Auckland Institute. 459 



JN'otMng tends more to soften the asperities that necessarily arise than 

 friendly meetings for the entertainment and instruction of each other. In 

 a community like ours something of the kind is essential. In the race of 

 life we jostle each other hardly ; and in politics every subject is discussed 

 with such freedom, that every man says and v,rrites almost without restriction 

 whatever he feels inclined. In such a state of things it is hut natural that 

 differences should arise, and angry passions be sometimes excited. Every- 

 thing, therefore, that tends to calm or mollify such pa.ssions, and render us 

 more considerate and tolerant the one to the other, has — indeed, must have 

 — a salutary effect. And what is better fitted to produce such an effect than 

 meeting for the friendly discussion of topics connected with arts, science, 

 and literature ? 



In a social point of view, therefore, the advantages which will result 

 from a flourishing institution, such as this Institute may become Linder 

 vigorous and careful management, should not be overlooked or depreciated. 

 However devoted we may be to the necessary occupation of our lives — 

 however anxious to push' ourselves forward in the worldly career we are 

 pursuing — it is essential that some time should be set apart for, and devoted 

 to, recreation and amusement. It is indispensable for re-invigoi-ating the 

 faculties, and preparing them for renewed exertion in our vocations. But 

 much time is unfortunately spent — harmlessly perhaps, but unprofitably. 

 This is the more to be regretted, because at least equal employment, combined 

 with profit, might be as readily obtained. Pleasure, no doubt, is to be 

 derived simply from the acquisition of knowledge — knowing that which we 

 knew not before — although it may be of a useless or trivial character ; but 

 how much more satisfactory to a thinking man is the reflection that he has 

 added an important truth to his stock of knowJedge, and how much is that 

 satisfaction enhanced by having clearly fixed in his mind the proofs l^j which 

 that truth is established. But of how far more importance than mere 

 amusement are the advantages which ensue from the steady pursuit of 

 scientific knowledge. There is not an occupation in life which cannot be 

 assisted by science ; and in a newly-settled country like New Zealand there 

 are especially some sciences the knoAvledge of which would have pointed out 

 the way to fortunes, or saved from ruin many who have passed away or are 

 still amongst us. 



Of what service, for instance, may I ask, would not a competent knovf- 

 ledge of geology, mineralogy, and chemistry have been to many of us ? It 

 is not long since that some mineral specimens were brought to Auckland by 

 men who were impressed with the belief that they had made a great 

 discovery. They were persuaded that they had found quartz and gold, and, 

 led on by delusive expectations, had expended time and money in explora- 



