512 Proceedings. 



The chairman, before the close of the meeting, took the opportunity to 

 observe that the canse of science generally in New Zealand would be gi'eatly 

 advanced by Dr. Hector's visit to Europe, especially as he would take with 

 him a large and valuable collection of sjDecimens of natural history and other 

 objects. He very much feared that the voyage, which afforded a great deal of 

 leisure to most people, instead of being a rest to him, would be attended with 

 a very great deal more labour than if he were to remain at home. However, 

 with Dr. Hector it would be a labour of love, and he knew, by the valuable 

 assistance Dr. Hector had rendered the colony, that he would be a welcome 

 guest amongst those gentlemen at Home who took an interest in all scientific 

 matters concerning New Zealand. He was sure they all wished Dr Hector 

 *' God speed," and trusted they would soon see him back again, to take that 

 active part in assisting to develope the natural resources of the colony, from 

 which so much advantage had been derived in the past. 



Dr. Hector briefly returned thanks for the kind wishes expressed, 

 intimating, at the same time, that he hoped to return before very long with a 

 handsome collection for the Museum, in exchange for the specimens he was 

 about to take Home with him. 



