F.—l*o. 1.

by the ordinary of the diocese to which he belongs. In the absence of the Bishop, the VicarGeneral is empowered to discharge all the duties of the said Bishop. James McDonald, Vicar-General, President of the Commission of the Right Rev. Jean Batiste Francois Pompallier, D.D., Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland.

Mr. Justice Moore.—l.] Yes. 2.] I infer from the question that there is a higher class of studies than that which the pupils generally can now be induced to prosecute. On that supposition I answer the question in the affirmative. 3.] I have had some experience as an examiner, both in general literature and in law, as well in Victoria as in New Zealand. And I might be able to offer some such suggestions as the question refers to, in consultation with others who have had the like experience. But it would not be easy to do it here, I think, certainly not so easy nor so effectively as in such a consultation. 4.] Oxford, Cambridge, and London, and, perhaps, Dublin; having regard to the circumstance of many Colonists being Irishmen. 5.] In my opinion the annual value of such scholarships should not cover all University expenses during the year, and the cost of a private tutor during the vacations. I think they should only assist in covering such expenses, and that the annual value of such scholarships should in no case exceed one half of such expenses. 6. The subjects and limitations of the competition for such scholarships respectively, depend I think, on the faculty in which such scholarship would be founded; that is to say, assuming it was a scholarship in Law, Medicine, Mathematics, or whatever other faculty. In each such cases precedents will be found in scholarships founded at the English Universities which might be followed, I think, with advantage, with, perhaps, some modifications that would be suggested by the particular circumstances of New Zealand, or other considerations which would be sure to be made in a conference of persons appointed to consider the matter. 7. At present it does not seem to me to be desirable to establish a New Zealand University, particularly if the contemplated scholarships are founded. In my opinion the scholarships are far preferable to a University, at least at present. Auckland, 12th September, 1867. J. S. Moore.

Sir AY. Martin, D.C.L.—l.] There appear to be two main difficulties in the way of such a recommendation at present. First: If public money be spent for this purpose, the Colony will expect some return for its money. But the highly-educated young men may find some opening at home, or may be tempted into the Civil Service or the Indian Service. It seems difficult to devise a security against this. It should also be considered that, at the best, the gain or return accruing to the Colony is to be measured, not by the whole number of such scholars, but by that portion which would not have been sent home without State aid. At present young men are sent to the English Universities by parents in the Colony. Even in the existing state of Auckland, three young men, sons of residents here, are now at one or the other of the old English Universities. If any of these young men had been successful competitors for such scholarships as are proposed, the Colony would be, so far, merely getting at the public cost what it would have got without any cost. Secondly : Ido not see how a competent and trustworthy Board of Examiners could be formed in the Colony at present; the head masters of the schools being, by the nature of the case, excluded. 2.] This plan might be very beneficial, but it is encumbered with the same difficulty as to a Board of Examiners, and even in a greater degree, if the Board were in these cases to be a provincial or local one. 4.] I should say in connection with the old English Universities. 5.] Not less than £200. 7.] I am of opinion that whenever the finances of the Colony will allow it, the foundation of a New Zealand University will be desirable. It would bring the influences of the highest education into the midst of the population, and enable those influences to reach many who would not be reached on any other plan. The proposed University Scholarships might be grafted on it. The Professors or other members of the working and governing body of the University, would be the Board of Examiners, and persons selected and delegated by that body would be accepted everywhere as trustworthy examiners. I may add that such a University would be strengthened and its influence extended, if it were understood that in bestowing Government appointments a preference would be given to young men who had distinguished themselves at the University—always supposing them to be found equal to their competitors in aptitude of other kinds for the special office to which they were to be appointed. Such an element might well be introduced into the public patronage in place of other elements (or, in mitigation of other elements) by which the choice is apt to be determined (so far as I know) under all forms of government alike. Taurarua, 12th September, 1867. Wm. Martin.

67

ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS.