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Dunstan Times, Issue 1276, 13 August 1886, Page 2

During the consideration of the Estimates the item—L4ooo, lectures in mining districts —• created no small amount of discussion, and we 'were much pleased to note that a good deal of it was honest and straightforward, Mr Scobie Mackenzie with others admitting the whole thing a sham. We have ever been of the opinion that either it was so much money thrown away, or that it was not enough by one-half, and the debate shows that there are others, and amongst men of weight and in telligence whose opinion is worth having, hold to our view. Asa very good maxim—What is worth fetching, is worth having, could well be applied to this. For years past the opportunities have existed in all our Universities for learning the sciences of mineralogy and geology ; but if we mistake not, the students daring some terms have been reduced to the mini* mum of one, ergo there was uo demand, it was not worth fetching. Yet the trial must be made of forcing it on the people, and in faith, because there are one or two enthusiasts iu every place where the attempt is made, one or two who have more belly than brains, and who let their clappers loose—mind, we said where the attempt is made—and then there is established a school, and a stock of acids and the necessary testing apparatus supplied them at the country’s expense. Let us see what has been the result so far—positively and virtually nil. The expenditure is virtu ally thrown away, and sti'l another L3OOO is to follow. Professor Black is doubtless most enthusiastic, and thinks it uo trouble and nothing of the risks he runs iu flying from east to west and north io south with his small army of assistants Goodlets and Montgomeries; but apparently entirely ignores the question of expense. We hold that the light is not worth the candle, and hope that the next session when the vote comes forward again the House as a whole will have sufficient courage to veto any further expenditure, As like Mr Scobie Mackenzie, we are aware that wo are arguing against goldfields interests, yet we feel convinced that in the long run we shall receive credit for our outspokenness.