33

C—3

When the examiners are satisfied -with these preliminaries they will set the candidate a thesis on some mining subject, which must be completed in three months. This done, the candidate is put through a viva voce examination in geology, including palaeontology, mining geology, mining surveying and geodesy, machinery and electro-technology, chemical technology and blowpipe analysis, general principles of mining law, mine-management, political economy and finance, mining statistics, and the translation into German of a French or English paper on mining. The preparation of the drawings and theses required in the German mining course itself possesses a high educational value, as thereby many minute but essential details are brought under the notice of the student by personal observation, which is not always possible in mere lecture demonstration. Besides, in the preparation of a thesis, a student discovers the limitations of his knowledge—itself no mean advantage—and is thus able to repair his deficiencies before commencing the practice of his profession. Pkepakation of Theses foe Diplomas of Otago Mining School. In the regulations relating to the issue of diplomas by the Otago Mining School a certain period of practical work is required in all the divisions; and in the surveying division the requirements of plans, profiles, and geodesy, in conformity with the regulations of 1902, form a thesis perhaps more stringent than the German. Candidates for diplomas in mining, metallurgy, and geology are not required to produce a thesis, and the experience gained in the prescribed period of practical work is often of doubtful value. On the other hand, the advantages attending the preparation of a thesis on a technical subject are manifestly great, and, in order to keep pace with the progressive policy of the Germans, it will be necessary to require a thesis from candidates for diplomas in mining, metallurgy, and geology. Conclusion. I wish, in conclusion, to express my appreciation of the zeal and ability with which Dr. Marshall, Mr. Waters, and Mr. Armstrong (lecturers), and Mr. A. E. Andrew (demonstrator in surveying) carried out their several duties throughout the session of 1903. EXPENDITURE ON SCHOOLS OP MINES. The following table shows the expenditure by the Government on schools of mines since their inauguration, exclusive of subsidies paid to the University of Otago towards the School of Mines in connection with that institution :—

The above statement shows the amount expended on the different schools of mines throughout the colony; but, in addition to this, the sum of £10,553 6s. 2d. has to be added, as that has been paid to the' School of Mines attached to the University of Otago, £500 being paid last year towards maintaining the school, which makes the total expenditure up to the 31st March last to be £38,481 Is. 2d. This expenditure has extended over a period of nineteen years.

s—o. 3.

Financial Years. Chemicals Subsidies towards and Apparatus, the Erection of also Mineralogical Schools of Mines, and Specimens Maintenance. supplied to Schools of Mines. Scholarships. Salaries of Teachers, and Travellingexpenses, &c. Total Sum paid by the Department towards the Schools of Mines. 1885-86 1886-87 1887-88 1888-89 1889-90 1890-91 1891-92 1892-93 1893-94 1894-95 1895-96 1896-97 1897-98 1898-99 1899-1900 ... 1900-1901 ... 1901-1902 ... 1902-1903 ... 1903-1904 ... £ s. d. 257 16 6 253 15 9 42 10 0 142 2 0 217 6 6 181 14 0 312 3 4 197 0 5 390 0 0 820 0 0 352 14 11 1,089 18 6 740 15 2 990 3 4 866 10 11 1,155 12 3 1,379 15 6 1,575 15 3 £ s. d. 36 19 9 409 1 4 253 14 1 6 12 9 181 14 10 54 8 0 45 10 10 £ £ s. d. 1,223 9 10 2,716 9 3 1,714 9 6 1,139 4 1 716 3 10 620 9 9 689 5 9 670 1 0 858 19 4 773 17 8 849 3 0 834 12 8 780 19 0 729 10 11 52 16 3 77 7 10 69 16 4 111 0 0 109 15 10 £ s. d. 1,260 9 7 3,383 7 1 2,221 19 4 1,188 6 10 1,040 0 8 892 4 3 870 19 9 982 4 4 1,055 19 9 1,209 8 6 1,719 3 0 1,346 6 1 2,000 17 3 1,553 5 8 1,117 3 3 1,098 2 1 1,337 13 8 1,783 14 2 1,866 9 9 58 18 6 29 19 9 32 19 7 24 3 8 56 3 4 63 5 1 134 18 8 88 18 8 50 100 100 50 50 98 49 158 92 Totals... 10,965 14 4 1,477 8 10 747 14,737 11 10 27,927 15 0