H.—l7

10

No. 23. Mr. J. Fulton to the Hon. J. Ballance. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 16th June, 1879. What arrangements will Government make to compel other parts of the colony to support their deafmute paupers sent here ? Other proposals seem satisfactory. Orphanage question had better, as you suggest, stand over. Suitable building could, I think, be rented in suburbs. The Hon. J. Ballance, Wellington. James Fulton.

No. 24. Mr. Hislop to Mr. J. Fulton. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th June, 1879. Government do not propose to have control over the institution or interfere in its working in the way you imply. The association would have power under its own by-laws to lay down rules and make arrangements for the reception of inmates from other towns and places in the colony. Government are now preparing a Charitable Institutions Bill, which will give association all powers. Copy will bo «ent you as soon as possible. Mr. James Fulton, Dunedin. John Hislop.

No. 25. Mr. Hislop to Mr. J. Fulton. Sir, — Education Department, Wellington, 16th June, 1879. I have the honor, by direction of the Minister of Education, to write you with reference to the telegram forwarded by him on the 12th instant, in reply to yours of the same date. I send herewith copy of a letter sent to Miss Mitchell, by direction of the Minister, on 16th April, and I am to say that the Government is prepared to make the same proposal to any association which you and your coadjutors may succeed in forming, subject to the following modifications:— (1) The allowance for rent of temporary building will be, say, £80, if necessary ; and (2) instead of paying the half of the cost of board of poor inmates, Government will pay £1,000 a year towards the salaries and expenses of the teachers, on the understanding that Miss Mitchell and the gentleman to be engaged in England by the Agent-General are employed by the association. I enclose, for perusal of yourself and friends, a copy of the despatch forwarded to the AgentGeneral respecting the engagement of a competent teacher. By the last mail information was received to the effect that efforts were being made to secure a suitable teacher. I send you also a return from the Registrar-General showing the number of deaf-mutes in the several provincial districts and their ages when the census was taken in March, 1878. Miss Mitchell, whom the Government has reason to believe to be a highly-competent instructor of deaf-mutes, aud well versed in the whole subject, has kindly agreed to proceed to Dunedin for the purpose of rendering such assistance and supplying such information as may be in her power. She will no doubt take the opportunity of calling upon you. I am to say, further, that you may rest assured of the hearty co-operation of the Government in this important matter. I am, <&c, Mr. James Fulton, Woodside, Dunedin. John Hislop.

Return of DEAF and DUMB, AND BLIND.—(Census, March, 1878.)

Deaf and Dumb. Blind. Provincial District. Males. Females. Totals. Males. Females. Totals. Ltickland 'aranaki lawke's Bay Wellington ... felson larlborough Vestland Canterbury ... )tago 1-1 3 2 4 8 2 6 2 1 22 3 4 10 2 1 17 1 1 0 2 16 10 6 2 88 1 1 19 8 2 1 23 is 18 18 10 11 2:s 2!) 1 18 12 10 6 Totals 51 10 !)1 5G 50 106