OTAGO.

Wellington Independent, Volume VIII, Issue 772, 5 March 1853, Page 4

OTAGO.

'From the Ota go Witness. It is with extreme satisfaction that?we record the opening of the Mechanics' Institution. The entertainment at the Soiree far exceeded what wo wero led to expect. As was very justly remarked by one of the speakers, such social meetings are highly beneficial in promoting a neighbourly feeling, and afford-tho inhabitants of Otago an opportunity of becoming better acquainted with each other. There are many other advantages, not the least of which will be tho facility it will give to the importation of literary works of standard value, the expense of which would otherwise place them beyond the means of many of the Otago. public. Besides this advantage of a jmero book club, the institution, if carried out with spirit, will be of great value as an educational movement. We have observed that there is a considerable amount of artistic talent amongst our working mechanics, which, in a country abounding with picturesque scenery as Now Zealand does, may be turned tohigh account; aud there is no reason why a drawing class should not at once be established, we believe with considerable hope of success. We can scarcely expect tho higher branches of science to be at first attempted; but n thorough knowledge of drawing would bo invalu-

ablo in the collection and rooorfcng of facts in a new country such n«P° ?• fact that its 'Flora-has not been noticed, or has been unrecorded. &***£* departments, even in the same Mienoe one department may require gewnsto appreciate facts, and to draw conclusio s from those facts ; but the more labonous yet equally useful occupation of col ect ing such facts is within the capacity .of most people, if they but set themsehes industriously to work. How much might be done and ought to be done to make collections for a museum. We know- ot oneHnstai.ee in-whiohanindmdual sold a collection which he made m Uiecou™ of a few years for £40. With su h means ns there are around us, it will be disgraceful if we do not set our hands to a work which, though easy now. ™" increase in difficulties a few years hence Another subject worthy the attention of the members of the Institution is the relative strength and duration o materials. This branch of science has ot late been attracting much attention in the home country, and actual experiment has shown that the mechanical world has in many instances been acting upon wrong principles for years. A most interesting instance of this fact is brought out in tho controversy upon the credit ot the invention of the tubular bridge over the Menai Straits, extracted some time f.go into our columns from the Edinburgh Witness. Now we constantly hear disputes and differences of opinion on the merits of the various native woods, both in point of strength and durability. How much of practical information has been gathered by our builders, upon which a most interesting lecture might be founded; and the advantages of such a subject would be, that—not soaring too high in the region of science —there would be little prospect of failure, Wβ throw out these few hints in the hope that by pointing out some advantages that may be derived ftomit, the public generally will at ouce join this valuable Institution, and each add his mite of time and knowledge to make it a valuable addition to the settlement. The Wkathbb. —For the last month has beeu wet, cold, and miserable in the extreme. The crops have not, however, suffered to the extent that might have been expected, The early planted potatoes in a few places have partly rotted, but fortunately, there is still time to replant; and those who have sustained a loss are embracing every opportunity to repair it. The wheat and all other grain crops are looking remarkably strong and healthy,'and should the weather prove favourable, we shall have a most abundant harvest. Lambing is over, and the increase is great, notwithstanding considerable losses from dogs—a nuisance-which might easily be abated by combination amongst the-flock-owners. The.damage to sonic parties is so great, that, were the sums properly applied, this source of continual loss would almost entirely cease. The sheep-shearing will be late in consequence of the state of the weather.