THE NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY.

5

G.—No. Ba.

No. 9. The Hon. Major Richardson to the Hon. W. Gisborne. [Telegram.] Balclutha, 24th September, 1870. Before replying, may I ask the following questions:—l. AVhat number of Otago gentlemen will there be on the New Zealand University Council ? 2. Can the Council formed under the Act abstract any of the present or future Otago endowments for another University elsewhere? 3. In case of amalgamation, or the establishment of another New Zealand University, would the Otago University still receive a fair share of Colonial endowments under the Act of 1870 —I mean those applicable to scholarships ? 4. If the abstraction referred to in No. 3 can be effected, could the terms of agreement of amalgamation prevent such abstraction ? Is there any chance of the Assembly being called together immediately ? The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. J. Richardson.

No. 10. The Hon. W. Gisborne to the Hon. Major Richardson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th September, 1870. In re your telegram, University Council. —Ist question, Six. 2nd question, Possibly ; but not likely. 3rd question, Would be entitled to fair share. 4th question, No special contract possible. sth question, No. List of proposed Council appended hereto. Hon. Major Richardson, M.L.C, Balclutha. W. Gisborne.

No. 11. The Hon. Major Richardson to the Hon. AV. Gisborne. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 29th September, 1870. Thanes. As the Council meets at three, and some of the members have to return to the country at once, may I ask whether the Government will be willing to receive and reply to telegraphic communications this evening, up to closing of telegraph offices? The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. J. Richardson.

No. 12. The Hon. AV. Gisborne to the Hon. Major Richardson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th September, 1870. With pleasure. Address telegrams to me. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. W. Gisborne.

No. 13. The Hon. Major Richardson to the Hon. W. Gisborne. (Telegram.) AVellington, 29th September, 1870. University Council meets at three. May I request the opinion of the Attorney-General by that time, on the powers of the new University Council to divert any portion of present or future endowments made or to be made by Otago ; also, the power of the two Councils to prevent this diversion in the agreement to amalgamate ? The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, AVellington. J. Richardson.

No. 14. The Hon. AV. Gisborne to the Hon. Major Richardson. (Telegram.) AVellington, 29th September, 1870. Received your telegram. Attorney-General is of opinion that the University Council will have no power to divert any portion of present or future endowments made or to be made by Otago. This answers your second question. Next, with reference to telegram to Mr. Sewell, Government had no intention or power to fix place of meeting of Council. The Hon. Major Richardson, M.L.C, Dunedin. W. Gisborne.

No. 15. The Hon. Major Richardson to the Hon. W. Gisboene. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 29th September, 1870. Immediate. Resolutions of Otago University Council for consideration of Government: —1. That, according to an implied, if not an accepted understanding, the composition of the new University Council was intended to include two members resident in Otago, most probably those in the present Council, in order to the more effective administration and supervision of the University therein located, and the Council consider such arrangement to be essentially necessary towards amalgamation. 2. Before taking any steps towards amalgamation with the New Zealand University, it is incumbent that this Council be assured that the endowments of the Otago University are secure against the possibility of their being diverted from tho Province of Otago ; and that, inasmuch as " The New Zealand University Act, 1870," makes no provision to that effect, the Colonial Government be requested to undertake the introduction of an Amendment Act for this purpose, and to engage to support the same. 3. That while 2