For the purpose of erecting, altering, improving, furnishing or equipping any necessary buildings at the New Mexico school of mines [New Mexico institute of mining and technology], or for acquiring any necessary land for the use of said school [institute], or both, or for the purpose of acquiring lands and buildings for use as a branch of said school [institute], or for the purpose of retiring the whole or any part of any series of bonds previously issued, the board of regents of the New Mexico school of mines [institute] is hereby authorized to borrow money in conformity with the terms of this act [21-11-15, 21-11-16, 21-8-18 to 21-11-26 N.M. Stat. Ann.].