H.— IE

1878. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION. PAPERS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS OF MINES.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Exteact from the Joeenals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 28_7t day of September, 1876. Resolved, —That, having in view the vast undeveloped mineral wealth of the colony, and the necessity of obtaining the fullest possible information concerning the metals and minerals with which the country abounds, the House is of opinion that it is advisable to establish a School of Mines.— (Mr. Barf.) A true extract. F. E. Campbell, Clerk, House of Representatives.

CANTERBURY No. 2. The Hon. D. Reid to the Boaed of Goveenoes of Canteebuey College. Gentlemen, — General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 31st January, 1877. I have the honor to enclose a copy of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives in favour of the establishment of a School of Mines in the colony. In the short discussion which the motion elicited, a report of which is herewith appended for your information, it was intimated that the Government would take an early opportunity of drawing the attention of the governing bodies of the Otago University and of the Canterbury College to the subject, with a view to induce them to pay special attention to the establishment of mining schools in connection with these institutions. In accordance with the intimation thus given, I have now the houor to request that you will be good enough to bring the matter before the Council of the Canterbury College, with a view to ascertain whether it will be prepared to establish a School of Mines in connection with the College, where instruction in a popular form might be given in the various branches of science relating to mining, aud where persons desirous of having specimens of ores or minerals tested might be enabled to do so on reasonable terms. The immense importance of this subject to the colony will, I am sure, induce your Council to assist in giving effect to the object in view. I shall be glad to be informed that your Council has resolved to establish a School of Mines in connection with the Canterbury College. I have, &c, The Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, D. Reid, Christchurch. Secretary for Crown Lands.

No. 3. The Chaieman of the Boaed of Goveenoks to the Hon. the Seceetaey for Ceown Lands. Sib,— Canterbury College, Christchurch, 9th February, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, in which you call attention to the resolution of the House of Representatives respecting the establishment of a School of Mines, and request this Board " to assist in giving effect to the object in view," I—H. lE.