4:54 Proceedings. 



and countenance afforded by your Excellency's high official position, but that, 

 in your capacity as its President, your Excellency not only contributed 

 valuable addresses, which appear in its Transactions, but has at all times taken 

 an active and zealous share in the direction and management of its affairs, and 

 in the promotion of its successful career. 



We feel justified in assuring your Excellency that the assistance which you 

 have thus rendered will always be remembered with gratitude, not merely by 

 those who feel a personal interest in scientific researches, but also by the 

 colonists generally. 



Reply from His Excellency Sir George F. Bowen to the Address presented 



to him by the Governors of the Institute. 

 Gentlemen — 



I am very much gratified by the farewell address presented to me by you, 

 and by the mark of distinction which you have conferred upon me in electing 

 me to be an Honorary Member of the ISTew Zealand Institute. 



Any services which I may have been able to render are thus abundantly 

 rewarded, and they were indeed a labour of love, for it is only simple justice 

 to ascribe to me the most active and enduring interest in the welfare of the 

 association of which I have had the honour of being the first President. 

 Among the many agreeable recollections of this country which I shall always 

 cherish, not the least satisfactory will be the memory of my connection with 

 the Institute, and with the gentlemen who have formed with me its governing 

 Board. 



The chief aim of the Colonial Parliament in founding and endowing the 

 Institute was not so much to make provision for the study and cultivation of 

 art, science, and literature in general, but rather to supply guidance and aid 

 for the people of New Zealand in the practical work of colonization. The 

 yearly volumes of the Transactions and Proceedings show that this primary and 

 essential object has been kept in constant view. 



Rest assured, gentlemen, that I shall always remember you with respect 

 and gratitude, and that I shall continue, although absent, to watch with lively 

 interest the progress of the New Zealand Institute. 



1. "Lecture on New Guinea," by Captain Moresby, R.N., of H.M.S, 

 " Basilisk." [Appendix, p. Ixxxi.) 



The lecture was an account of recent discoveries made by. Captain Moresby 

 in H.M.S. " Basilisk," and was illustrated by native implements, ornaments, 

 musical instruments, and various curiosities, many of which had been presented 

 to the Colonial Museum by Captain Moresby and his officers. 



