SIR GEORGE G-REY AND THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 2729, 8 September 1868, Page 3

SIR GEORGE G-REY AND THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

At the last meeting of tho New Zoaland Institute his Excellency Governor Sir George Bowen presented to Sir G-eorgo Grey the following address of farewell and Godspeed, from the Governors of the Institute, of which he was one, remarking that it was to Sir George Grey that the colony is indebted for tho foundation of this scientific institution : — " Wellington, New Zealand, September Ist, 1868. Sir, — We, the governors of the New Zealand Institute, which was founded last year under your auspices, for the promotion of science, literature and art in this country, and which has been established on a statutable basis for carrying out the objects in view in the formation of the New Zealand Society, originated and founded by yourself in 1851, avail ourselves with much satisfaction of the opportunity afforded by your presence here this evening, on the cvo of your departure for England, of acknowledging the obligations which the people of the colony owe to you for the cordial interest you liavo over taken in the promotion of science and art in New Zealand. We desire especially to recognize tho influence which you have exorcised in this respect, not only in your capacity as a governor of the colony, but also from the high position which you have earned amongst the learned societies of Europe, by your practical advancement of knowledge For amidst tho cares incident to your high political position, you have not only found loisuro to aid in tho formation of scientific institutions, but have given the practical example of your own labours, more especially in those directions, which have a special bearing on our knowledge of tho history and progress of the human race. On behalf of Now Zealand we as representatives of its scientific institutions, beg especially to thank you for the great work which you have achieved in collecting and preserving the early traditions and poetry of its aboriginal inhabitants, thereby securing tho permanence of valuable records for the future study of etheuologists. In bidding you a hearty farewell, it is our earnest hope and prayer that all honor, health and happiness may attend you. — Sir George Grey, K.C.J3." Sir G-. Grey replied in suitable terms, and stated that ho was not aware until just before tho meeting that such an address would be prcsentod to him; he felt very grateful for tho honors his Excellency and the governors of the Society had done him, and hoped that though about to leave New Zealand, he might still have it in his power to bo of some assistance in advaucing scientific pursuits in tho colony.