92 JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 



Sir James Hector then went on to trace the various formations, 

 referred to the first traces found of the moa at Timaru, and then 

 leaving that subject stated that at the sectional meeting on ethnology 

 there would be presented to the Associations the first proof-sheets of a 

 great lexicon of the languages spoken in the Pacific Islands, especially 

 by the natives in the Sandwich Islands, of Tongo, and of New Zealand. 

 It was being prepared by Mr. Tregear, one of the most profound 

 workers in New Zealand in Maori mythology. 



" There is another subject on which I would like to touch. It is 

 concerning the great Antarctic continent, but as I understand Baron von 

 Mueller wishes the discussion of the question to be deferred for Saturda)' 

 forenoon, 1 will say no more upon it. I have to apologise for the very 

 feeble manner in which I have attempted to perform my duties, though I 

 have the most perfect, confidencei n the success of the Association. I think 

 it is about twenty-four years since Mr. Travers got the Act passed 

 which established the New Zealand Institute, In a very small way it 

 was an association of scientists, and it was founded to absorb and 

 render permanent the active endeavours in all part of the colony to 

 advance the interests of science. How well it has succeeded is known 

 by all. Baron Mueller has kindly attributed its success to me, but I 

 must really disclaim that and say its success was due to the wise frarner 

 of the special Act. I hope to see the colonies united together as one 

 whole in this matter ; the whole of the Australasian colonies are not 

 too large to combine for the purpose, and I hope that the inclusion of 

 New Zealand in the magic circle will come about in time. In conclusion 

 I will express the wish that the visitors may have a pleasant sojourn in 

 New Zealand. I trust that I have succeeded in proving the clainjs of 

 this colony as a place for the meeting of the Association, and that I 

 have shown th^re is enough scientific work to merit such recognition as 

 we have received, and I think 1 have shown that New Zealand has great 

 capabilities for scientific research, and that there is still a great deal to 

 be done." 



Mr. F. de C. Malet moved, and the Mayor of Christchurch 

 seconded the following resolution, which was carried by acclamation — 

 " That the best thanks of the Australasiau Association for the 

 Advancement of Science be accorded to his Excellency the Governor 

 for the distinction he has conferred upon the Association by his 

 presence here this evening." 



