3

C—2c.

I am to begin a course of eight lectures and to conduct laboratory classes at Queenstown on the 23rd instant. I then propose to go to Arrow, and then to Cromwell and to Clyde if there is any desire expressed by the miners here. This will conclude my programme for the Otago goldfields, and will occupy me till about the 20th of February. My original proposal was to follow up the Otago tour by a similar lecturing tour on the West Coast, including twelve or fifteen or more lectures at each of three of the most important centres there —Eoss, Kumara, and Eeefton. The expenses of the Otago tour, which I am' going to respectfully request Government to pay,, will amount to about £185, including £25 for chemicals and apparatus, travelling and hotel expenses for myself and assistant, hiring hall, advertising, &c, besides which I shall expect a refund of railway fares and charges. The expenses to the Government of my West Coast tour I estimated at £200. As I have not yet had any communication from Government on the subject of these lecturing tours, I am under a great disadvantage in not knowing the mind of the Government on the subject. I have therefore most respectfully to request to be favoured with instructions on the general subject, and especially on the question of whether I should proceed to the West Coast, as suggested, about the end of February, at the termination of my course on the Otago goldfields. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington. James G. Black.

By Authority : Gbobgh Didsburt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBs.