Mechanic's Institute.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume X, Issue 640, 16 August 1853, Page 3

Mechanic's Institute.

Yesterday evening, the Lecture upon the Electric Telegraph which, in consequence of the unfavorable state of the weather, had been postponed, was delivered by Mr. Charles Sanderson, C.E., in the hall of this Institute. The attendance, as might have been expected from the novelty of the subject, it being the first time this matter has been brought before the notice of the public of Auckland, was very numerous ; so much so, that a considerable portion of the audience could not be accommodated with seats. _ The lecturer commenced by relating the different -stages of telegraphing frorn^ the times in which the flames of fire by night, and smoke by day, gave to our uncivilized ancestors warning of approaching danger, down to the present period, at which the most important news can be conveyed in a few minutes from the different countries of Europe to our native land. The subject was illustrated by a great variety of working models, commencing with the most ancient and simple, and finishing with the most modern and complete : the working of which has been found so thoroughly correct, that it is contemplated to extend the advantages of this most extraordinary agent to the Australian Colonies and to New Zealand. He could not spare time on the present occasion to enter upon the subject of Electricity, with which parties should be acquainted to understand thoroughly the principles of the electric telegraph ; but he hoped that some other gentleman would find sufficient leisure to give a lecture upon this interesting subject. The materials for the models were not so perfect as the lecturer could have wished, but he would be happy on a future occasion, if required, to enter into this interesting subject. The lecturer was received with much applause, and we must consider this gentleman is entitled to the best thanks of the public for voluntariiy coming forward to dispense to his townsmen the interesting information of which he is possessed. — Communicated.