H.—l7.

and claims are fully recognized by Government, who are quite prepared to avail themselves of that lady's services, whenever arrangements can be made iv that behalf. The matter has already been the subject of inquiry, and the conclusion come to is as follows : that, however desirable it may be to secure Miss Mitchell's services at once, it will be necessary to await the arrival of the gentleman whom the Agent-General has been directed to appoint, and to ascertain what arrangements it will then be advisable to make. The appointment of Miss Mitchell or any other official, at the present time, would very likely complicate-inatters. I have, &c, James Green, Esq., Blueskin. John Hislop.

No. 9. Miss Mitchell to the Hon. J. Ballance. Sis,— Home Villa, Lyttelton, 11th March, 1879. A considerable time ago, when Government were moving iv tho matter of education being provided for deaf-mutes in this colony, I wrote to the Ministry that the nucleus of the future school for deaf-mutes was already formed, and stating how long I had been engaged teaching some deaf-mute children in New Zealand. I then received a reply in effect " that Government would consider how they could avail themselves of my services as a teacher of deaf-mutes, and had caused inquiry to be made as to how this could best be done." I also received a communication from the ltev. Mr. Habeus that it was probable a temporary arrangement might be made, pending the arrival of a master from England. Some months have passed since then, and I havo heard no more re the matter, save anxious inquiries by many of the parents of deaf-muto children who are in this province. The subject presses sorely on my mind, as many of these deaf-mutes are, to my kuowledge, growing up in ignorance and fast attaining an age when it becomes most difficult to teach them. AVith a little assistance from Government this might be prevented, as I would gather around me those cases I know of and commence teaching them. I now write to ask—if I begin the school in the manner suggested by Mr. Habens, as a temporary arrangement, to coalesce with the institution when it is built and a master obtained—will tho Government assist me in the meantime ? If I begin to teach, I feel sure the friends of many of these deaf-mutes would gladly subscribe also toward the good cause ; for, although some parents are able to pay for the maintenance of their children, others are not, and without some such assistance, and the formation of a committee, the appliances for a school and furnishing a home for those from a distance to board could not be obtained. Two of tho pupils I had at the time I had to go to Queensland (two years ago) had just boon sufficiently long with me to realize (in some measure) the benefit of being taught, when their education was for the time suspended. 1 have visited them both since my return to New Zealand, and am sorry to find they are losing much of what they had gained, and they are growing big boys now : one of them is son of Mr. Green, of Blueskin, Otago. I am also daily made acquainted with new cases. Only a few days ago I received a letter from Mr. Watson, Principal of the Sydney Institution for Deaf and Dumb, telling mo that Mr. J. Rhodes, of Napier, is in communication with them about a son of his, whom ho is anxious to send to Sydney ; and Mr. Watson, knowing me, wrote to me, thinking it a pity Mr. Rhodes should have to send his son so far away when he might be taught iv New Zealand. That you may judge what experience I have had in teaching deaf-mutes, I enclose testimonials from the masters of the institution where I taught in London, and also from Mr. Bradley, whose children I taught in New Zealand. I know something of Mr. Bell's system of visible speech, and, when practicable, teach articulation. Craving pardon for trespassing on your valuable time, and asking if I may have the enclosed testimonials returned at convenience, I have, &c, The Hon. Mr. Ballance, Wellington. D. G. Mitchell.

No. 10. The Rev. W. J. Habens to Miss Mitchell. Madam, — Education Department, Wellington, 17th March, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Minister of Education, to inform you that Mr. Hislop, the Secretary for Education, has been requested to call on you on his way from Dunedin about the end of this week, and to confer with you as to a suitable place for commencing the work referred to in your letter of the 11th inst., and as to the subsidy which the Government is willing to grant. I «aTe > &c -> Miss Mitchell, Home Villa, Lyttelton. Wm. Jas. Havens.

No. 11. Mr. J. Hislop to the Hon. J. Ballance. S IB) — Education Department, Wellington, 15th April, 1879. As directed by you, I saw Miss Mitchell at Lyttelton re the establishment of an institution for the education of deaf-mutes. I venture to submit the following report:— 1. My personal interview with Miss Mitchell fully confirmed the favourable impression I had, in common with yourself, formed of that lady from a perusal of her letters and the reports of others. Her appearance, bearing, evident force of character, enthusiasm, good sense, and proved success in the work appear to me to fit her eminently for the position of lady-principal aud schoolmistress of a deaf and dumb institution. Several of my friends and acquaintances at Lyttelton and Christchurch, where she

4