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1879. NEW ZEALAND.

DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTION (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF).

Laid on the Table by the Hon. Sir George Grey, with the Leave of the House.

No. 1. The Hon. Sir G. Grey to the Agent-General. Sir, — Education Department, Wellington, 7th November, 1878. I have the honor to inform you that the General Assembly has voted money for the purpose of providing suitable education and training for the deaf-mutes within the colony, and to request you to be good enough to secure for Government the services of a thoroughly competent instructor who has approved himself to be highly skilled in the art of teaching and training deaf-mutes according to the most recent and approved methods, including the method of communication by means of " articulation." The various important qualifications which such a person ought to possess, and the arrangements necessary to be made, will readily suggest themselves to you, and it is therefore not necessary that I should enter very much into detail respecting them. I may remark, however, that the proposed appointment is of a somewhat exceptional character, and necessitates the making of a special agreement. In the nature of the case the pupils would have to reside in family with tho teacher, and tho nature and extent of the establishment would largely depend upon the number of the pupil inmates : a point respecting which it is at present difficult to form an opinion. In all probability the number of pupil boarders would be small at the outset, and it might be thought advisable that the teacher should receive them as inmates of his own house, although eventually a building, including a master's residence, would no doubt bo provided by the authorities. Subject to such modifications in regard to details as you may find necessary or advisable, tho engagement should embrace such terms as the following:—■ 1. The engagement to be for three years from the date of the teacher's arrival in the colony and his reporting himself to the Government; to be determinable thereafter by six months' notice in writing by cither party, such notice to be given to expire at any time. 2. The teacher to reside in any part of the colony, and to be subject to the control aud supervision of any governing body which tho Government may resolve upon. 3. The teacher to receivo a salary at the rate of about £600, or, if necessary, £700 per annum, and, until free quarters are provided, an allowance at the rate of, say, £150 per annum, in lieu of a residence. 4. The teacher to receivo payment of his actual expenses out to New Zealand. 5. The teacher to receive into his family, as pupil boarders, such deaf-mutes as may be placed under his care and tuition by tho Government, or the other governing body, aud, in consideration of their board, tuition, training, and domestic attendance (including washing), to receive payment as follows: —When the number of pupil inmates is under eight, the sum of, say, £50 each per annum ; when the number is eight and under twelve, the sum of, say, £45 each ; and when the number exceeds twelve, the sum of, say, £40 each. 6. In the event of an arrangement being made by the Government, or the other governing body, for providing and furnishing a building and taking upon itself the boarding of the teachers and pupils, including attendance, washing, &c, a fair and reasonable deduction to be made from the fixed salary agreed to be paid to the teacher, in consideration of the board, attendance, &c, provided for himself and the members of his own family. 7. The other stipulations usually included in such engagements. I am not aware whether any appliances not readily procurable in the colony are necessary for the use of the proposed school; but, if any such arc requisite, you will be good enough to forward what you may deem advisable. I have to request, also, that you would advise me, as soon as you are able, of the appointment of a teacher, tho arrangements you have made with him, and tho probable date of his arrival in the colony. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. G. Grey. I—H. 17.

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No. 2. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sis, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 7th April, 1879. In reference to your letter of 7th November last, No. 173, on the subject of providing an instructor for deaf-mutes, I have the honor to state that, through a prolonged illness, I have, much to my regret, been prevented from giving that early and close attention to your letter that its importance demanded. I am now exerting myself in the matter. When I was making a selection of a master for the Dunedin High School, I received great assistance from the two colleagues who were appointed to act with mo. One of these, Dr. Abbott, resides in London, and I have taken the responsibility of asking him to assist me in the selection. He has kindly consented to do so. The high position which Dr. Abbott holds in educational circles, and his large acquaintance with the leading men engaged in educatioual pursuits, enable him to make confidential inquiries which I should have great difficulty in instituting. lam sure his services will be most valuable. I have also associated with me in the selection Mr. Kennaway, who has great judgment and tact in making selections of this kind. We have called for applications for the appointment, and you may rely on no pains being spared to faithfully carry out your views iv this matter, which so creditably does justice to that consideration for misfortune which is so characteristic of the Government of New Zealand. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 3. Miss Mitchell to tho Hon. Sir G. Grey. Sir,— Charteris Bay, Lyttelton, 24th November, 1878. Having long been a teacher of the deaf and dumb, and desiring to make application for an appointment in connection with the proposed asylum for deaf and dumb in New Zealand, but not knowing with whom the application ought to be lodged, I have presumed upon troubling you to forward the enclosed letter to the party to whom it ought to be addressed. It contains some particulars of my experience in teaching the deaf and dumb in an institution in London, and private pupils I have had here. I have, &c, Sir George Grey. D. G. Mitchell.

Enclosure in No. 3. Sir,— Charteris Bay, Lyttelton, 24th November, 1878. I see by a telegram in the Lyttelton Times of to-day that the Government have telegraphed to the Agent-General to send out an instructor for the Deaf and Dumb Asylum. I have been a teacher of deaf and dumb for upwards of fifteen years —nearly six in an institution for such in London, aud over nine in a clergyman's family here, where three of the children are deaf and dumb. I had also one pupil from Otago and one from Southbrook. Both of these were deaf and dumb. About twenty months ago family matters called mo to Queensland, and both of these pupils had to return home : thus the nucleus of (what I had hoped would eventually become) a school for deaf and dumb was for a time broken up. It is well known in Christchurch that for many years I have beeu teaching deaf and dumb (private pupils), and parents of several children so afflicted had often said they wished I would open a school for deaf aud dumb. Now I have just returned to Canterbury intending to do so, and with this object in view came via Sydney and Melbourne, visiting and spending a good deal of time at both institutions for deaf and dumb there, so as to gain all information I could regarding any recent improvements in tho method of teaching. The want of funds to establish and support such an institution was giving me thought, when I became aware Government had put a sum on the estimates for one. Government now taking the matter in hand puts a stop to my opening a school, and I feci very glad, as now many difficulties are removed with which I should have had to contend, and I was awaiting the proper time (thinking a Committee would have to bo formed first) to make application for the appointment of matron or teacher, when I saw the announcement in the papers about communicating with the Agent-Geueral regarding a teacher for the deaf and dumb. I will gladly forward my testimonials from the master of the institution where I taught iv London, and from the Rev. R. E. Bradley and others, whose children I have been teaching here. Some time ago I had offer of an appointment as a teacher in the Victorian Institution for Deaf and Dumb ; the Committee offered £100 per annum with board and residence: but I could not make up my mind to leave my pupils, with no provision made for their education being continued ; for, although the necessity of an institution for deaf and dumb in the Colony of New Zealand had then once or twice been spoken of in the House, no steps had been taken in the matter, and the education of the children I was then teaching must have ceased, had I left and gone to Melbourne. I have, &c, D. G. Mitchell.

No. 4. Mr. J. Hislop to Miss Mitchell. Madam, —• Education Department, Wellington, 24th December, 1878. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge the receipt from the Hon. Sir George Grey of your letter of the 24th ultimo, and to say that Government will

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consider in what manner they could avail themselves of your valuable services as a teacher of deafmutes ; and have caused immediate inquiry to bo made as to how this could bo best done. I have, &c, Miss D. G. Mitchell, Lyttelton. John Hislop.

No. 5. Mr. W. Montgomery to the Hon. J. Ballance. My dear Mr. Ballance, — Akaroa, 21st December, 1878. Miss Mitchell called on me a few days ago, and stated she had applied to you for employment in the institution about to be established for the instruction of deaf and dumb children. She showed me a number of testimonials from people of position —somo of whom I know, —all vouching for her ability to teach tho deaf aud dumb. I enclose herewith a letter addressed to me by the Roy. Mr. Bradley', and I can say that he would not on any account state more than he knew to be correct. From the conversation I had with Miss Mitchell, and from the perusal of the testimonials, I formed the opinion that she is a very intelligent lady ; and that she would be of great servico in the proposed institution if she were appointed a teacher. I have therefore great pleasure in asking your favourable consideration of her application, and hope you may be able to grant her request. I have, &c, The Hon. Mr. Ballance. W. Montgomery.

Enclosure in No. 5. The Rev. R. R. Bradley to Mr. W. Montgomery. Dear Sir, — Charteris Bay, Lyttelton, 7th December, 1878. In giving you my impressions of Miss Mitchell's qualifications as teacher of the deaf and dumb, I really canuot say too much in her praise. She was with us nine and a-half years, and had the complete charge of my four children—all deaf and dumb. We also received into our house one lad from Rangiora, and one also from Duuediu —a son of Mr. James Green, I believe a member for that part. Both of these lads received every attention ; aud when Miss Mitchell left us, a year and a-half ago, their parents were only too sorry that she was going away. However, family matters ou her side required her presence at Brisbane. She has now returned, aud is staying with us. Miss Mitchell has succeeded so far with our children that we barely feel their want of hearing ; aud my boy Louis, now seventeen, is worth more per week than many an imported immigrant. You have known me so long that you will believe all I say, as nothing more than Miss Mitchell deserves. I have thcreforo great pleasure in adding my mite to her present wishes for employment. I have, &c, W. Montgomery, Esq. It. R. Bradley, M.A.

No. G. Mr. J. nisLOP to Mr. W. Montgomery. S IE Education Department, Wellington, 31st December, 1878. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant, respecting Miss Mitchell, and of the letter addressed to you by the Itov. Mr. Bradley. lam to say that Government feel desirous to avail themselves of Miss Mitchell's valuable services, and will keep her in mind when the establishment of the proposed deaf and dumb institution comes to be dealt with ; and that Miss Mitchell has been informed accordingly. I have, &c, W. Montgomery, Esq., M.H.R., Christchurch. John Hislop.

No. 7. Mr. J. Green to the Hon. the Minister of Education. g IB Woodend, Blueskin, 11th January, 1879. I have the honor to request that you will kindly inform me, at your earliest convenience, what the Government are doing iv the way of initiating an institution for teaching and training the heavily-afflicted children that are deaf and dumb, and bliud, iv this colony. There is now a lady (Miss D. G. Mitchell) iv Lyttelton, who has been engaged for a number of years teaching,the deaf and dumb with success, and I have much pleasure in recommending her to you as in every way a most suitable person as lady-principal for the female branch of the establishment. I sincerely hope that you may be fortunate enough to secure the services of Miss Mitchell, as I feel sure it would prove an inestimable blessing for those poor afflicted children to be under the tuition, care, and guidance of such an efficient teacher and such an estimable person. I have, &c, The Hon. tho Minister of Education, Wellington. James Green.

No. 8. Mr. J. Hislop to Mr. J. Green. g IE Education Department, Wellington, 21st January, 1879. Your letter to Mr. Ballance, and also your private letter to me, have come to hand. Mr. Ballance is absent from Wellington just now ; but I am ablo to inform you that Miss Mitchell's fitness

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and claims are fully recognized by Government, who are quite prepared to avail themselves of that lady's services, whenever arrangements can be made iv that behalf. The matter has already been the subject of inquiry, and the conclusion come to is as follows : that, however desirable it may be to secure Miss Mitchell's services at once, it will be necessary to await the arrival of the gentleman whom the Agent-General has been directed to appoint, and to ascertain what arrangements it will then be advisable to make. The appointment of Miss Mitchell or any other official, at the present time, would very likely complicate-inatters. I have, &c, James Green, Esq., Blueskin. John Hislop.

No. 9. Miss Mitchell to the Hon. J. Ballance. Sis,— Home Villa, Lyttelton, 11th March, 1879. A considerable time ago, when Government were moving iv tho matter of education being provided for deaf-mutes in this colony, I wrote to the Ministry that the nucleus of the future school for deaf-mutes was already formed, and stating how long I had been engaged teaching some deaf-mute children in New Zealand. I then received a reply in effect " that Government would consider how they could avail themselves of my services as a teacher of deaf-mutes, and had caused inquiry to be made as to how this could best be done." I also received a communication from the ltev. Mr. Habeus that it was probable a temporary arrangement might be made, pending the arrival of a master from England. Some months have passed since then, and I havo heard no more re the matter, save anxious inquiries by many of the parents of deaf-muto children who are in this province. The subject presses sorely on my mind, as many of these deaf-mutes are, to my kuowledge, growing up in ignorance and fast attaining an age when it becomes most difficult to teach them. AVith a little assistance from Government this might be prevented, as I would gather around me those cases I know of and commence teaching them. I now write to ask—if I begin the school in the manner suggested by Mr. Habens, as a temporary arrangement, to coalesce with the institution when it is built and a master obtained—will tho Government assist me in the meantime ? If I begin to teach, I feel sure the friends of many of these deaf-mutes would gladly subscribe also toward the good cause ; for, although some parents are able to pay for the maintenance of their children, others are not, and without some such assistance, and the formation of a committee, the appliances for a school and furnishing a home for those from a distance to board could not be obtained. Two of tho pupils I had at the time I had to go to Queensland (two years ago) had just boon sufficiently long with me to realize (in some measure) the benefit of being taught, when their education was for the time suspended. 1 have visited them both since my return to New Zealand, and am sorry to find they are losing much of what they had gained, and they are growing big boys now : one of them is son of Mr. Green, of Blueskin, Otago. I am also daily made acquainted with new cases. Only a few days ago I received a letter from Mr. Watson, Principal of the Sydney Institution for Deaf and Dumb, telling mo that Mr. J. Rhodes, of Napier, is in communication with them about a son of his, whom ho is anxious to send to Sydney ; and Mr. Watson, knowing me, wrote to me, thinking it a pity Mr. Rhodes should have to send his son so far away when he might be taught iv New Zealand. That you may judge what experience I have had in teaching deaf-mutes, I enclose testimonials from the masters of the institution where I taught in London, and also from Mr. Bradley, whose children I taught in New Zealand. I know something of Mr. Bell's system of visible speech, and, when practicable, teach articulation. Craving pardon for trespassing on your valuable time, and asking if I may have the enclosed testimonials returned at convenience, I have, &c, The Hon. Mr. Ballance, Wellington. D. G. Mitchell.

No. 10. The Rev. W. J. Habens to Miss Mitchell. Madam, — Education Department, Wellington, 17th March, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Minister of Education, to inform you that Mr. Hislop, the Secretary for Education, has been requested to call on you on his way from Dunedin about the end of this week, and to confer with you as to a suitable place for commencing the work referred to in your letter of the 11th inst., and as to the subsidy which the Government is willing to grant. I «aTe > &c -> Miss Mitchell, Home Villa, Lyttelton. Wm. Jas. Havens.

No. 11. Mr. J. Hislop to the Hon. J. Ballance. S IB) — Education Department, Wellington, 15th April, 1879. As directed by you, I saw Miss Mitchell at Lyttelton re the establishment of an institution for the education of deaf-mutes. I venture to submit the following report:— 1. My personal interview with Miss Mitchell fully confirmed the favourable impression I had, in common with yourself, formed of that lady from a perusal of her letters and the reports of others. Her appearance, bearing, evident force of character, enthusiasm, good sense, and proved success in the work appear to me to fit her eminently for the position of lady-principal aud schoolmistress of a deaf and dumb institution. Several of my friends and acquaintances at Lyttelton and Christchurch, where she

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is well known, spoke very warmly as to her good character aud her ability. She is held in the very highest estimation by parents whose doaf aud dumb children have been educated by her. Among these are Mr. James Green, M.H.R., and tho Rev. Mr. Bradley, of Akaroa. 2. In company with Miss Mitchell I inspected the building outside the Orphanage at Lyttelton, and found it utterly unsuitable. The building in itself i 3 worthless for tho purpose, and, even were it tolerable, its location would render it most unfit. 3. Hereto attached is an offer from the Rev. Mr. Bradley, conveyed through Miss Mitchell, of an acre of laud iv his beach paddock as a site for a deaf and dumb institution. It is across the harbour from Lyttelton, close by a never-failing stream of water. It seems altogether a most suitable sito. The only drawback which Miss Mitchell can suggest is that visitors to the school would have either to cross the harbour by steam-launch or boat, or ride a long way round. Ido not consider this any drawback at all. Miss Mitchell thinks Mr. Bradley would, if asked, be induced to mako his gift an acre and a half, and she states that by-aud-by more laud could be had by purchase when needed. Mr. Bradley has several deaf and dumb children, who were very successfully instructed by Miss Mitchell, and he makes the offer because ho is greatly interested in the education of deaf-mutes, and because his children were the first successfully educated in the colony. 4. Even though this site should be accepted by Government or by a society for the education of deaf-mutes, it would be necessary to rent a suitable house in tho meantime. I saw the house at Lyttelton (Home Villa) referred to by Mis 3 Mitchell, and I consider it well fitted for the purpose. I believe it could be rented at a moderate figure. 5. I believe there is a better chance of getting an association started at Lyttelton and Christchurch than anywhere else at the present time, because Miss Mitchell's success as a teacher of deafmutes is well known in the Canterbury District, and the subject has excited favourable interest amongst a number of the settlors there. I have, &c, The Hon. Mr. Ballance, Wellington. John Hislop.

Enclosure in No. 11. Miss Mitchell to the Hon. J. Ballance. Sib, — Home Villa, Lyttelton, sth April, 1879. I am requested by tho Rev. R. R. Bradley, of Charteris Bay, to say that, if Government choose to accept of it, he will give an acre of land in his beach paddock as a site on which to build tho institute for the deaf and dumb. It is just opposite Lyttelton, across the harbour, aud close by a never-failing creek from which an abundaut supply of water could be laid on, and in the country — no water-rates to pay. For a healthy situation Ido not know a better, aud, as it would bo close on the beach and in the country, the pupils could have all the advantages of sea-bathing, aud the establishment could be well and inoro cheaply supplied with butchers-meat, milk, and butter, than in town ; and as the school increased, if more land were required to extend the teaching of gardening and agriculture to the boys of tho institute, it could be obtained by purchase : indeed I believe Mr. Bradley would make his gift an acre and a-half at first if asked to do so. He makes the offer to Government as his children are the first deaf-mutes in the colony who have been taught at home. If Government think fit, the site could be looked at aud reported upon, but, if thought preferable to rent a place at first, there is a very convenient house in Port Lyttelton capable of accommodating from fifteen to twenty pupils, and to it there is attached a good-sized garden well-stocked in fruit and Homo trees — Mr. Hislop knows the house, Home A rilla, where he called upon me. Mr. Bradley also offers to do his part (on Banks Peninsula) in canvassing for subscriptions and donations; and I have also had letters from friends in Christchurch offering to do the same as soon as a committee is formed, or whatever arrangements are to be made completed; but, of course nothing can be done at present until the grant or subsidy oifered by Government is made public, and they have liberty to canvass for subscriptions. I enclose for perusal a letter I have just received from the Principal of the Victorian Institution for Deaf and Dumb. About six months ago the Committee of that institution engaged a teacher of articulation aud lip-reading as an adjunct to the mimetic or French system, and, as I was anxious to know results, I wrote to the master making inquiries. From his reply to me he evidently' thinks as I do, and the most eminent teachers of deaf-mutes with whom I have conversed express themselves similarly—that, when found practical to teach it, articulation is good as an accomplishment, but'not as a means of imparting knowledge to deaf-mutes. I have, &c, The Hon. Mr. Ballance, Wellington. D. G. Mitchell. N.B.—An objection to the site Mr. Bradley offers may be that visitors to the school would either have to cross the harbour by steam-launch or ride a long way round.—D.G.M.

No. 12. Mr. J. Hislop to Miss Mitchell. Madam, — Education Department, Wellington, 16th April, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge tho receipt of your letter of tho sth instant, respecting the proposed institution for the education and training of deaf-mutes, and to inform you that he has perused it and your former letters on the same subject with interest and satisfaction. lam directed to say also, — 1. That Government are anxious to aid in securing to the deaf and dumb youth of this colouy the means of thorough education and training, and that, with this object, instructions were forwarded somo months ago to the Agent-General iv London to engage the services of a very competent teacher. 2. That Government belicvo that an institution for the education and training of deaf-mutes could be most satisfactorily established aud conducted by an association organized and incorporated for tho

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purpose, aud that, in view of such an association being formed, Government made it one of the conditions of the teacher's engagement iv England that he should reside in any part of the colony, and be subject to the control and supervision of any governing body which the Government may resolve upon. ' 3. That Government recognize your emineut fitness for the position of lady-superintendent and governess of a deaf and dumb institution, and would be glad to aid in securing your valuable services in that capacity; and that, in tho eveut of such an association as I have indicated being formed, and your services secured by the association, Government would contribute towards the expenses of the institution somewhat as follows :— (a.) By paying towards the rent of a suitable building for the first operations of the association a sum not exceeding, say, £65 a year ; (b.) By granting a subsidy towards current expenditure at the rate of one pound (£1) for every pound raised by the association from subscriptions, donations, aud payments by parents and guardians of the pupil inmates of the institution ; (c.) By paying a subsidy of probably not less than £20 per annum towards the board and education of every child whose parent or guardian may be unable to pay the full charge for admission ; (d.) By moving Parliament to vote a grant in aid of the association's efforts to erect suitable buildings of a permanent character for its institution upon freehold land which it may be able to secure by gift or otherwise. It is to be understood, however, that the association would have to be prepared to accept tho services of the teacher who may be appointed by the Agent-General ou such teacher's arrival in the colony, and that any arrangements now made as regards the staff would be subject to such modifications as may be found necessary in consequence. Government undertake, however, that the arrangemeuts connected with the engagement of such teacher shall be of a liberal character, and that your status and interests shall be protected. You are at liberty to make this communication public, for the information of those who are interested in the important and useful work to which you have devoted yourself. I have, &c, Miss Mitchell, Home Villa, Lyttelton. John Hislop.

No. 13. Mr. J. Hislop to Miss Mitchell. Madam, — Education Department, Wellington, 16th April, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge the receipt of of your letter of the sth instant, conveying to Government an offer by the Rev. Mr. Bradley, of Charteris Bay, of an acre of his land ou the shore of Lyttelton Harbour, as a site for the proposed deaf and dumb institution. I am to request you to be good enough to convey to Mr. Bradley the the thanks of Government for his handsome offer, which thoy would bo prepared to accept but for the following considerations: — As explained in my other letter to you of even date, Government would greatly prefer that a deaf aud dumb institution should be established and maintained by a voluntary association of persons interested in the work, aided by Parliamentary subsidy. It might probably assist the formation of such an association if Mr. Bradley were to kindly make the offer of a site to the promoters of the association, which, if accepted, would rank as a donation. I enclose, not for publication, but for the information of yourself and other friends of the deaf and dumb, a copy of the despatch from Government to the Agent-General respecting the appointment of a teacher. I have, &c, Miss Mitchell, Home Villa, Lyttelton. John Hislop.

No. 14. Mr. W. Eolleston to the Hon. the Minister of Education. Sir, — Christchurch, 27th April, 1879. I think it right to forward to you a copy of a letter which I have written to Miss Mitchell, in reply to a request from her that I would consent to form one of a committee to give effect to the proposals of the Government relating to an institution for deaf-mutes, as expressed to her in a letter from Mr. Hislop of the 18th April. You may not be aware of the circumstances under which the resolution referred to was passed in the House of Representatives. The House was clearly opposed to Mr. Stout's view of the question. Sir George Grey, who had been absent, came into the House and clearly gave the House to understand that the Government would comply with the resolution as proposed. You will pardon me, as one much interested in the matter, if I express the opinion that the proposal to make the gentleman sent for from England " subject to tho control and supervision of any governing body which the Government may resolve upon " is alien to the spirit of the resolution of the House, and likely to limit the number of applications from men capable of filling the post of head of the institution. It is certainly not in accord with the memorandum on the subject which I furnished to you, and in which I understood you to concur. I may further bo permitted to express my apprehensions that the leaving of the practical initiation of the institution to one, however capable, who would be subordinate to the teacher to be sent for from England, and to the committee to be organized for the purpose, will scarcely be likely to lead to satisfactory results. I have ventured to write this letter in explanation of my letter to Miss Mitchell, and of the course previously taken by me. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Education, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

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Enclosure in No. 14. Mr. W. Rolleston to Miss Mitchell. Madam,— Christchurch, 27th April, 1879. I have received your letter of 22nd April, and have read in last Friday's Press Mr. Hislop's letter to you of the 18th instant. I regret to say that, in my opinion, the proposal of the Government to place the institution for deaf-mutes under a voluntary association, and to make it dependent upon private subscriptions subsidized by public funds, is one which cannot be successful; and that, until every effort has been made to make the institution a colonial undertaking under the control of the Education Department, with its teachers responsible to the Government, I should not be inclined (even if the pressure of private business admitted of my doing so) to attempt to work out such a scheme as that indicated in Mr. Hislop's letter to you. You will see, from the report in Hansard of 15th August, the circumstances under which the resolution was passed in the House of Representatives, affirming that the time had come when the Colonial Government should establish an asylum for deaf and dumb within the colony. I cannot think that the proposals of the Government, so far as I can understand them, would give effect to the intention of Parliament, and I am sure that they would prove unsatisfactory, both to the teachers who might be induced to undertake the work and to the public who look for a colonial institution sensitive to public opinion as represented in Parliament. I think it right to send a copy of this letter to the Minister of Education, and you are at liberty to make any use of it which you may think fit. I have, &c, Miss Mitchell, Lyttelton. W. Rolleston.

No. 15. Mr. J. Hislop to Mr. W. Rolleston. Sib, — Education Department, Wellington, 2nd May, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo, enclosing copy of a letter addressed by you to Miss Mitchell relative to the establishment of an institution for the education and training of deaf-mutes, and to thank you for your courtesy in favouring him with a copy of your letter to Miss Mitchell. I have, &c, W. Rolleston, Esq., M.H.R., Christchurch. John Hislop.

No. 16. Mr. H. R. Webb to the Hon. J. Ballance. Sir,— Christchurch, 19th May, 1879. I have the honor to inform you that, consequent on your letter of 16th April, No. 185, addressed to Miss Mitchell, respecting the establishment of an institution for the education and training of deaf-mutes, and at the instance of some of the Board of Education, and to assist Miss Mitchell in her endeavours to form an institution, I issued circulars to ministers of three of the religious bodies, members of the House of Representatives and Legislative Council, and other gentlemen who I thought would take an interest in the matter, asking them to attend a preliminary meeting, which meeting was held on Friday last, the 16th inst, and attended by the Rev. Messrs. Charles Fraser, J. Elmslie, A. Reid, and Messrs. W. Montgomery, C. C. Bowen, J. E. Brown, E. C. J. Stevens, F. G. Stedman, and the Mayor of Christchurch ; when I was voted to the chair, and read your letter, and gave such information as in my power of the intentions of the Government. The subject was then fully discussed, and the following resolution unanimously adopted : "That this meeting is of opinion that an institution for deaf-mutes should be established as soon as possible, and as a Government institution ;" which resolution I was requested to forward to you. If I can assist in establishing an institution which is certainly very much needed, I shall be most happy to do so ; but I feel convinced there is no probability of its being brought to a successful issue on the terms proposed in your letter above referred to. The cost for maintenance in the first instance would not exceed, I should think, £2,500 per annum, which I think is a just charge on the consolidated revenue. I euclose the report of the meeting taken from the Press newspaper. I have, &c, The Hon. J. Ballance, Minister of Education. H. R. Webb.

Enclosure in No. IG. Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. A meeting of gentlemen interested in the establishment of a deaf and dumb school was held at the Public Library yesterday afternoon. There were present —Rev. Messrs. A. Reid, C. Fraser, and J. Elmslie ; His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch ; Messrs. J. E. Brown, W. Montgomery, E.X!. J. Stevens, H. R. Webb, C. C. Bowen, and F. G. Stedman. On the motion of Mr. Stevens, Mr. 11. R. Webb was voted to the chair. The Chairman said, before proceeding to the business of the afternoon, he had to apologize for the absence of the Very Rev. the Dean and Messrs. Hassal and Gould, who were unable to attend. He might say that Miss Mitchell had waited upon him and handed to him the correspondence with the Government on the subject of the establishment of a school for the deaf and dumb. Miss Mitchell had written to a large number of ladies in different parts of the colony, and had received from them promises of assistance. He would now read them the letter sent to Miss Mitchell on the subject by tho

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Secretary for Education, and also a copy of the letter sent by the Government to the Agent-General, requesting him to secure the services of a male teacher for the deaf and dumb. [Read.] Miss Mitchell, he might say, had written to Lady Robinson, and had received her consent to become ladypatroness of the institution. He (tho Chairman) had received from Miss Mitchell a number of reports of the working of similar institutions in England, America, and Australia. From these he found that they were supported partly by the State and partly by contributions. Ho regretted that Mr. Rolleston was not able to be present, as he had taken a great interest in the matter. He had taken upon himself to conveue this meeting, and now he hoped to hear the opinions of those present. The Rev. C. Eraser said that the fact of the Government proposing to establish a central institution for the whole of New Zealand removed it at once from the list of charities receiving aid to the extent of pound for pound. It could not be thought for a moment that the inhabitants of Christchurch were to contribute for the whole colony. The chief object of the meeting seemed to be to find if a sufficient number of those who usually interested themselves in benevolent objects could be found willing to interest themselves in this one. This was made very plain by the very good attendance. He thought some expression of opinion should be given by them on two points of greatest importance in this matter, and that they should be brought before the public meeting. The one was how the funds were to be raised. Such a matter should not be left to the casual charity of a portion of the public, even the benevolent public ; but should be secured partly by endowment, partly by a charge on the Customs revenue, and partly by a rate. It was high time that more attention was given to this important department of Government work, and that the public and Parliament should take up the subject. An institution for the deaf and dumb, lunatic asylums, orphanages, and hospitals, should all be brought under one department, and placed on a permanent footing. He did not think it would be too much to expect that one of the Executive portfolios should be devoted to this work, along with the Department, say, of Education or of Justice. The other main point was that of the local control of these establishments. He was of opinion that Boards, having the same boundaries as the Education Boards, and appointed partly by tho Government and partly by the ratepayers, would afford the best means of a local and energetic control, under the public view. The present time, coming near to a general election, was especially appropriate for advocating a just regard to business which so nearly concerned the public interests, and he felt that that Government would deserve well of the country which should inaugurate a wise scheme for dealing with these permanent necessities of the population. The Chairman quite agreed with what had fallen from Mr. Fraser on the subject. Mr. Montgomery asked how many there were iv the colony deaf and dumb. The Chairman said, according to the last census, about fifty, including adults. Mr. Stevens asked if there was any estimate of the cost of a central institution for the colony. The Chairman replied in tho negative. Mr. Montgomery said this was purely a colonial undertaking, and then came the question if the localities should be called on to subscribe £1 for £1 for the support of an institution for the whole of the colony, or if the Government would not keep such an institution up as well as other Government establishments. Mr. Stevens considered it perfectly hopeless to suppose that the institution could bo worked on the principles which seemed to be the idea of how charitable institutions should be worked. It would bo perfectly impossible for any committee to undertake its management on the indefinite terms proposed by the Government. He believed the only way to work it was as a Government institution. Proper buildings should be erected, and the whole institution managed as any other Government establishment. The £20 the Government proposed to contribute towards the board and education of those who were unable to pay for it seemed to him to recognize tho duty of the State to provide for these cases. After some further discussion, iv which tho Rev. Mr. Elmslie and Messrs. Bowen and Montgomery took part, Mr. Stevens moved, That this meeting is of opinion that an institution for deaf-mutes should be established as soon as possible, aud as a Government institution. The Rev. C. Fraser seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved that the Chairman forward the resolution to the Government, The proceedings then terminated.

No. 17. Mr. J. Hislop to Mr. 11. R. Webb. Sir, — Education Department, AVellington, 28th May, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, communicating the result of a meeting held at Christchurch respecting the proposed establishment of a deaf and dumb institute. lam to convey to you the thanks of the Government for your letter and for your kind offer of assistance, and to say that the matter will receive from the Government that consideration which its importance merits. I have, &c, H. R. Webb, Esq, Christchurch. John Hislop.

No. 18. The Hon. J. Ballance to Mr. A. C. Strode. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 22nd May, 1879. You hav-e^no doubt, read official letter to Miss Mitchell re proposed formation of association for establishing deaf and dumb institution. Government would subsidize liberally, aud probably erect

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suitable buildings in any district which would first form an association. As Miss Mitchell has failed to get her own district to move, do you think an association could be formed iv Otago P Please consider the question, and lay it before your Benevolent Society colleagues. Last census (March, 1878) shows ninety-four deaf and dumb in the colony — sixty-one under twenty years, thirty-nine between five and fifteen years, nineteen between fifteen and twenty years, sixteen between twenty and thirty years, three under five years. In Otago, twenty-nine of all ages ; in Canterbury, twentythree. After full consideration please wire opinion. A. C. Strode, Esq., Dunedin. J. Ballance.

No. 19. The Hon. J. Ballance to Mr. J. Green. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 22nd May, 1879. You have read letter to Miss Mitchell re proposed formation of association for establishing deaf and dumb institution. Government would liberally subsidize, and probably erect suitable buildings in any district which would first form an association. As Miss Mitchell has failed to get her own district to move, do you think an association could be formed in Otago Provincial District? I am wiring also to Mr. Strode, chairman of Benevolent Society : could you discuss the matter with him ? In March last year there were in the colony sixty-one deaf and dumb under twenty years of age, and ninety-four altogether —thirty-nine between five and fifteen years. After full consideration please wire your opinion. James Green, Esq., M.H.R., Blueskin. J. Ballance.

No. 20. Mr. J. Green to the Hon. J. Ballance. Sir,— Woodend, Blueskin, 23rd May, 1879. In reph r to your telegram of yesterday's date re the formatiun of an association for the education of the deaf and dumb, and a request that I would confer with Mr. Strode thereon, I regret to 3ay that I fear Mr. Strode will not be in town to attend to any business for some days at least. Although not of a serious nature, the accident he sustained a few days since will, I fear, keep him to his house for a time. I may state that the opinion generally expressed on the subject of the establishment of the institution by those who desire its success is that it should be treated as an educational rather than a charitable institution, and, as such, should be dealt with by the Government, it bearing the cost of erecting a wing to an existing school, and supplying the requisite teaching stall', under the immediate supervision of the Education Board of the district in which the institution is established ; and I may add that in my opinion there should be a boarding establishment connected therewith similar to those of the Otago High Schools, at which a reasonable fee should be charged, payable by tho parents or friends of those children who are in a position to pay, while the fees of those unable to bear the charge should be defrayed by the Borough or County Council to which such pupils belong. Hoping that yourself and the officers of the Education Department will bring your ability and judgment to bear on this important question, and that your eil'orts may lead to a successful issue, I have, &c, The Hon. J. Ballance, Minister of Education, Wellington. J. Green.

No. 21. Mr. J. Fulton to the Hon. J. Ballance. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 11th June, 1879. Replying to yours of 22nd May, re deaf and dumb asylum, I am requested by Mr. Strode (who is laid up by an accident) to convey resolution of Benevolent Institution Committee : " That the Committee are willing to entertain the proposals of the Government as to the care of the deaf and dumb, provided that satisfactory arrangements for their support can be made with the Government; and that they strongly recommend there be kept in view the desirability of associating with this scheme the formation of an orphan asylum, which shall receive children not tainted with crime—children of this sort having hitherto been sent to the Industrial School." The Hon. J. Ballance, Wellington. James Fulton.

No. 22. The Hon. J. Ballance to Mr. J. Fulton. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 12th June, 1879. Much gratified by spirit shown by you and coadjutors. Government will contribute largely towards rent of interim buildings, say £80 yearly or thereabouts. Will pay £1,000 annually towards teachers' salaries, and a subsidy of pound for pound on subscriptions and donations other than actual payments for board. Would move Parliament to vote liberal grant towards new buildings. Possibly suitable buildings in suburbs could be rented for a time. lam rather doubtful of policy of connecting proposed institution too intimately with orphanage institution, because a majority, probably, of deaf-mutes would be in a position to pay good deal more than bare cost of maintenance, and there might be objection to idea of orphanage. However, this question might be left over for consideration. Letter by post. Mr. James Fulton. J. Ballance. 2—H. 17.

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No. 23. Mr. J. Fulton to the Hon. J. Ballance. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 16th June, 1879. What arrangements will Government make to compel other parts of the colony to support their deafmute paupers sent here ? Other proposals seem satisfactory. Orphanage question had better, as you suggest, stand over. Suitable building could, I think, be rented in suburbs. The Hon. J. Ballance, Wellington. James Fulton.

No. 24. Mr. Hislop to Mr. J. Fulton. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th June, 1879. Government do not propose to have control over the institution or interfere in its working in the way you imply. The association would have power under its own by-laws to lay down rules and make arrangements for the reception of inmates from other towns and places in the colony. Government are now preparing a Charitable Institutions Bill, which will give association all powers. Copy will bo «ent you as soon as possible. Mr. James Fulton, Dunedin. John Hislop.

No. 25. Mr. Hislop to Mr. J. Fulton. Sir, — Education Department, Wellington, 16th June, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to write you with reference to the telegram forwarded by him on the 12th instant, in reply to yours of the same date. I send herewith copy of a letter sent to Miss Mitchell, by direction of the Minister, on 16th April, and I am to say that the Government is prepared to make the same proposal to any association which you and your coadjutors may succeed in forming, subject to the following modifications:— (1) The allowance for rent of temporary building will be, say, £80, if necessary ; and (2) instead of paying the half of the cost of board of poor inmates, Government will pay £1,000 a year towards the salaries and expenses of the teachers, on the understanding that Miss Mitchell and the gentleman to be engaged in England by the Agent-General are employed by the association. I enclose, for perusal of yourself and friends, a copy of the despatch forwarded to the AgentGeneral respecting the engagement of a competent teacher. By the last mail information was received to the effect that efforts were being made to secure a suitable teacher. I send you also a return from the Registrar-General showing the number of deaf-mutes in the several provincial districts and their ages when the census was taken in March, 1878. Miss Mitchell, whom the Government has reason to believe to be a highly-competent instructor of deaf-mutes, aud well versed in the whole subject, has kindly agreed to proceed to Dunedin for the purpose of rendering such assistance and supplying such information as may be in her power. She will no doubt take the opportunity of calling upon you. I am to say, further, that you may rest assured of the hearty co-operation of the Government in this important matter. I am, <&c, Mr. James Fulton, Woodside, Dunedin. John Hislop.

Return of DEAF and DUMB, AND BLIND.—(Census, March, 1878.)

Deaf and Dumb. Blind. Provincial District. Males. Females. Totals. Males. Females. Totals. Ltickland 'aranaki lawke's Bay Wellington ... felson larlborough Vestland Canterbury ... )tago 1-1 3 2 4 8 2 6 2 1 22 3 4 10 2 1 17 1 1 0 2 16 10 6 2 88 1 1 19 8 2 1 23 is 18 18 10 11 2:s 2!) 1 18 12 10 6 Totals 51 10 !)1 5G 50 106

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RETURN of AGES of DEAF AND DUMB, and Blind, in Quinquennial Periods.—(Census, March, 1878).

No. 26. Mr. J. Fulton to Mr. J. Hislop. Sir, — Outram, 23rd June, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th relative to the establishment of a deaf and dumb asylum in Dunedin, and to thank you for the enclosures. • The whole matter is receiving the careful consideration of the Committee of the Benevolent Institution, who will take advantage of Miss Mitchell's visit to lay the information obtained before the public, with a view to obtain widespread sympathy and assistance. Your telegram stating that a Charitable Institutions Bill would be introduced into Parliament conveyed just the information we required. I have, &c, James Fulton, On behalf of the Committee of the Otago Benevolent Institution. Johu Hislop, Esq., Secretary for Education, Wellington.

No. 27. Mr. J. Hislop to Miss Mitchell. Madam, — Education Department, Wellington, 16th June, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Ballance, to say that he is much pleased at your expression of willingness to pay a visit to Dunedin with a view to render such assistance aud give such information as may be in your power, in connection with the proposed formation of an association for the establishment of a deaf and dumb institution. Government will pay the cost of your passage to and from Dunedin by rail or steamer, and give travelling allowance at the rate of, say, 15s. a day while absent from home. Beyond asking you to be good enough to place yourself in communication with Mr. James Fulton and others likely to bo interested in the work, Government does not think it necessary to do more than express its confidence in your good sense, ability, aud zeal. , I have, &c, Miss Mitchell, Home Villa, Lyttelton. John Hislop.

No. 28. Extracts from Letter —Miss Mitchell to Mr. Hislop. Dear Mr. Hislop,— Home Villa, Lyttelton, 9th July, 1879. I arrived home last Monday, 7th, having been away several days longer that I intended. I left Lyttelton on Friday, 20th, broke journey at Ashburton, and proceeded on next morning. * • * * On Monday, called on Dr. Stuart and Mr. Pryde ; went out to Blueskin in the afternoon ; returned to Dunedin on Wednesdays first stopping at Port Chalmers to see Miss Dalrymple; then went into town and saw Mr. Fulton and Mr. Quin —arranged to see them at a special meeting next day (Thursday) at 2 p.m. Ten or twelve gentlemen present. On Friday Mr. Rennie and Mr. Hardy called at the Rev. Mr. Mackie's, where I was then staying, and took me out to see Benevolent Asylum; met master of

Deaf aud Dm ib. Blind. Ages. Males. Females. Totals. Males. Females. Totals. Jnder 5 years > to 10 years .0 to 15 years .5 to 20 years !0 to 25 years !5 to 30 years 10 to 35 years 15 to 40 years <0 to 45 years ;5 to 50 years 10 to 55 years 15 to 60 years !0 to 65 years 15 to 70 years '0 to 75 years '5 to 80 years iO and upwards 2 11 10 9 5 7 1 1 2 1 9 9 10 2 2 2 1 2 3 20 19 19 7 9 3 2 4 a i 4 1 2 2 8 2 ■1 5 7 2 2 8 5 8 3 1 2 2 3 2 2 4 2 1 8 4 1 4 4 7 7 1 3 3 6 4 4 4 7 4 5 8 11 3 6 12 12 10 4 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 Totals 54 10 94 56 50 106

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Industrial School there, who drove me out to Industrial School. (By the way, when yon said I should be delighted and astonished there, I did not think so. I must now confess I was both. I never saw such perfect order, coupled with a real famity seeming.) In the afternoon the master drove me out to Green Island to see Mrs. Brown, who has a daughter deaf and dumb, whom she wishes to send to school. On Saturday forenoon called upon Archdeacon Edwards, who professed great interest (had a letter from Mr. Bradley to him). Left by afternoon train for Oamaru, meaning to get home on Monday, 30th. * * * * AVrote those letters mentioned in the list, and called upon tho gentlemen named therein. On Friday afternoon came on to Timaru ; stayed with Mrs. Shaw, who drove me out on Saturday to call upon those I have named in the list; and on Monday I called on the Rev. Mr. Gillies, before leaving for home. Judge Chapman, Dunedin, at once offered to be a yearly subscriber of three guineas; Mrs. Perry, Timaru, Mr. Ormsby, and Mrs. Shaw have all promised to be subscribers. Altogether, every one I called upon professed great interest and willingness to help. And in Canterbury I believe there will be a good many who will subscribe yet, although they did pass that resolution at the meeting. * * * * On coming away I was not quite clear about one point. 1 asked the gentlemen at the meeting if my work was done, or if it was their desire I should call upon any more people. They promised to let me know on the morrow (Friday). I had said if there was no more for me to do I would return home on Saturday. On Friday no more mention was made of the matter by Mr. Rennie or Mr. Hardie, or by Mr. Quin, when out at the Benevolent Asylum ; and on our way out I forgot to put the question pointedly to them again. On Saturday I called at Mr. Pr\ lie's office: he could not tell me anything. I then went to Mr. Quin's office and Mr. Hardy's before leaving, but found both gentlemen had left, not to return till Monday ; so concluded, as no more word was left for me, I might return home. * * * * Before I left Oamaru I heard that some of the gentlemen there are very anxious the institution should be established at Oamaru. * * * Apologizing for troubling you with such a long letter, yet deeming it right to give full details of my journey south, I am, &c, J. Hislop, Esq., Secretary for Education. D. G. Mitchell.

List of Names of the Gentlemen I wrote to, or called upon, re the establishing an Institution for Deaf and Dumb. At Ashburton, wrote to Mr. Grigg ; and called upon Mr. Ward. At Blueskin, called upon Mr. Green and Mr. Quale. At Port Chalmers, called upon Miss Dalrymple. At Dunedin, called upon Dr. Stuart, Judge Chapman (who promised to talk with his son and others of the matter), Rev. Mr. Mackie, Rev. L. More, Dr. Roseby, Archdeacon Edwards (had a letter from Mr. Brady to him), Mr. Pryde, Mr. Quin, and Mr. Fitz ; and wrote to Rev. Mr. Waddell, Rev. Mr. Fitchett, Rev. Mr. Davis, Hon. W. Reynolds, Judge Williams, Dr. Copland, and Mr. Cargill. At Green Island, called upon Mrs. Brown. At Oamaru, called upon Rev. Mr. Todd, Mr. Fleming, and Mr. Hislop; and wrote to Hon. J. McLean. At Timaru, called upon Mr. and Mrs. Perry, Mrs. C. Perry, Mr. Ormsby, Mrs. Shaw, and Rev. Mr. Gillies. By Authority : Geoege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington. —1879. Price 9d.]