4 New Zealand Institute. 
they were still fresh in the memory. (See Proceedings of Wellington 
Philosophical Society, and Transactions.) 
In reply to Mr. Travers, asking for some particulars of the great tidal 
wave at Japan in 1854, Dr. Hector gave an account of that terrible 
catastrophe. 
The Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, F.G.S., read some quaint extracts from 
“ Holinshed's Chronicles,” Vol. IT., published in 1577, describing earthquakes 
that had occurred in England between the years 1077 and 1575; and stated 
that we were too much given to look upon the colony as peculiarly an earth- 
quake country, but by dipping into such records as the above, we find frequent 
reference to the occurrence of earthquakes and sea waves like those just 
discussed as having taken place even in England. He concluded by pointing 
out that, notwithstanding the advance of science in the colony, he believed 
we were not in a position to hand down to posterity any clearer or more 
exact account of such phenomena than Holinshed had recorded, and urged 
that steps should be taken, by the use of proper instruments, to supply this 
want. 
His Excellency the Governor then presented to Sir George Grey the 
following valedictory address from the Governors of the Institute, 
remarking that it was to Sir George Grey that the colony is indebted for 
the foundation of nearly all its scientific institutions. 
“Wellington, New Zealand, 1st September, 1868. 
“Sır Grorce Grey, K.C.B., 
^Srg,—We, the Governors of the New Zealand Institute, which was 
founded last year, under your auspices, for the promotion of Science, 
Literature, and Art in this country, and which has been established on a 
statutable basis for carrying out the objects in view on the formation of the 
New Zealand Society, originated and founded by yourself in 1851, avail 
ourselves with much satisfaction of the opportunity afforded by your 
presence here this evening, on the eve of your departure for England, of 
acknowledging the obligations which the people of the colony owe to you 
for the cordial interest you have ever taken in the promotion of Science and 
Art in New Zealand. We desire especially to recognize the influence which 
you have exercised in this respect, not only in your capacity as a Governor 
. of the colony, but also from the high position which you have earned 
amongst the learned societies of Europe by your practical advancement of 
knowledge. For, amidst the cares incident to your high political position, 
you have not only found leisure to aid in the formation of Scientific Institu- 
tions, but have given the practical example of your own labours, more 
| especially in those directions which have a special bearing on our knowledge 
.. of the history and progress of the human race, On behalf of New Zealand 
4 
