School of Mines for the Thames.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5231, 23 October 1885, Page 2

School of Mines for the Thames.

The Governors of the Thames High School wrote some little time ago to the Auckland University College Council, asking that on account of the growing interest taken in the subject of mineralogy by the miners at the Thames, the Council would take into their consideration the desirability of giving the Professors of the University College an opportunity of delivering a course of lectures on these subjects at the Thames, under the auspices of the Thames High School, similar to those given by Professors in other parts of the colony. We understand that the matter was referred to Professors Brown and Thomas, who reported at a meeting of the Council, held on Wednesday, that they had long been of opinion that technical instruction on matters relating to mining and manufacturing industries might be given in connection with the University College, and also that such instruction to be of general utility must be taken to the district where those who would profit by it carry on their daily labour. With regard to the request of the Governors of the Thames High School they thought that the requirements of the district might be met by the establishment of a permanent mineralogical museum and the delivery of lectures during a portion of the year. They should be prepared to visit the Thames, and to deliver there 20 lectures on subjects connected with mining in the month of December next, or at such time as might be found available. They should at the same time carry on practical classes in these subjects, and should be willing to superintend the foundation of a mineralogical museum. The cost of the work was estimated to be £270. It would also be necessary that some suitable accommodation be afforded for a museum.—The Chairman stated that the General Assembly had voted to assist Professor Brown and others in delivering Jectures on mining throughout the colony.—On the motion of Mr Justice Gillies, it was resolved that the correspondence be forwarded to the Minister of Mines requesting him to sanction the expenditure, and that the Governors of the High School and the Professors be informed of the course the Council had adopted. No communication has as yet been received by the Governors of the Thames High School, but we presume they will in a day or two.