424 Proceedings. 
destroying without care or thought for the future. Our hills and valleys 
rich with mineral deposits such as gold, silver, copper, coal, and iron, 
frequently occurring under circumstances and in combinations new to 
science. All these elements of wealth, power, and happiness require new and 
economic applications of skill and scientific knowledge, so that the greatest 
practical results may be obtained with the least expenditure of force or 
waste of power. 
Nor must it be forgotten that whilst this Colony possesses a wealth of 
undeveloped vegetable and mineral productions, it is singularly destitute 
of animal life, thus offering a wide field for the introduction of innumerable 
yarieties of fish, birds, and animals. Again, the vegetable kingdom, though 
so full of forms of rarest beauty, is yet destitute of a thousand fruits, vege- 
tables, and trees for which our unrivalled climate offers a congenial home. 
Nor must it be forgotten that in the extensive district from Lake Teuye 
to the Bay of Plenty, there exists a wonderful variety of geysers, boiling 
springs, hot lakes, fairy-like cascades, enchanting terraces, and mineral 
waters of great healing powers. I have no doubt that this wondrous 
district will one day be visited by philosophers, tourists, and invalids from 
many lands. Can it be doubted that the pilgrims who, in coming years; 
will visit these shrines of beauty and health will carry away with them very 
pleasant memories of a land in which they will not have sought in vail for 
pleasure, health, and knowledge ? 
That the district in which these natural wonders are to be found ought 
without delay to be acquired by Government, there can be no doubt ; when 
acquired, our Government may well be urged to follow the example of a 
United States, and declare the district an inalienable reserve for all time 
for the health and recreation of the people. 
Important as it may be to push on agriculture, to make 
** Our valleys wave with golden corn, 
With fleecy flocks the hills adorn.” 
Necessary as it is to introduce a thousand fruits, vegetables, and bi 
suitable for our unrivalled climate, we ought not to forget that other things 
are needed to build up a nation besides sheep and oxen, fruits and corn. 
Edueation, good drainage, abundance of pure water, convenient and 
durable houses, parks for recreation, ready access to the beautiful in art 
to the noble in literature, to the grand in nature—all exert a potent and 
most salutary influence in building up the social life of the people 4P™ de 
sure foundation. 
It is not given to every one to be a Bacon, a Newton, or a Faraday, bat 
it is within the power of all to cultivate habits of observation. Even OR 
children will derive for themselves great advantage, and may confer upon 
others even greater advantages by learning to observe. Let it be remem: — 
