Otago Institute, 553 



obtained, but rather to the geography, geology, and natural history of the 

 great Antarctic Continent. What the above navigator did in a sailing ship, 

 whose basis of operations was England, with great difficulty, we, by means of 

 steam, would accomplish with comparative ease ; and, moreover, in imitation 

 of our northern brethren, in an opposite direction, if our ambition as yet be 

 not to reach the South Pole, there is a vast field in Victoria Land for the 

 investigations of the naturalist* The region is within the limits of the 

 permanent habitation of man, as proved by the experience of the northern 

 hemisphere. Then, is it inhabited, and by what race of people 1 If so, do 

 they difier in form from other men ? Or, considering the great alterations of 

 climate that have been proved in New Zealand, if not now, may not the region 

 have once been inhabited ? If so, what new light would the fossil remains 

 cast on a momentous question that now troubles men's thoughts ? Science is 

 ever scrutinising, and its greed after a comprehension of creation will never be 

 allayed. Think not these speculations to be far fetched, for have we not 

 proved an inscrutable link in language between the Murihiku Maori and the 

 far distant Malagasi, and do not the peculiarities of the fauna bear also strange 

 parallels ? Yet these regions are immensely more apart than is New Zealand 

 from Victoria Land. 



That this mysterious land can be reached we know ; that it has been 

 landed on we also know j but that it has a secure harbour is yet to be proved. 

 But, could this be found, then we would have a basis of exploration in the 

 various branches of science so new that such an event has not occurred for 

 many a day. Should this prove a new field — should it open new portals to 

 scientific investigation — it would be pleasing if our Institute should, by its 

 influence, aid towards this end. 



In conclusion, I may congratulate the Institute on the fact that the several 

 scientific men attached to the transit of Venus expeditions have been active 

 in collecting subjects of natural history, not only in this, but in the islands of 

 the surrounding seas. Thus, through them and in their connection with the 

 Museum here, a great advance will this year be made on our previous 

 knowledge, which will extend itself to the older and more powerful nations of 

 the northern hemisphere* 



Mr. Gillies remarked that he found from the treasurer's balance sheet that 

 the sum of .£50 had been contributed during the year, out of an income of £86, 

 to the Otago Museum for the purchase of books. He had brought this subject 

 up on more than one occasion already. This Institute occupied an anomalous 

 position in reference to the Museum. The Otago Institute was a public body, 

 contributed its own funds towards carrying on its special work, the officers 

 were elected at the annual meetings, which were open to the public, and the 

 public to a certain extent had control over the Institute. It was not so with 



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