9
H.—l7
suitable buildings in any district which would first form an association. As Miss Mitchell has failed to get her own district to move, do you think an association could be formed iv Otago P Please consider the question, and lay it before your Benevolent Society colleagues. Last census (March, 1878) shows ninety-four deaf and dumb in the colony — sixty-one under twenty years, thirty-nine between five and fifteen years, nineteen between fifteen and twenty years, sixteen between twenty and thirty years, three under five years. In Otago, twenty-nine of all ages ; in Canterbury, twentythree. After full consideration please wire opinion. A. C. Strode, Esq., Dunedin. J. Ballance.
No. 19. The Hon. J. Ballance to Mr. J. Green. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 22nd May, 1879. You have read letter to Miss Mitchell re proposed formation of association for establishing deaf and dumb institution. Government would liberally subsidize, and probably erect suitable buildings in any district which would first form an association. As Miss Mitchell has failed to get her own district to move, do you think an association could be formed in Otago Provincial District? I am wiring also to Mr. Strode, chairman of Benevolent Society : could you discuss the matter with him ? In March last year there were in the colony sixty-one deaf and dumb under twenty years of age, and ninety-four altogether —thirty-nine between five and fifteen years. After full consideration please wire your opinion. James Green, Esq., M.H.R., Blueskin. J. Ballance.
No. 20. Mr. J. Green to the Hon. J. Ballance. Sir,— Woodend, Blueskin, 23rd May, 1879. In reph r to your telegram of yesterday's date re the formatiun of an association for the education of the deaf and dumb, and a request that I would confer with Mr. Strode thereon, I regret to 3ay that I fear Mr. Strode will not be in town to attend to any business for some days at least. Although not of a serious nature, the accident he sustained a few days since will, I fear, keep him to his house for a time. I may state that the opinion generally expressed on the subject of the establishment of the institution by those who desire its success is that it should be treated as an educational rather than a charitable institution, and, as such, should be dealt with by the Government, it bearing the cost of erecting a wing to an existing school, and supplying the requisite teaching stall', under the immediate supervision of the Education Board of the district in which the institution is established ; and I may add that in my opinion there should be a boarding establishment connected therewith similar to those of the Otago High Schools, at which a reasonable fee should be charged, payable by tho parents or friends of those children who are in a position to pay, while the fees of those unable to bear the charge should be defrayed by the Borough or County Council to which such pupils belong. Hoping that yourself and the officers of the Education Department will bring your ability and judgment to bear on this important question, and that your eil'orts may lead to a successful issue, I have, &c, The Hon. J. Ballance, Minister of Education, Wellington. J. Green.
No. 21. Mr. J. Fulton to the Hon. J. Ballance. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 11th June, 1879. Replying to yours of 22nd May, re deaf and dumb asylum, I am requested by Mr. Strode (who is laid up by an accident) to convey resolution of Benevolent Institution Committee : " That the Committee are willing to entertain the proposals of the Government as to the care of the deaf and dumb, provided that satisfactory arrangements for their support can be made with the Government; and that they strongly recommend there be kept in view the desirability of associating with this scheme the formation of an orphan asylum, which shall receive children not tainted with crime—children of this sort having hitherto been sent to the Industrial School." The Hon. J. Ballance, Wellington. James Fulton.
No. 22. The Hon. J. Ballance to Mr. J. Fulton. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 12th June, 1879. Much gratified by spirit shown by you and coadjutors. Government will contribute largely towards rent of interim buildings, say £80 yearly or thereabouts. Will pay £1,000 annually towards teachers' salaries, and a subsidy of pound for pound on subscriptions and donations other than actual payments for board. Would move Parliament to vote liberal grant towards new buildings. Possibly suitable buildings in suburbs could be rented for a time. lam rather doubtful of policy of connecting proposed institution too intimately with orphanage institution, because a majority, probably, of deaf-mutes would be in a position to pay good deal more than bare cost of maintenance, and there might be objection to idea of orphanage. However, this question might be left over for consideration. Letter by post. Mr. James Fulton. J. Ballance. 2—H. 17.