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Maelboeough. Sic, — Education Office, Blenheim, 26th August, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of 24th instant, and in reply to inform you that the libraries which received a portion of the recent grant iv this district are free libraries within the meaning of the Subsidies Act. I have, &c., John Eobinson, The Secretary, Education Department, Wellington. Secretary.

Nelson. Nelson, 2Gth August, 1878. Nelson and Westport only two borough libraries in Nelson District which have received grants. Both are free. W. C. Hodgson, The Secretary, Education Department, Wellington. Secretary.

Westland. Sic,— Education Office, Hokitika, 30th August, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of 24th iustant, asking for information concerning the distribution by this Board amongst libraries in boroughs of the moneys granted under section 2 of " The Public Libraries Subsidies Act, 1877." The first step taken by the Board was to forward to each society a copy of the Act and to request the Secretary in each case to furnish a statement of the receipts for the year 1877. These statements were forwarded to the Board, and, being considered satisfactory, the Board distributed the grant for this district strictly in accordance with the provisions of clause 2 of the Act. I may point out that, even putting aside altogether the opinion given by our solicitor (a copy of which is enclosed), and allowing that libraries in boroughs do come under the provisions of clause 7, they could not do so until they had actually received the first subsidy granted under clause 2. I beg also most respectfully to draw your attention to the fact that the Act does not confer any power upon Boards to enforce compliance with the provisions of clause 7 after the grant has been distributed. I have, &c, E. T. Eobinson, The Secretary, Education Department, Wellington. Secretary.

Enclosure. Sic, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter asking my opinion as to whether moneys distributed by the Education Board under section 2 of " The Public Libraries Subsidies Act, 1877," were properly distributed, although some of the libraries receiving such moneys may not have been open to the public free of charge, as mentioned in the seventh section of that Act. I am of opinion that, if the provisions of section 2 of the said Act have been complied with, then the money has been properly distributed. I am further of opinion that the opening of such libraries to the public free of charge under section 7 is not a condition precedent to their obtaining a share of the moneys distributed under section 2. I have, &c., The Secretary to the Education Board. C. E. Button. *nmtttttttmmM3Mt*m^lttttt*tttmm*mmm*mmmtamimmtmmmmm*********tm

Cantebbuey. Christchurch, 26th August, 1878. None. The amount was distributed in accordance with terms of Public Libraries Subsidies Act, section 7 being strictly observed. J. Colboene Veee, Secretary.

Otago. Geant not distributed— vide letter of Secretary of 7th August, 1878. By Authority: Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7B. Price 6cL]