THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 21 



and at all times around them, — if young heroes are to 

 be raised up to fill the posts left vacant by those who al- 

 ready crowd the Valhalla of the nation's glory, — it would 

 seem that the Frigate Constitution should be preserved 

 as an object-lesson in patriotic daring, so long 'as a bolt 

 remains which was once the instrument of achievements 

 destined never to be forgotten. 



The votes were adopted. 



Professor Goodale spoke of the location of New Zea- 

 land, which consists of three islands. North Island, Middle 

 Island and South or Stewart's Island. Total area about 

 100,000 miles, or nearly as large as Great Britain. The 

 climate is as varied as that of North America. The veg:- 

 etation is very luxuriant, all the native plants being ever- 

 green. The geological formations were described by the 

 lecturer as extraordinary to the scientist. The islands 

 are of volcanic origin and a great portion of the total 

 area is occupied by mountains among which are many ex- 

 tinct and some active volcanoes. Many of the streams 

 are of hot water, powerfully charged with mineral prop- 

 erties, which form deposits on the rocks and other objects 

 in their course, aflbrding very beautiful effects. 



There are about 40,000 of the aboriginal tribes now 

 living. While their moral standard is somewhat differ- 

 ent from that of the people of the United States, 3'et they 

 have proved to be btave, generous and truthful. The 

 colonists outnumber the aborigines three to one. 



Pictures were shown of the town of Christchurch, one 

 of the chief ports. The educational institutions of the 

 colonists are of the highest class. 



At this oi)ening lecture Plummer Hall was crowded and 

 many persons came to the door who were unable to get in. 



Monday/ Evening, Jan. 18, 1897. — Regular meeting 

 in the Library room. Mrs. W. S. Nevins, of the Local 



