Tiioro is ono school of mines iv the colony, in Dunediu, and this is the only one, Thore aro probably about 20.000 per sons engaged in mining pursuits in the colony, and in the census of of 1878, twenty three persons returned themselves us min ing engineers. This school was established in 1877, and is connected with the Uuiver-: sity of Otago, whoso Professor of Minera logy is also Director of the School of Mines. The professors of chemistry ami natural science give apecial lectures to students of the mining school in metallurgy, assaying, and palaeontology, whilst suitable instruc tion in drawing is provided In the school oi design, in the same place. The school is supported out of tho funtl« of the Univer sity of (Jtngo, and a small subsidy guaran teed by Government, and ia able, to give all the instruction ncccswiry for mining sur veyors and mining engineers. When we consider the extent of our mineral resources almost as yet undeveloped, the need of an institution of this kind is obvious. Many thousands of pounds have been wasted through ignorance of raining engineering, and there is no reason why we should depend upon England for our supply of properly-taught men to direct mining operations, either in gold or coal mining. Tho Commission on Higher Education, iv their Until report, express an opinion that ono mining school is enough for the colony, but considering the extent of the auriferoiu and coal deposits in this district, and tho distance at which Dunedin lies, there ought surely to be another similar school in Auck land. But this will scarcely be practicable until there has been established here a University College, the profcßsora of which would be available, as they are at Duuedin, for instruction in the higher work. In regard to an engineering school, there has as yet beon next to nothing done. But this may bo established conjointly with a mining school, as tho two branches are a good deal interwoven, It is intended to establish a ohair for engineering ia the Otago University, as also iv the Canterbury Collego, as soou as possible Provision is made in Canterbury College for instruction in mineralogy, metallurgy assaying, geolouy, &c, tho instruction being given by the professors of chemistry and natural sciouco, also in applied mechanics by the professor of mathematics. 