422, Proceedings. 
such forces as gravitation ; of such imponderables as light, heat, electricity? 
We have labelled them, indeed, as a chemist labels his drugs, and we know 
much of their qualities and uses. But what has been done to define their 
original elementary essence. What has been done to determine the origin, 
the whence they sprung of these potent forces which so mysteriously pervade 
the illimitable unknown. 
In truth, scientific deduction as yet has but mounted the lower steps of 
the ladder of knowledge. A nobler philosophy will yet impel true science 
to climb upwards till it arrives at the conception of the Creator and Con- 
troller of all. 
The investigation of truth is one of the main objects of the New Zealand 
Institute, and it is because I believe it is important to take care that our 
enquiries should not be biased, nor our intellects blinded by the current 
materialism of the day, that I have considered it within the scope of my 
duty to bring under your observation some of the obstacles which are being 
raised to the impartial pursuit of truth, as they have presented themselves 
to my own mind. 
Permit me now to direct your attention to some of the lines of enquiry 
along which our investigation may advantageously travel. These may be 
said to lay in the past as well as in the present. 
It has been stated that New Zealand is destitute of a past. I do not 
concur in this view. We have but to look around us to see, on evely 
side, the memorials of a past full of interest and abounding in sentiment. 
Scattered all over the North Island are the ancient fortresses and battle 
grounds of a noble race. Call it a race of savages, if you will; still a race 
remarkable for its hospitality, its generosity, and, above all, for its valour. 
For centuries to come the two great Maori fortresses of One-Tree Hill and 
Mount Eden in our own vicinity, will stand lasting memorials of the Maort 
race ; and in the eyes of future antiquarians will undoubtedly possess ® 
very deep interest. The Native Land Courts, in the eyes of the present 
generation of colonists, are chiefly interesting as the means of imves- 
tigating Maori titles to land, and as the agency for peacefully transferring, 
by consent of the Maori proprietors, these lands to European owners. Bu 
the archives of these Courts recording, as they do, the traditions, the love 
passages, the warlike deeds of an ancient race, will possess an unfading 
interest to the future ethnologists, novelists, and historians of this country. 
The present generation of colonists has advantages for enriching the stores 
of Maori lore which no other can possess. I think, therefore, that the 
Colony is under great obligations to Sir George Grey, Mr. C. 0. Davis; 
Judge Maning, and Mr. John White for their admirable efforts to rescue 
from oblivion the manners, legends, proverbs, and characteristics of this 
