MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 56, 12 June 1852, Page 2

MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.

A Lecture in connection with the above Institution "was delivered by Mr. Kobert M. M'Douall at the Schoolhouse, Dunedinj on Friday, the 4th instant. The meeting was numerously attended, above 200 persons being present. The lecture was the first of a course upon Astronomy, and was confined to the historical part of the subject ; and although very ably treated, being full of learning and detail, was somewhat too lengthy. The lecturer's delivery was too rapid for such a subject ; but this circumstance may be accounted for by the fact that he found it impossible to deliver the whole lecture in the time he had allotted himself. These defects are mere trifles, and can easily be remedied in future. On the whole the handling of the subject was highly creditable to Mr. M'Douall, and we congratulate the public on the future enjoyment and instruction they may receive from this gentleman's efforts in the same direction. We have no doubt that there are many in Otago who are equally capable of delivering lectures upon subjects with which they are conversant, and we hope they will not allow a false modesty to prevent their appearance in public. Indeed the success of the Institution in the matter of lectures makes us very hopeful of the future. Captain Cargill proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. M'Douall in a highly complimentary speech, remarking, that the lecture just delivered reminded him of a circumstance which happened some years since. He had attended to hear Dr. James Buchanan in Edinburgh, who has since acquired such high fame, but who was then a very young preacher. The church was crowded, and the Doctor preached for two hours and a half, but had only then arrived at the creation of the world. (Laughter.) No doubt it was highly gratifying to find that they had so much deep reading and talent amongst them as the lecture they had just heard displayed. The public were much indebted to Mr. M'Douall, whose labour and research were very great. The vote was carried by acclamation.