James Bickett, the author of the letter, moved the motion to establish a School of Mines at Ballarat in 1869. Further information on James Bickett at http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/curator/honour-roll/honourroll_Bickett,%20James.shtml The text of the letter is as follows: "98/152 Mining Board Office Ballaarat 28th April 1899 Sir I have the honor by direction to inform you that the Ballarat Mining Board has resolved to pay an official visit to the School of Mines on Monday next at 2nd [pro??] at 11.30 a.m. and to request that you will be pleased to receive the members at the date and hour named. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant J.M. Bickett Clerk to the Board. The President School of Mines BallaratHandwritten letter on lined foolscap paper. James Bickett, Clerk of the Ballarat Mining Board, requests to visit the Ballarat School of Mines.1) Written and circled in red ink "248" .2) Written and circled in red ink "319" "Mining Board Office Ballarat 31st May 1898 Dear Sir, I am directed to convey to you and to Mr Martell the best thanks of the Board for the very great kindness shown on the occasion of the officials visit of its members to the School of Mines on the 2nd instant and to assure you how highly gratified they were to observe the facilities provided for the students to acquire scientific and practical knowledge under the admirable administration of the School. I am dear sir yours very obediently J.M. Bickett Clear to the Board A. Anderson Esqre President School of Mines Ballaaratballarat school of mines, ballarat mining board, james bickett, jm bickett, bickett, anderson, andrew anderson