Auckland Institute. 459. 
Nothing tends more to*soften the asperities that necessarily arise than 
friendly meetings for the entertainment and instruetion of each other. In 
a community like ours something of the kind is essential In the race of 
life we jostle each other hardly ; and in polities every subject is discussed 
with such freedom, that every man says and writes almost without restriction 
whatever he feels inclined. In such a state of things it is but natural that 
differences should arise, and angry passions be sometimes excited. Every- 
thing, therefore, that tends to calm or mollify such passions, and render us 
more considerate and tolerant the one to the other, has—indeed, must have 
—a salutary effect. And what is better fitted to produce such an effect than 
meeting for the friendly discussion of topics connected with arts, science, 
and literature? 
In a social point of view, therefore, the advantages which will result 
from a flourishing institution, such as this Institute may become under 
vigorous and careful management, should not be overlooked or depreciated. 
However devoted we may be to the necessary occupation of our lives— 
however anxious to push ourselves forward in the worldly career we are 
pursuing—it is essential that some time should be set apart for, and devoted 
to, recreation and amusement. It is indispensable for re-invigorating the 
faculties, and preparing them for renewed exertion in our vocations. But 
much time is unfortunately spent—harmlessly perhaps, but unprofitably. 
This is the more to be regretted, because at least equal employment, combined 
with profit, might be as readily obtained. Pleasure, no doubt, is to be 
derived simply from the acquisition of knowledge—knowing that which we 
knew not before—although it may be of a useless or trivial character; but 
how much more satisfactory to a thinking man is the reflection that he has 
added an important truth to his stock of knowledge, and how much is that 
satisfaction enhanced by having clearly fixed in his mind the proofs by which 
that truth is established. But of how far more importance than mere 
amusement are the advantages which ensue from the steady pursuit of 
scientific knowledge. There is not an occupation in life which cannot be 
assisted by science; and in a newly-settled country like New Zealand there 
are especially some sciences the knowledge of which would have pointed out 
the way to fortunes, or saved from ruin many who have passed away or are 
. Still amongst us. 
Of what service, for instance, may I ask, would not a competent know- 
ledge of geology, mineralogy, and chemistry have been to many of us? It 
is not long sinee that some mineral specimens were brought to Auckland by 
men who were impressed with the belief that they had made a great 
very. They were persuaded that they had found quartz and gold, and, 
led on by delusive expectations, had expended time and money in explora- 
* 
