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H.—IE

The Committee are aware that it is the intention of the Council to proceed at once with the erection of new buildings for the University ; and that a leading feature in the plan of the Council is the institution of completely-equipped laboratories for practical work in the different branches of science. They are also aware of the purpose of the Council to make provision for instruction in physics as scon as the Physical Laboratory shall be erected; so that classes in physics may be expected to be added to the programme given above within a very short time after the opening of the School of Mines. In view, however, of the special requirements of the Mining School, the Committee think that the metallurgical department of the Chemical Laboratory should receive a greater development than was formerly contemplated, and it would be desirable also to provide a workshop in which models of machinery could be constructed by the students. In conclusion, the Committee would remark, that the "scientific course" in the University was originally planned in the intention that it would serve as a foundation for a future complete school of high-class technical instruction—a school which would ultimately include within its range the several departments of mining, engineering, architecture, and manufactures. The same intention has been carefully kept in view in drawing up the programme submitted above, so that, if this programme be adopted by the Council, the single addition to the teaching staff of a Professor of Engineering will enable it to call into existence a well-appointed engineering school. Adopted by the Council, 15th May, 1877.

No. 14. The Hon. the Secretary for Ceown Lands to the Vice-Chancellor. Sir, — General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 18th June, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th ultimo, in reference to opening a School of Mines in connection with the Otago University, and forwarding an exhaustive report on the same subject by a joint committee of the Council aud the Professorial Board. In reply, I have to inform you that the Government, being desirous of having a fully-equipped School of Mines established in Otago, is prepared to move the General Assembly to agree to a vote of £500 per annum towards the payment of the salary of a Director of Mines for a limited period of, say, five years. The amount of subsidy to be given after that date to be open to be dealt wilh by the Legislature. The suggestions of your Committee as to the qualifications, salary, and duties of the Director appear satisfactory. But, as it is considered that great practical benefit would accrue to the mining interest if the Director could personally inspect the mines and give advice to persons engaged in mining pursuits, I have to suggest that the time during which his services may be so available should be extended to four or five months if required by the Government, on the understanding that his travelling expenses are defrayed as suggested by you. In the event of this proposal being agreed to by your Council, and the vote passed by the Assembly, the sum voted by the Provincial Council of Otago will also be made available for the objects stated. The Rev. D. M. Stuart, D.D., I have, &c, Vice-Chancellor of the Otago University, Dunedin. D. Reid.

No. 15. The Vice-Chancelloe to the Hon. the Seceetaey for Crown Lands. Sib, — University of Otago, Dunedin, 13th July, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th ultimo, and on behalf of the Council to thank you for the very liberal spirit in which their proposals for the establishment of a School of Mines in this University have been entertained, and to assure you they are much gratified to learn that the Government are prepared to move the General Assembly to agree to a vote of £500 per annum towards the payment ot the salary of a Director of Mines for the period of five years, the amount of subsidy to be given after that date to be open to be dealt with by the Legislature. Tour suggestions relative to the extension of time during which the services of the Director may be available for personally inspecting the mines throughout the colony have been considered by tho Council and cordially agreed to. I have, &c, D. M. Stuart, The Hon. the Secretary for Crown Lands, Wellington. Vice-Chancellor.

No. 16. The Hon. the Ministeb of Education to the Chancellor. Sib, —■ Education Office, Wellington, 29th January, 1878. Referring to your communications of date as per margin,* relative to the establishment of a School of Mines, I have the honor to inform you that the Government is now prepared to pay towards the salary of a competent professor the sum of £500 a year, subject to the terms and conditions embodied in your letters above referred to, and further that the sum of £500 will be paid towards obtaining the necessary appliances for the equipment of the School. * 28th February, 1877; 19th May, 1877; 13th July, 1877.