CHRISTCHURCH MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XII, Issue 734, 19 November 1859, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

A lecture introductory to a series of twelve to be given by the Rev. C. Alabaster, on " Constitutional History," was delivered by that gentleman on Tuesday evening last, in the Town Hall, Christchurch.

The chair was occupied by his Honor the Superintendent as President of the Institute. After a few words of introduction from the President, the rev. lecturer delivered a short but very interesting and easy discourse, pointing out the objects usually had m view, and those which ought to be sought by persons studying history, as well as the m°ost efficacious methods and the best books to be selected for this purpose. He said that the right view to take of history was that in which it was to be regarded as pourtraying the emotions which influenced the_ various characters prominently mentioned therein, and the causes and effects of their actions. He quoted the remarks of a hio-h foreign historical authority declaring that the nations whose history afforded most matter for beneficial study were those of Greece, Rome, and inland. . He stated his object to be not the teaching of history in twelve lessons, as writing was sometimes advertised to be taught in eight] but rather the pointing out the best course of study for those who desired to advance in historical knowledge.

Ihei rev. lecturer sat down amidst general and cordial applause; and a vote of thanks having been unanimously awarded him, the audience, numbering about 120 persons, amongst whom were many ladies, separated, evidently mucK gratified with what they had heard.