THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

Otago Witness, Issue 919, 10 July 1869, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

FETBLIO MBBTiNO. AT 1 TjHB UTHBNaJUWC. 1 >'

A public meeting of gentlemen desirous of co-operating in the formation of a .Society for the promotion of Art, Science, 1 ! literature; and Philosophy, in this province, was held in the long room of the Athenaeum, on Saturday, at noon., There was a very good attendance,, and amongst those present , were, His Honour Mr Justice Ward, Messrs E. B. CargilL.W. D. Murison, J. Battray, R. Gillies, J. S. Webb, James Smith, J. Millar. M.P.C., J. Bathgate, S. Hawthorne, (Rector of the High School) J. H. Harris, A. Eccles, G B. Barton, A. Ohetham Strode, G. Brodie, J. Hislop, J. T. Thomson, St. John Branigan, R. Oliver, A. Beverley, E. Quick, W. M. Hodgkins, G. Matthews, and the Rev D, M. Stuart. Mr Justice Ward was eleoted to. preside. The proceedings were opened by , Mr J. S. Webb. He said that as he had taken upon himself to convene the meeting, it would be expected^ of him, he presumed, to make a few preliminary remarks upon the subject the gentlemen present would be asked to discuss. He would do sojin as few words as possible, in the hope that the gentlemen present would give to the proceedingo the tone and character they ought to bear. He had been looking forward for many years past for the opportunity of taking the step, or offering his assistance to anyone else prepared to take the initiative. Unfortunately, however, the favourable moment had never presented itself. It had appeared to him that the recent issue of the first volume of the transactions of the New Zoaland Institute afforded a very favourable opportunity of directing to and exciting attention in the minds of those gentlemen favourable to the permanent establishment of a society in connection with the New Zealand Institute. He therefore moved, " That it is desirable to form a Society in Otago, to be incorporated with the New Zealand Institute." He believed that the constitution of the Colonial Institute was well known to all present, and consequently it would be a waste of time if he were to attempt to explain it, He might mention, however, that theconditicnßon which the advantages derivable from being associated with the New Zealand Institute could be obtained ■were simple. First, on asking to be incorporated with it, they must submit their bye-laws for the approval of the Board of Governors of the Institute, which, of course, was likely to be a mere formal proceeding. The Society could not consist of less than twenty-five members, who would be called upon to subscribe LSO towards the promotion of those objeota which the Institute had been founded to foster, and which were specified in the Act of Incorporation. These objects comprised the establishment of a public museum, laboratory, and a public library, together with the promotion of the general study and cultivation of the various branches and departments of art, science, literature, and philosophy. It would, therefore, be seen that it was intended that the Institution should be of an all embracing characterj and it was very desirablo that in a community like this their own Society, when established, should have a wide range, bo as to include a large number of gentlemen who interested themselvesin their own and their fellow beings' culture.— (Hear, hear.) Mr J. T. Thomson intimated that he would second tho motion with pleasure. He explained that he had drawn up a few notes, which ho desired to read to the mooting, and that some of the objects vrhioh would induoe him to give his support to tbo Society, wore as follows:— (Mr Thomson here read from a document from which wo quote).— To bring accurate observation to bear on the rapid changes now taking plnco in tho flora and fauna of this part of Now Zealand ; as for instance, the disappearance of tho forn from certain valleys noar Dunedin and other populated parts, and the growth of olover ; grasses, and woods of Europo in their stead; the disappearance of the wild pigeon, kaka, and quail, before the spread of Europoan settlotnent, and the increase of imported birds, animals, and fishes ; of tho destruction for firewood of tho manuka, whioh is tho only wood to bo found how suttablo for marine works. Tho lastmentionod subject is of considerable Importance to the ooromunitv hero. Those swbjocts, undor tha survoillanco of scientific oyet, would bo reported upon with greater interest and weight to society than wore thoy to so on unrecorded and nnoarod for. 2. To stimulate observation of tho physical changes that have takon place on tho face of this part of New Zoalsnd in past ages, both of this present geological ago as woll as tho sovoral epochs or ages that oau bo traood by science to have had their causes in the mysterious and ovtr-Tcoeding past For initaaoe, to traoo tilt bMohtt that an-

•p% •»boye < the> sea level, tojjwsM& rf«lß^dfu« age*; to trace theltiirracesj'BO'mittiißi'ouS'in. the interior/, and % discriminate between them and the beaches; and so,- by accurate observation, to comprehend the processes by which they were formed^ and bo to give our fellows distinct 'and unemp'iric notions as to the mode by which the dry land on which we live was formed, that we may even gain an approximate estimation of the time which nature took to elaborate our colonial possessions for the "use of ourselves and our ' descendants. 3. To mark the water line of the L glacial age, a matter to me yet of great difficulty, but of which there are faint traces in parts of this province; a subject, which, if duly investigated, would do more than any other thing that I know to enable us, to propound any accurate theory of the collection, transport, and deposit of gold. To account for the appearance of the precious metal in certain parts, such as Tuapeka, Blacks, &c, and from those appearances or indications — at present these were mere Bcratohings on thesurface— to proceed further, and byacourate expansive operations, to search out the real keep-safes of our golden treasures, viz, 'the deep leads. I may but note that to scientific men of Europe, the power of that moving mass of ice— the glaoier — in eroding the plains of the earth into mountains and valleys, has been long apparent, and the remnants |of this action are most plainly visible in many parts of South New Zealand. But the monuments of this action I take to be the moraines, of which, amongit others, I may mention those of South Wakatip, Ohau, and Puhaki. That there has been a glacial period might be safely taken for granted, and that they have been a most powerful engine in scouring out the deep valley, and so, on a grand scale, in breaking up the earthy and rocky masses. So have they been the principal agent in depositing our auriferous tertiary and alluvial formations, by several processes, such as by the under glacial currents, like what are now seen issuing out of the Tasman glacier, at the base of Mount Cook ; by drifting s'randed icebergs, or by the pushing power of the moving masses of ice, the result of which is the moraine. In anriforous districts, in the lowe/beds of these masses of earth and rock, so operated upon by the glaciers in former and present epochs, will be found the precious metal ; and if we view with expanded bub unprejudiced vision the herculean efforts of nature in this direction, where the valleys have been dug outthou- i sands of feet, we would be foolish to conclude that Otago has yet come near to her ; real auriferous treasures. Otago has had the visits of many competent observers, such as Lauder Lindsay, Hector, and Haast, &c. . yet the technical data on which to found scientific results was yet in a great measure to be observed. One branch of scientific inquiry, such as physical changes of the surface of the island, the accurate data afforded by the trignometrical survoy have not yet been availed of, and no theory can be propounded with Any satisfaction unless these unquestionable bases be used. I am happy to say that this process is fast extending in every part of the province, and so would be open for the use of gentlemen that will apply themselves to observe and record for the use of the Society. The field of scientific observation is so boundless in the various branches of natural history, zoology, engineering (civil, mininir, and mechanical), that labourers could cot be too many. Mr J. Bathgatb said that before tho motion was put he should like to hear an explanation made as to what advantages were likely to be received from being connected with a Wellington Institute. At the present time he certainly did not boo how any advantage would bo derived, and was of opinion from facts that had come to his knowlodgo that it would bo far bettor if they were independent It would, no doubt, be very desirable to have such an institute here, but why they should be taoked on to another in ■Wellington ho could not conceive. Porhaps Mr Webb, however, would bo able to aftord them some information to »how why it wa* desirable that they should bo annexod. It was very Kkoly thftt tho seat of General Govornment would not bo continued at Wollingtoo. Whenever an alteration wm mado in regard to the mail services, and stoam oommunioation wm established betwoon S%n JranoJsoo and Australia, thoseat of General Govornment would probably be removed to Auckland, and such a change might act; detrimentally to tho Bodety. Therefore, unless come substantial reasons oonld bo advanood, he did not soe why they ahould mako the proposed Society a subsidiary branch of that at Wellington. They had a prospect of an University boinc established in OUro, and ho was of opinion that it would bo far botter if th«y could h*To an institution of tholr own. Thor had a museum almdy ottabUshod, and thoy might increase it rathor than ttnd tbt riohsit fpctatnt and maps to

;eniici tfief museum aY Wellingtons here , they would not be seeirby jhe great, body of Hhe^peppleV^'^Wellia^tbtf'Was 1 fist the + commercial 'centre, and he thought the Otago Institute should be independent. He was perfectly willing, however, to be' guided by facts urged in support of the motion, * Mr Webb had been under the impression that the character of the New Zealand institute was thoroughly understood by all gentlemen who, like Mr Bathgate, had taken a great interest in such matters as were then under tha notice of the meeting. He would, however, Btate briefly the advantages the proposed Society would probably reap, from being affiliated to the Colonial Institute, and in reply to Mr Bathgate, as regarded the supposed disadvantages of sending maps, &c, to enxich the Wellington museum, he might say that they need 'not do ao, unless they found it desirable, and resolved to do so. One of the conditions that would be imposed upon them was that they should devote L6O a year towards the promotion of these objects which they showed, by meeting there that day, they desired to promote. That was not a very hard condition. But there was another condition with regard to the diversion of that money. One of the special bye-laws of the Institute provided that at least onethird of the income should be devoted to the support of a local museum or library ; or if the local Society had no museum or library, it had the option of devoting, onesixth of the income to the Colonial museum, they being incorporated with the Institute, the Society would gain an advantage by obtaining the assistance of the Director of the Colonial Museum, Dr Hector, and would have printed for it, at little or no expense whatever, all papera which might be read before the society. That was one of the things which would tend to maintain the existence of a society of that description. It was not very probable that they would be able to put their hands in their pockets to defray such an expense, and tho publication of abstracts of the proceedings in the volumes issued by the governors of the Institute would give a statustothe society that it would certainly not have a local naturalisation club or scientific society. The New Zealand Institute was not a fixed corporation. A certain number of governors had to be elected annually. Three governors would annually retire and they would be replaced by an election of others from among the nominees of the various societies affiliated to the Institute. They could not, therefore, call it a Wellington Institute. It assumed a colonial oharacter, and perfectly provincial as they might bo in their feelings they must not forget that co-operation was the great element of success in everything of that description.— (Hear, hear.) These were the reasons why he asked that their Society should be connected with the Now Zealand Institute.

Mr Thomson said thatsuch an Institute could only be properly supported and maintained by being colonial. It should be essentially a New Zealand Society, and it would be an honour to them. If ? however, they made it entirely provincial, its existence would be of short duration.

Mr Webb suggested that the attendance that day seemed to furnish a negative to Mr Thomson's remarks.

The Chairman oxpronsod his r-jgrot that the question of the seat of Government should have been imported into the discussion. If tho seat of Government were changed tomorrow the New Zoaland Institute would remain as it is now.

The motion was carried.

Mr R. GillißvS observed that the nume- ! rous remarks which had been mado as to tho desirability of establishing a society ; to bo affiliated to tho Now Zealand Institute rendered it unnecessary that ho should say anything additional. Ho would moroly supplement what had fallen from thoso gentlemen who had spoken in support of tho motion, by explaining in what way he thought the Society would b« of still greater sorvico. It was well known that tho climate of Dunedin had boon spoken of in very unfavourable terms ; but there were districts in Otago where a botter climate was onjoyed than in Dunedin. Now, by proper obsorration, tho climato of the provinco oould bo aacortainod. Thore wero many rons in tho provinco who would willing to 00-oporato with the Society, and furnish valuable information on that point as well as rondor assistance to science generally. It appeared, in fact, that tho efforts of many people wero frittorod away, because no contral body existed to which they oould contribute the results of their observations. Ho moved '* That tho following gentleman bo % Provisional Comrait-ee, to take charge of the Society, via,, Judgo Ward, the Hoy. D. M. Stuart, and Mown J. S. Wobb, Juntos Smith. J. T. Thomson, G. B. Barton, J. H, Harris, S, Hawthorno. W. D. Murf. pop, S. B, CargiU, A, Obtham-Btrodo,

,Bell,..W^M. Hodgkinß* :: J :^Hisipp,« J.Bathgate, "and the. mover, with, power; to. a r dd to; their! number. " Before resu ming his seat he would like, io_say a few words in respect to some remarks which were recently made by the : President of, the. Acclimatisation Society, Mr Murison, and which, were published in the Daily Times. He (Mr Gillies) thought that in a community like this it would fc© rather an evil than otherwise, if too many societies^were in existence ; at least, he thought that if some means , could be adopted whereby the proposed society, and the Acclimatisation Society, could be assimilated, a still greater boon would be conferred. — (Hear, hear.) Mr Thomson seconded the motion, and said he concurred with the remarks made by Mr Gillies. It would be of great use to watch the state of the climate. Before leaving that subject, he would allude to the gradual disappearance of the forest trees and the eating up of grasses. That had had a great influence upon the climate, upon the rainfall, and especially upon the flooding of rivers. He was of opinion that scientific observations directed to the flood lines of various rivers would indicate how far cultivation and pasturage effected them. The Taieri river rose five feet above any known previous level during the flood of February, 1868. At the West Taieri, the flood marks were distinctly visible on the banks, and the last flood rose five feet above them. Again, a small creek, called the Waireka, sent forth a volume of water nearly as broad, and equal to that of the Molyneux. In deter* mining such matters, the Society would be of great utility. The motion was carried. Mr James Smith moved the third resolution, which was as follows : — "That the subscription to the Society be L— per annum, and that the gentlemen sending in their names before the Ist August shall be the original members of the Society." In doing so, he suggested that the blank in the motion should be filled up with the words "one guinea," This he did in conBequence of the great interest which was taken in the matter, as evidenced by thelarge number of gentlemen in attendance. He felt convinced that the Society would not lack members, and the lower the amount of subscription was made, the greater number would subscribe. A provision ought to be made in the rules of the Society that those paying up their subscription before the Ist of AugUßt should be original members. Mr Millar seconded the resolution. He wished at the same time, as having had some experience in societies of a similar nature, "to remind them that success did not depend alone on pounds, shillings, and pence. He was one of the earliest members of the Philosophical Society of Victoria, and in working that Society they soon found out that its success did not depend on money alone, but on the contributions given by members, philosophical, literary, and otherwise. That Society had afterwards merged into the Eoyal Society, the success of which depended on the Victorian Parliament subsidising it, as well as on the subscriptions of members. That Parliament had given at least LIOOO for the publication of the Society's proceedings. Ho hoped that both the Provincial Council and tho General Govornment would afford their aid in a similar manner, as they could only expect to liyo and become known as a Society, by giving to tbo world such contributions as would tend to further art, science, and literature. He was quito aware that thero were many gentlomtn in Dunedin who wore quite competent to give them valuable contributions, if they could only pet rid of their apathy, ana follow the example of MrEccles, who had laboured so hard and long in getting up find carrying on tho late exhibition in Dunedin.

Mr R. Gilurh begged to point ontthnt at present there was no person appointed to whom tho monoy could bo paid, and he did not soe how tho objoot of the resolution oould be carried out until tho | Society had framed some mlos for its guidance. He thought that one of the prinoiplos of tho Society might be to charco, say, a guinea, ao an ontranco foo, and half n guinea for country mombors. Mr Ecoi.its said that tho ontranco foe to the Sooioty in Wellington was tho same for town and country numbers. Mr 0. Smith suggested that it might bo bottor, boforo any such resolution as that before tho mooting worn adopted, for tho provisional committee to draw up an outline of tho constitution of tho Sooioty, and present it to a future mooting. Mr Wedd said that ho had takon tbo same course with regard to tho resolutions prosontcd to tho mooting, nn had been dono whan the Wellington Socioty was inaugurated. Ho thought tho soope And aim nf tho Socioty wore gonorolly known. The course which had got togothor 200 mombors in Wellington ought, ho thought, to bo at loasi equally suocoss* fill in Dnnodin. if tho provisional committee oould draft some rul*s, and bring thorn beforo a mssting on th*

Ist of August, every 1 purpose would be answered, - > Mr Brodib asked whether Mr Webb had the rules of the Wellington Society. Mr Webb : They are here. Mr 0. Smith said if it were understood beforehand that those were the rules to which they must conform, and from which there was no going back, they were placed in a definite position, which otherwise they were not. ..,,..,,. Mr Jambs Smith remarked that if this Society were a profit-seeking company, and they became, as Mr Bathgate had inadvertently called them, shareholders, he could understand the necessity for all this caution. But they constituted themselves into a Society whose objects were well known and without any view to money making. He thought the more practical business they got through the better, and that it was advisable that they should agree at so large a meeting as that was, to determine the amount of the subscription. „,,.,. - Mr Oliver remarked that the rules, when drawn up by the provisional Committee, might be brought forward at another meeting of members. Mr Eooles said that supposing this Society to be affiliated to the one in Wellington, that Society had power by its Act of Constitution to order up their property at any time it chose. This had been foreseen by the founders of the Dunedin Museum, and for that reason it had not been affiliated to the one in Wellington. „ . Mr Webb said that the present Society in Wellington had not the power as stated, except with regard to property which it had itself paid for. Mr. Ecoles : That is a matter of opinion. It may be yours, but it is not mine. Mr Bathgate stated that Mr. Eccles was right in what he had stated. Mr Gillies thought that the power to order up the property of affiliated societies to Wellington existed only in the case of a society going to ruin, and its property not being taken care of. He was of opinion that they ought rather to be glad that there was a provision which would at all events ensure their property being put in a proper place, and not stored away in any rag and bone warehouse. On the suggestion of the Rev. Mr Stuart, Mr Jas. Smith added the name of Mr Murison, as interim treasurer, to his motion. , The Chairman then referred to the Act with reference to the question as to the power of the Society in Wellington to order up the property of affiliated Societies. He read the claxise bearing on the subject in the Act to establish a New Zealand Institute, 31 Victoria, No. 36, and pointed out that before they had the power referred to, the property must, in the first place, have been put into their hands, and from what he had heard, he did not think that was likely to be done. Mr Oliver said that the property of the Society would naturally go to the Dunedin Museum. The Chairman then put the motion, which was carried. . Mr Millar suggested the desirability of an additional resolution being passed respecting life members. In the majority of societies life- membership could be obtained by the payment of LlO. It was suggested that that, was a matter to bo dealt with by the provisional cotn""ontiw motion of Mr Harris the name of Mr Arthur Boverloy wob added to tho provisional committoo. Mr A. Gilmes moved that Mr Webb be elected hon. secretary, pro tan. Tho resolution was carried. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman, and the mooting then dispersed.