EVENING MEETINGS. XXXI 



eruption, of which Tarawera offers an example hardly to be equalled 

 within easy reach of civilisation. The Australian mineralogists may find 

 an opportunity for comparing their more continuous auriferous reefs with 

 our rich but sadly broken strata in New Zealand. The palaeontologists 

 will find a curious remnant of otherwise extinct reptiles in the tuatara 

 lizard, and, close at hand, in the admirably-arranged museum at Christ- 

 church, materials for a study of the extinct moa. Possibly they may 

 give us some contribution to the controversy respecting the co-existence 

 in New Zealand of that gigantic bird with man. The anthropologist will 

 find in the Maoris a most interesting example of the advanced civilisation 

 of a native race, and will be able to witness not only the effects of their 

 participation in the advantages enjoyed bj' Europeans, but also the results 

 of an admixture of the two races in all classes of society. Statisticians 

 and social economists at Home will look with interest for some fresh light 

 on the interesting thoughts suggested by Mr. Ravenstein at Leeds con- 

 cerning the future of the human race, as to the period of time which 

 may be estimated to elapse before the world will cease to be able, under 

 present condilions, to support its increasing population. These are only 

 a few subjects of interest which strike the least scientific observer among 

 you, and without doubt many more will reveal themselves to the searching 

 eye of science in New Zealand. Your labours should teach us that 

 neither in the case of nations nor of individuals do the pleasures of life 

 consist solely in the making of money, and that there are many who, 

 disregarding selfish considerations of material wealth, prefer to devote 

 their talents to the pursuit of knowledge and the discussion of its results. 

 These philosophers have embraced the principles which Plato, in his 

 " Republic," counsels us to adopt towards our rulers and guardians, the 

 people, that they "may grow up, not amid images of deformity which 

 will gradually poison and corrupt their souls, but in a laud of health and 

 beaut}', where they will drink in from every object sweet and harmonious 

 influences." 



Mr. Morton (of Hobart) said: Mr. Chairman, your Excellency, 

 ladies and gentlemen, — I consider that I have a most pleasant duty 

 to perform. It is to move, as a delegate from the Royal Society of 

 Tasmania, a vote of thanks to our renowned scientist who has just vacated 

 the chair. With such able Presidents as those who have filled the chair, 

 and with those able ones who are to come, the Association will certainly 

 improve and prove to be a great success ; and I have onlj' to refer to the 

 first President, Mr. Russell, and then to our most illustrious scientist. 

 Baron von IMueller, who has just now handed over the reins of govern- 

 ment to our worthy and scientific friend Sir James Hector ; and then come 

 to the next meeting, when such a worthy man as our own Governor 

 of Tasmania, Sir Robert Hamilton, is to preside, and I venture to say that 

 he will be equally successful with those Presidents who will have preceded 

 him. I will not detain you any further, but, with feelings of gratitude, 

 say I have great pleasure in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to the 

 retiring President, Baron von Mueller. 



Professor W. H. Wakren (Sydney) said : I rise to second the motion; 

 and I fully indorse all that Mr. Morton has said of the attainments of 

 Baron von Mueller as a scientist. He enjoys a world-wide reputation as a 

 botanist, and he is undoubtedly the greatest living authority on the botany 

 of Australia. You will agree that the Association is indebted to him for 

 the kind manner in which he has devoted his time and his talents to its 

 interests. 



The Peesident put the motion, which was carried by acclamation. 



Baron von Mueller said : I feel deeply touched by this mark of 

 recognition and acknowledgment of the little I may have done in my 

 lifetime for the advancement of knowledge. It comes truly unexpectedly 

 to me. I do not think I am entitled to such graceful appreciation of that 



