of its service many who have had a good education at home, before there is a supply of well educated Colonial youths. That the Government should consider what encouragement they give to education when it has been acquired, otherwise it may be found that many of those who are sent home for their education may not find it advisable to come back again, and though it may be well for England to have some of our best young intellects sent home to her, the Colony will not itself be much benefited. Jno. P. Taylor.

15

ESTABLISHMENT OP UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS.