33

A.—l

* No. 37, of 35t__ April, 1871.

" incontestably one of the most remarkable and grandest objects which has been " reserved for the physico-geographical and geological investigations of our " times." 12. In a previous Despatch,* I mentioned that as members of the Alpine Club had already scaled even the peaks of the Caucasus and of North America, it is hoped that some of them may one day be induced to devote their courage, skiU, and experience to the full exploration of the Alps of New Zealand. I would repeat that the Colonial authorities would doubtless " give every assistance in " their power to an enterprise which could not fail to add largely to the general " stock of geographical, geological, and botanical knowledge." . I have, &c, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley, G. F. BOWEN.

No. 25. Copy of a DESEATCH from Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 18.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 24th February, 1873. I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your Lordship's information, copies of the letters which have passed between the Chancellor of the University of New Zealand and myself, respecting the foundation by me in that University of an annual prize, to bo called " The Bowen Brize," for the best English essay on a subject to be determined upon every year under Eegulations of the Council and Senate, or of the Council alone. 2. It Avill be seen that (in the words of my letter,) " I am desirous to connect " my name in this manner with the Colony of Avhich I have been Governor " during an important and critical period of its history. I yield to no permanent " colonist in affection for New Zealand, and in lively interest in its progress and " welfare." 3. The Chancellor (Mr. Henry John Tancred), in accepting my gift, writes as follows: — " Permit me, as the Council is not now in session, to take upon myself the " grateful duty of expressing my appreciation of your Excellency's kindness and " liberality in making so valuable a provision for the encouragement of learning. " I feel assured that in thus tendering my warmest thanks for this proof of regard " not only to this University, but, through it, to all in the country who are " interested in the cultivation of the mind, I am only anticipating the action of " the Council. " Such an evidence on the part of your Excellency of good-will to the ** Council, and of the well-known interest which your Excellency has always taken " in the cause which it is our duty to advance, will, I feel sure, keep your name '* in the grateful remembrance not only of the present generation, but of those " Atho in future times, when NeAV Zealand shall have become a great nation, shall " wish to recall to memory their earliest benefactors. I have, <__c., The Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. G. F. BOWEN.

Enclosure in No. 25. Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., to the Chancellor of the New Zealand University. Sir,— Wellington, 18th February, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith to you, as Chancellor, and to request you to recommend to the favourable consideration of the Council of the University, the accompanying Deed of Gift, which has been prepared by the Attorney-General of the Colony. It will be seen that it is formally described as a " Deed declaring Trusts of a Gift to the said University to found the ' Bowen Prize.' " It will be further perceived that the details of the regulations necessary to give effect to my gift are left to the discretion of the Council for the time being. The money has been paid by me to the account of the University at the Bank of New Zealand at Wellington, as will appear from the enclosed receipt. 5—A. 1.