INTERIM REPORT OE THE SELECT

P.—No. 6,

12

than it cost originally. With the knowledge now possessed, the formation of a similar collection would be comparatively simple and inexpensive. It is impossible to place a value on such a collection. Thus, the collection of plants or the herbarium, from containing so large a number of the plants front which the original descriptions in Hooker's Handbook of the Hew Zealand Flora were drawn, must always remain a standard herbarium, and especially for the Otago Province. It could not be replaced if destroyed, and, therefore, cannot be valued. The same applies to the collection of rocks and fossils, of which the descriptions, analyses, or figures, have been, or will be published. Since reading the evidence of His Honor Mr. Macandrew and the Hon. Captain Eraser, I have only to say that I received the greatest kindness and assistance during my three years' work in Otago, to which I will always recur with pleasant recollections ; and, as was natural under the circumstances, I never grudged any personal exertion or pecuniary sacrifice to advance tho work. I did not look on my connection with the Otago Government as ceasing when I left it, and I have always been ready to advise and report on any matters when asked to do so. I had two assistants, in 1865-6 and 1868, at work in the Province since I took charge of the general survey. They wore examining districts concerning which my information was defective. The only application I have received for advice from the Provincial Government during that period was in 1868, with regard to the likelihood of mining by what is termed deep-sinking being successful in Otago. I gave great attention to the subject, but I regret that I could not report favourably. I think it would be very desirable to continue the survey of the gold fields of Otago, as they have made great progress since my last examination j but it is only a question of increasing the staff for tho purpose. The question of water supply is one for a mining surveyor; and at one time there was an excellent and large staff of mining surveyors in Otago, and their reports ought to furnish valuable information on this point. I have always thought it a loss to observation which the Government Mining Surveyors possess. I am quite ready to make further investho country that I had not been empowered to direct, to some extent, the opportunities for geological tigations and report upon the Otago Gold Eields, and specially as regards waterworks, when called on, and to the extent of the means placed at the disposal of the department for the purpose. I shall be exceedingly glad to see Mr. Ulrich's services secured for the Colony, but I think he would do more work if in connection with the department, than if he had to find out everything for himself, as he would start with the experience we have acquired. He is a personal friend of my own, and was for many years on Mr. Selwyn's staff in Victoria.