THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 1032, 19 May 1857, Page 3

THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

It is always a relief to us to turn away from what has long since become a source of profitless and unmeaning strife — the discu&sion of political subjects, for the purpose of adverting to whatever may be taking place in the form of real and substantial progress in the community ', to leave the earing of a barren field, for the pleasanter task of reaping the fruit from a fertile soil. We have repeatedly devoted a portion of our columns to the proceedings of the Mechanics' ] nstitute, which, by good management and steady perseverance on the part of a few active-minded men, has been brought into full and vigorous action. And we shall continue to do so, at each successive step which the Institute sh ill make in advance. One of these steps has been just now made. After careful consideration, the Committee have issued a list of desiderata ; not only pointing out the subjects upon which ingenuity may be exercised and investigation made with most advantage to the province, but also offering a positive inducement in the form of premiums We gladly take the first opportunity of giving publicity to the list, subjoining it to these remarks. We would urge upon those Members of the Mechanics' Institute who may compete for the premiums, the importance of illustrating the specimens and designs sent in by detailed accounts. We may add that it is the intention of the Committee not to confine themselves strictly to the subjects set down in the list, but to take into consideration those also which may be chosen by contributors, and to award prizes according to merit. it is quite possible that out of so long an enumeration, some of the desiderata may have been already accomplished; but in such cases the knowledge is of a limited character, the facts not having yet been made public. The object of the Committee is to make sure that nothing shall lay concealed or be forgotten for want of notice, to concentrate the researches that have been already made, to excite discussion, and to record the facts and opinions thus elicited. The weekly meetings on the Tuesday evenings and the half-yearly exhibitions afford the requisite facilities for effecting this. Let us trust that the opportunities afforded may be taken advantage of, and that in furtherance of the object, the Public, for whose advantage the movement has be< n made, may be induced to contribute liberally to the Prize-fund.