NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

47

A.—No. 1

4. I am convinced that one of the most practical and important uses to which the recently founded University of New Zealand can be put will be the establishment of local examinations such as those referred to above. It will be recollected that education, like the police, gaols, harbours, and other departments, which in other Colonies are generally under the control of the Central Government, has hitherto in New Zealand been managed by the Provincial Governments. Hence there has been no uniform standard of efficiency. A Bill establishing a general system of education for the whole Colony was introduced by the Ministry in the last Session of the Legislature; but it was ultimately withdrawn, from want of time to discuss fully all its provisions. However, a measure of this nature will probably become law ere long in New Zealand. 5. I have taken several public opportunities, especially in my Address to the New Zealand Institute in 1870,* of urging the vital importance—above all in new countries—of technical and scientific education ; and provision has been already made, in accordance with my suggestions, at the Colonial Museum at Wellington. 6. I am confident that your Lordship will also learn with pleasure that provision continues to be made by the Colonial Parliament for the maintenance of Native schools at all the centres of the Maori population. In my tours through the Native districts, I never fail to visit these schools, and to encourage the masters and scholars. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.

No. 43. Copt of a DESPATCH from Governor Sir G. E. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 9.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th January, 1872. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch No. 63, of the sth August ultimo, concerning certain premises at Auckland and Wellington, which have been handed over to the Colonial Government by the War Office, I am requested by my Responsible Advisers to transmit the enclosed Ministerial Memorandum. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. E. BOWEN.

Memo, by Mr. McLean, O.M.G-. Jan. 3, 1872.

Enclosure in No. 43. Memobabdum by Mr. McLean, C.M.G-. Refebking to Despatch from the Secretary of State, No. 63, of the sth August last, respecting the payment by the Colony of the following sums for land and buildings in Wellington and Auckland, recently handed over by the Imperial authorities, viz.: — Auckland —Land ... ... ... ... £1,000 Mount Cook, Wellington —Land ... ... ... 700 „ „ Buildings ... ... 1,768 £3,468 —The Defence Minister begs to transmit to His Excellency a statement of sums due by the Imperial Government, for the maintenance of Naval and Military prisoners in the Provincial gaols in New Zealand, amounting to £1,059 6s. Id., which will leave a balance due by the Colony of £2,408 13s. lid., and the Agent-General for New Zealand (Dr. Featherston) will be instructed by the first mail to pay this sum to the War Department. Defence Office, Wellington, 3rd January, 1872. Donald McLean-.

* See " Transactions of New Zealand Institute," Vol. 111., pages 4 to 7 (in the Library of the Colonial Office).