472 Proceedings. 
this gives to each Society a voice and influence in the Institute. Although I 
cannot but lament the loss of Dr. Hector to this province, I think that those 
whom I am now addressing will rejoice that so able and accomplished a man 
has been secured as the animating spirit of the New Zealand Institute, Of 
his scientific attainments no one has any doubt; but it is not all who are 
aware how well fitted he is to direct the affairs of the Institute, by his genial 
nature, his equanimity, and his cheerful readiness to assist those who are in 
search of scientific knowledge. The Z'ransactions bear witness to his firmness, 
discrimination, and skill as an editor, 
The Wellington Philosophical Society, which from its locality has a closer 
connection with the Institute than more distant societies can have, numbers 
among its members several men of high scientific attainments, nor is any one 
‘of the societies destitute of members capable of making valuable contributions 
to the common stock of scientific ideas. Sir George Bowen, the Governor, 
has directly promoted the success of the Institute, and indirectly that of the 
affiliated Societies, by his zeal and especially by his encouraging addresses, 
When the New Zealand Institute Act was passed in 1867 several local 
societies were in existence, doing yeoman service no doubt, but limited in 
their range of usefulness by the feebleness incidental to local effort. The 
New Zealand Institute imparted to them a new character; and the service 
was mutual, for without them the Institute itself would have been a mere 
incorporeal entity—but little better than a phantom. In June 1868—the 
year after the passing of the Act—the Wellington Philosophical Society and 
the Auckland Institute were incorporated with the New Zealand Institute, 
and in October of the same year the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury and 
the Westland Naturalists and Acclimatization Society followed. By this solid 
and compact union, the New Zealand Institute became what the French call 
un fait accompli. -From my connection with the old Society of 1851, and from 
my previous intercourse with Dr, Hector, I naturally felt a strong interest in 
the new Society. Its constitution seemed to me to be sound—an opinion fully 
borne out by results; and as there was then no similar body near my own 
home, I at once joined the new Society. Our own Society did not long lag 
behind its predecessors. The Otago Institute dates from July, 1869, under 
the presidency of Mr. Justice Ward, and on my return from Europe in 1870 
I found it in full vigour. In January, 1871, the Nelson Association for the 
promotion of Science and Industry was established, under the presidency of 
Sir David Monro. Both these Societies were at once incorporated with the 
Institute, so that at this time the New Zealand Institute may be characterized, 
