NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE. 
ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS 
OF 
THE PRESIDENT, 
HIS EXCELLENCY SIR GEORGE F. BOWEN, G,C.M.G. 
DELIVERED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE, AT THE 
ANNIVERSARY MEETING, HELD ON THE 28TH SEPTEMBER, 1872. 
GENTLEMEN,— 
Tt is with great satisfaction that in this, as in my previous anniversary 
addresses, I have to call your attention to the last Report of the Governing 
Board of the New Zealand Institute. For this Report contains ample proof 
of the continued prosperity of our Association, and of its practical usefulness 
in promoting the investigation of the resources of the Colony, and in dis- 
seminating the results of the labours of the many independent observers, 
whose activity has been stimulated by its influence. Moreover, the four 
volumes of our Transactions and Proceedings afford abundant evidence of the 
beneficial effects of the system of organization adopted under the authority of 
the Colonial Parliament. The statutes of the Institute insure to each of the 
affiliated Societies perfect freedom in the management of its own affairs; 
while, at the same time, they aid and direct the efforts of all by giving 
support and encouragement in proportion to the amount of work performed. 
A glance at the contents of the volumes hitherto published cannot fail to 
show how important are the additions already made to the knowledge of most 
of the subjects of inquiry which were suggested in the preface to the first 
years Transactions ; particularly, if we take into consideration the reports 
contributed ‘by the Geological and Museum departments ; which, though not 
directly controlled, are fostered by the Institute. We find records of original 
A 
