458 Pi'oceedings. 



effect tMs association or not, as may Le tliouglit desirable. We have com- 

 plied with all the preliminary conditions that have been prescribed. If we 

 prefer a separate and independent existence, there is nothing to prevent our 

 taking that course, but for my part I think there are sufficient advantages to 

 be derived from association to lead us in that direction. 



"We are all aware \ow difficult it is in a nev/ country, such as this, to find 

 men competent in knowledge, and enjoying sufficient leisure, to devote their 

 time to superintending the formation and establishment of a museum and a 

 laboratory. The Act provides that the services of such a person shall be 

 available for institutions associated with the parent Institute. The Act also 

 provides that a yearly sum of £500, at the least, shall be placed on the 

 colonial estimates, to be applied in the payment of the general current 

 expenses of the parent establishment and of the several societies or associa- 

 tions incorporated with it. There are other advantages, but it appears to 

 me that I have said enough to lead to the conclusion that the Auckland 

 Institute should be incorporated with the New Zealand Institute. 



Thus, we see that the New Zealand Legislature, impressed, no doubt, 

 with the importance of promoting the general study and cultivation of art, 

 science, and literature, has endeavoured to do its share of the v/ork by giving 

 a legal constitution to an institution formed for the advancement of those 

 objects, by providing competent assistance, and by contributing towards the 

 necessary expenses to be incurred. But it is not in the power of any Legis- 

 lature alone to create a permanent and flourishing institution of this charac- 

 ter ; it can only be done by the energy and co-operation of those fitted to 

 undertake the task, and that not by one spasmodic effort, but by patient and 

 unflagging perseverance. No doubt, in order to induce a sufficient number 

 of persons to give their time and attention to the support of such an institu- 

 tion, it is necessary that they should be convinced that they will derive 

 therefrom an adequate amount of amusement and profit. 



Now, it is admitted that the first and principal duty of every man is to 

 provide for the daily wants of himself and those dependent on him ; and, 

 moreover, it is a duty that he owes to his country. No man can neglect 

 this without entailing suffering and disgrace to himself. All other employ- 

 ments must yield to this ; and if the pursuit of science and literature neces- 

 sarily involved a neglect of this first duty, it would be a crime to urge men 

 to devote their attention to it. But there are hours of leisure and recreation, 

 and it is those that can be properly and profit?tbly employed in such pursuits. 

 It is, I think, fortunate that there are occasions on which men of all parties, 

 whatever may be their creeds or political viev^^s, can meet on common ground. 

 It is, I say, fortunate that occasions occur on which people of all shades of 

 opinion, political or otherwise, can meet and unite for a common object. 



