P.—No. 1.

sufficient number of years, or to stimulate the scholars to pursue with ardour, studies, the ultimate value of which they arc not as yet able to comprehend. I think, however, that the endowment of such scholarships alone would very imperfectly supply the required means for elevating the standard of education in the Colony. 2.] I consider some provision for the preparation of lads for competing for the proposed University Scholarships essential to any successful results from their establishment. The foundation of exhibitions available within the Colony would, I think, be a proper step with a view to supply such preparation; but whilst such exhibitions should be open to scholars from all schools public and private, I srould strongly advise the establishment of a central Grammar School, at which such exhibitioners should continue their studies, and be thoroughly prepared for the course of a British University. 3.] Assuming the establishment of a Colonial Grammar School for the purpose of trainingexhibitioners for a College course, preparatory to competition for scholarships, I think the examinations for admission to and for exhibitions at such an institution would be best managed and regulated by the masters of such Grammar School, who should furnish annually sealed packets of examination papers to suitable agents in the several Provinces, to be returned when answered, with mottoes attached instead of signatures, in like manner as is done by the Commissioners of the Oxford and Cambridge middle class examinations. The examination for scholarships should, I think, be conducted by a Board of Examiners, appointed specially for the purpose annually or otherwise. 4.] I am of opinion that such scholarships should be available at any of the chartered Universities of the British Islands, at the option of the holder, there being often special reasons for individual preference. 5.] I think the annual value of exhibitions to a central Grammar School should not be less than £00, and that they should be tenable for three or four years ; and the annual value of the University Scholarships not less than .£.200, and that they should be tenable for five years, including the time occvipied by the double voyage. 6.] The subjects of the examinations for the scholarships should, I think, include all required in the first year's University course, and be sufficiently high to secure the successful candidates passing a creditable matriculation examination at College. 7.] I am of opinion that the establishment of a central Colonial Grammar School in which a standard of teaching not inferior to that of the principal English Grammar Schools and Scotch High Schools should be required to be maintained, whilst indispensable to the successful working of a system of University Scholarships, would, together with the endowment of a sufficient number of such scholarships, render the establishment of a New Zealand University at present unnecessary. *#* I would beg leave to suggest the precaution of making some portion of the emolument of the proposed University Scholarships contingent upon the student's success in his College course. Thomas A. Bowden, 8.A., Inspector of Schools, Province of Wellington.

W. GisnoßNE, Esq.—l.] I think that Colonial Scholarships for the purpose of sending boys from New Zealand schools to Universities in the United Kingdom would greatly promote education in the Colony. It would raise the standard of education and facilitate competition for the best education in the world. One of the great advantages of this elevation of the educational standard is not so much the highly classical education of a few persons, as the general diffusion of education. The presence of highly educated men in a community, and the prospect held out to others of acquiring similar attainments, act and re-act in a progressive ratio of advantage to general education. As in industrial, so in intellectual pursuits, access to the best schools and models of science and art, benefits the whole social system. 2.] Yes. I would regard these exhibitions as preparatory to the competition for scholarships, and as training every year a band of worthy competitors for those higher prizes. 3.] The practical point to which I would in this reply more immediately refer is the means of creating and maintaining these exhibitions and scholarships. I think that in each Province endowments of Crown Land, and at first annual grants of money, should be made for the purpose of founding and supporting exhibitions in Grammar Schools in the Province, under such regulations as may be determined on by the Provincial authorities from whom these aids would be derived. A similar course should be followed by the General Assembly, in the case of Colonial scholarships. I believe if a proper system were organized both classes of scholastic institutions would be materially assisted by private liberality. There should be a Board of Examiners in each Province, to examine and decide on claims of candidates for exhibitions, and one Colonial Board of Examiners similarly for the scholarships. The first might be formed under Provincial regulations, the latter under regulations of the General Assembly. The syllabus of examination in each case should respectively be determined by the one and the other authority. In the Neio Zealand Gazette, No. 1, 3rd January, 1862, page 3, there is published a specimen of the syllabus of examination for the Civil Service of India. Of course stringent regulations would have to be made with respect to Colonial scholarships to secure the due application of the incomes derivable therefrom to the object in view.

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REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE