Direct State aid to mining is by way of conditional monetary subsidies for specific prospecting operations, for roading, etc. The Mines Department administers these, and also undertakes the operation of mining enterprises in the national interest, such as tungsten ore in wartime, gold during the Depression, and coal when necessitated by local conditions. Indirect assistance is given through coal mining research investigations at the University of Otago, as well as through such scientific agencies as Geological Survey and Dominion Laboratory, interdepartmental fuel and power and coal utilisation committees, and educational facilities. These include mining bursaries at the faculty of technology, University of Otago, and evening classes in mining at several centres.