The N.Z. Times THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1907. SIR JAMES HECTOR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6360, 7 November 1907, Page 6

The N.Z. Times

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1907. SIR JAMES HECTOR.

Wlfa W&IOH IB IKOOBPORATKA THE “ WSEJjINGftOS IRDSPEItBSNT." ESTABLISHED 1815.

Tho news of Sir James Hector’s death will bo received by the large circle of his personal friends, and by the still wider circle who knew him through tho distinguished services ho rendered to science, with feelings of profound regret. Thero have been from first to last a good many distinguished men of science whose names have been associated with this Dominion either by visits made to it for scientific purposes, or by distinguished services rendered to science as teachers or writers. Of the scientists thus associated with tho history of New Zealand four have passed away whoso names stahd out as specially distinguished: Dr Parker, for many years professor of biology in Otago, whose researches in embryology gained a European celebrity; Dr Yon Haast, the distinguished geologist of Canterbury, who created the museum which is one of tho glories of Christchurch; Professor Hutton, who did so much work both in geology and biology, and did it so well; and new Sir James Hector, who gained distinction of various kinds, but who was best known for his work as • Director of the Geological Survey and as- Curator of tho Colonial Museum. As a man of science, Sir James possessed extensive and - varied learning. The branch in which ho was specially distinguished was geology, in which as a young man, before coming to New Zealand, ho did distinguished work in Canada on tho Palliser expedition. As Director of the Geological Survey,' first for Otago and subsequently for tho colony, Sir James did invaluable service, not merely in determining the geological character of the various provincial districts, but in exploring the less known parts of tho country and discovering natural routes of communication between the East and West Coast of the South Island. Though Sir James’s chief distinction as a man of science was due to his achievements as a geologist, he was onoof that fast diminishing class of scientists who, while they make some

ono branch of science specially their own, have yet a wide general acquaintance with science in all its branches. This catholic interest in all forms of scientific investigation specially fitted him for performing the valuable work ho did for so many years as editor of the “Transactions of the New' Zealand Institute.” Further, Sir James was an astronomer of no mean attainments, and, though not a professed biologist, he took a deep and well-inform-ed interest in all biological questions. Sir James Hector’s services to education wero chiefly concerned with the New Zealand University, of which he was Chancellor for many years. His views on University education were broad and liberal, and he w’as never wearied in advocating the claims of the colleges and in urging measures for extending the usefulness of the University. Sir James Hector’s services to liis adopted country, as a pioneer, man of science, and educationist, are of tho kind which will not allow themselves to bo forgotten.