4 Neio Zealand Institute. 



tliey were still fresh in the memory. (See Proceedings of "Wellington 

 PhilosopMcal Society, and Transactions?) 



In reply to Mr. Travers, asking for some particulars of the great tidal 

 wave at Japan in 1854, Dr. Hector gave an account of that terrible 

 catastrophe. 



The Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, IP.Gr.S., read some quaint extracts from 

 " Holinshed's Chronicles," Yol. II., published in 1577, describing earthquakes 

 that had occurred in England between the years 1077 and 1575 ; and stated 

 that we were too much given to look upon the colony as peculiarly an earth- 

 quake country, but by dipping into such records as the above, we find frequent 

 reference to the occurrence of earthquakes and sea waves like those just 

 discussed as having taken place even in England. He concluded by pointing- 

 out that, notwithstanding the advance of science in the colony, he believed 

 we were not in a position to hand down to posterity any clearer or more 

 exact account of such phenomena than HoHnshed had recorded, and urged 

 that steps should be taken, by the use of proper instruments, to supply this 

 want. 



His Excellency the Grovernor then presented to Sir G-eorge G-rey the 

 following valedictory address from the Grovernors of the Institute, 

 remarking that it was to Sir Greorge Grrey that the colony is indebted for 

 the foundation of nearly all its scientific institutions. 



" "Wellington, New Zealand, 1st September, 1868. 



"SlE GrEOEGE GrEET, K.C.B., 



" SiE, — "We, the Grovernors of the New Zealand Institute, which was 

 founded last year, under your auspices, for the promotion of Science, 

 Literature, and Art in this country, and which has been established on a 

 statutable basis for carrying out the objects in view on the formation of the 

 New Zealand Society, originated and founded by yourself in 1851, avail 

 ourselves with much satisfaction of the opportunity afforded by your 

 presence here this evening, on the eve of your departure for England, of 

 acknowledging the obligations which the people of the colony owe to you 

 for the cordial interest you have ever taken in the promotion of Science and 

 Art in New Zealand. We desire especially to recognize the influence which 

 you have exercised in this respect, not only in your capacity as a G-overnor 

 of the colony, but also from the high position which you have earned 

 amongst the learned societies of Europe by your practical advancement of 

 knowledge. For, amidst the cares incident to your high political position, 

 you have not only found leisure to aid in the formation of Scientific Institu- 

 tions, but have given the practical example of your own labours, more 

 especially in those directions which have a sj)ecial bearing on our knowledge 

 of the history and progress of the human race. On behalf of New Zealand 



