H.—3a.

4

are of an elementary nature. In fact nearly all the lectures I attended appear to be not so much au exposition of the highest knowledge on the subject, as an endeavour to lead upwards and instruct pupils who are willing-but in general are not far advanced. The small class in jurisprudence, as I understood from Dr. Poster, is of a higher character. As the general result of my visit of inspection to the several affiliated bodies, I would express an opinion that the New Zealand University is doing good work, better in some places than in others, but of use in all. In estimating its value we should not, I think, expect to find the standard it has so far reached equal to that which has been attained in the Universities of Europe, or of the older Colonies. Our small and scattered population and the struggle for material well being, or even for substantial comfort, which many parents have to maintain, prevent a full supply of youth able to continue their studies with undivided attention to the average age of University students elsewhere. Time and the prosperity of the Colony will gradually cure this defect. Minerva sprung in full maturity from the scull of Jupiter ; but a class of highly educated men is not likely to be produced in New Zealand without careful nurture and rearing from such beginnings as we possess. The state of the University of New Zealand wdl well bear comparison with that of the University of Sydney in its earlier days. I mention Sydney because I have had opportunities of knowing that the first principal of Sydney, my old and lamented friend Dr. "Woolley, would have been glad if the materials with which he commenced had been equal to those which are now being shaped and moulded by the University of New Zealand. J. C. Andrew. B7 Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 373.