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 scienti6c 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 Transactions 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 

 unfait 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 

 beliind 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, 

 not by perfect resemblance, but by analogy not very remote — as a quasi- 

 University of Science, composed of five scientific colleges, with a general 

 resemblance to each other, and yet with sufficient variety in their objects to 



