THE SCHOOL OF MINES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2288, 6 January 1898, Page 18

THE SCHOOL OF MINES.

The pressure of political and other matter has till the present prevented as from commenting upon the annual report on the working of the local school of mines. We note with satisfaction from the report of the director, Professor 'Uleioh, that the school is rapidly attaining an importance commensurate with that of the industry of which it is the exponent. The attendance last year was the largest on record, and the professor at some length gives his reasons for anticipating a similar attendance this year. The following remarks in the report are illustrative of the difficulties with which the school- has had to contend :—: — " Without any increase in the attendance, however, the resources of the school regarding space, apparatus, collections, &c, will during next session not only be taxed to the utmost in the assaying, surveying, mineralogy and petrography classes, but some additions, as well as assistance, will "be necessary." Another difficulty of an unexpected kind seems to have arisen. It is necessary for the attainment of a mine manager's certificate that the student should have spent a considerable amount of time in practical mining. There are now 45 students who have to engage- in such work during the vacations, and they ■have difficulty in finding employment. This arises from a variety of causes. First, there is an unusually Targe number of applicants, for such employment, and the field is narrow owing to the depression on the Hauraki goldfield. Professor Ui,:rich therefore counsels those who cannot find work here to seek some other colony, Tasmania for instance, where mining in various shapes is being vigorously prosecuted. The position is significant. The advent of 26 new students during the year proves how the public attention is being directed to mining as a profession, and to the efficiency of the Otago School in particular. The school already has a praiseworthy record. Past students are now in lucrative positions in other parts of the Vorld. Kef erence is made in the report to 15 of these associates of the school, and this list leaves 14 unaccounted for. Some of these were mentioned in last year's report, but others have dropped out of eight, and Professor Ulricii anticipates that in future the record will be kept by means of the newly -formed Otago School of Mines .Association. It is to be noted with regret that during the year only one small sample of tailings was submitted for. report from outside sources. This is attributed to the preyalence of dredging, which has overshadowed quartz-reefing and prospecting. .But another reason is alleged, and if it is found to be the correct one it should be met by the council without delay. It is alleged that there is a general opinion among Ofcago mining men to tho effect that the charges for testing are too high, and that in consequence several parcels have been Bent to the Government testing plant at Sydney. It is alleged that the cost there, including transport charges, was less than would have been incurred at the Otago School. Such an experience is hurtful to the efficiency of the school because it narrows the scope of experiment, and it is also hurtful

to its prestige, for the Otago School ought to be recognised as the highest local authority on all subjects pertaining to mining. We think the University Council can be safely trusted to remove this reproach, and also to make such provision for the development of the school as befits the^growing importance of the mining industry.