NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3303, 26 September 1871, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.

ANNIVERSARY ADDBESS. Delivered on 23rd September, by His Excellency the Governor, Sir G. JF. JBowex, G.C.M.G., Peesident. Gentlemen, — Ifc is with great pleasure that I now proceed to open, with the usual anniversary address, the session for 1871 of the JNew Zealand Institute. Thiß is the fourth occasion on whicii we have assembled for fche purpose of reviewing the progress achieved by literature and science in this country, and especially fche efforts made by our own association for their advancement. From the report recently laid before the Legislature, ifc will bo seen that there is ample ground for congratulation in tho continued success of the scheme under which we are organised. During the last twelve months our numbers have been increased by the accession of above two hundred new members ; while the society recently formed afc Nelson "for fcho promotion of science and industry" has been affiliated. The connection of all the chief provincee and cities of the colony with this central body has thus been completed. For is ifc less gratifying to observe fchafc our transactions have been very favorably roi viewed by many high authorities, both in r JEngland and on the continent of Europe, and — __fchafc strong opinions have been expressed to tho effect that a similar institute for the systematic organisation of tho various literary and scientific societies is urgently required in the mother country. The progress and popularity of the New Zealand Institute may be regarded as a not unimportant evidence of fche condition of intellectual studies and tastes in this community. And here I mny be permitted to allude to what seems the prominent characteristic of public opinion at fche present day; I mean fche activo interest that has been awakened in everything which tends to fche diffusion of sound education, and to the better qualification of tho youth of the colony for fulfilling fcheir duty and privileges of self government. The measures adopted last year by the Parliament for the foundation of a Colonial University, and the actual establishment in the vigorous province of Otago (in this as in other respects a true offshoot of Scotland)* of a University which is already in operation, are striking proofs of the general desire for education of the highest class. At the same timo, the bill introduced by the Government, and now under the earnest consideration of the legislature, shows that primary aud secondary education will also bo zealously fostered by the Stato. Tho recent arrival of several accomplished and learned professors to occupy the chairs of the Otago University is an epoch in the history of Now Zealand which may probably hereafter be more prominent in the annals of this country, and may exercise moro enduring influence than many events to wliich greater presenfc importance has been attached. The proposed system of affiliated colleges on the basis of local examinations, is in accordance with tho direction in whicii the English Universities are now tending. Like fche constitution of our own society, this appears to be tho Bystem best adapted to the geographical position of New Zeuland. For, while ib does nofc preclude the mosfc successful college in whatsoever province from proving and maintaining its pro eminence, ifc encourages rather than limits that emulation by which alone a high state of efficiency in educational establishments can be secured. In connection with this subject, I wish to mako ono remark — of course, iv my capacity, nofc of Governor of fche colony, but of President of the Institute. Ifc is this :— ln common wifch the joinfc committee of both Houses of tho legislature, and of mosfc of those who have given full attention to the point, I think ifc very desirable that some well-considered and equitable arrangement should be made whereby the two existing University Councils may be amalgamated — by which our available resources may he economised, and there moy be thus erected, on the foundations already so carefully laid, one greafc and truly national University of Ne w Zealand. Turning fco fche question of teebnical aud ■scientific education, to which I drew attention in my address of lasfc year, I have much pleasure in announcing fchafc fche scheme for establishing a course of practical instruction in connection with the Colonial Museum has been already so far carried into effect that the laboratory has been adapted for the reception of a certain number of students. Ifc would bo improper, on this occasion, to omit mention of che Museum which has been opened during the past year afc Christohurch. That institution is an eminent proof of the recognition which the claims of science receive in the Province of Canterbury, and of the admirable manner iv which the liberal support granted by the Provincial Government has been applied. I will now proceed to refer briefly to the annual volume in which the proceedings of fche several affiliated societies are published. Our third volume, that; for 1870, fully keeps up the diameter of its predecessors ; and hu9 been received with greater interest from the fact that the large amount of carefully selected matter which ifc contains ia more aaiply illustrated by drawings and figures than either of the volumes previously issued. The name of Mr Walter Buller, eminent among tboße of the contributors to the Zoology of New Zealand, appears afc the hoad of several excellent papers — all interesting and valuably as might be expected from bo accomplished an observer in this branch of science, and especially in his own favorito department of ornithology. I would recommend particular attention fco Mr Buller's description of the huia (heteralocha gouldi), that rare and beautiful bird held sacred by the Maoris, which can be known in its native state to few colonists, but of which very porfecfc specimens are preserved in the Colonial Museum. Worthy also of especial notice and careful study is fche conclusion of Mr Potts's elaborate essay on fcho birds of New Zeuland, the commencement of which appeared in the volume of our Transactions for 1869. There are other contributors to zoology in the volume now beforo us, whoee distinguished names would alone vouch for tho value of their remarks. Foremost among these is the name of Dr F. tL Knox, who remains devoted to the natural history of the Cefcacoa, and who has furnished some important papers on this and on other subjects. Moreover, it is gratifying to find among the contributors to this section of our Transactions, Dr J. E. Gray, of tlie British Museum. This gentleman, so eminent in the scientific societies of Europe, has supplied a description of a new species of whale discovered in the seas around New Zealand- It may bere be mentioned that during my visit in last February, in H.M.S. Clio, to Milford Sound, I was myself bo fortunate as to ehoot fchree seals, which appear to belong to a species that haß hifcherto escaped accurate notice. Among those fco whom this colony is most indebted for freah investigations of its botany, Mr Kirk occupies a high place as a writer on thia engaging and practically useful branch of study. Ifc will be seen fchafc nearly all liis papers are confined to tho Province of Auckland ; and it is to be regretted that we do not receive from other parts of the colony more frequent communications on the same subject. Mr Kirk's botanical researches have led him to the conclusion thafc while many native trees and plants are much more rare than formerly, and aro confined to Bmaller areas, none have become extinct. In connection with this portion of my address, I should draw attention to the exhibition now open in the Colonial Museum of numerous and well-arranged specimens of the Now Zealand flax (Phormium tenax). As I havo remarked in previous addresses, it * " In almost all the periods of tho history of Scotland, whatever documents deal with fche Bocial condition of the country reveal a machinery for education always abundant." — Burton's History of Scotland, chap. 39.

cannofc bo too often repeated that tho main object of Parliament in founding and endowing the Institute and Museum was to furnish practical assistance in the development a»d utilisation of tha rich natural resources of theso islands. Now, this flax exhibition is an excellent illustration of the value of the method of conveying instruction through f -he eye, by means of classified specimens; and this kind of education is one of our fundamental and necessary functions. Tho presenfc collection will form a good basis for futuro reference ; and it is to be hoped that ifc may provo fcho means of rendering permanent an industry, the importance of which_ to New Zealand can hardly bo exaggerated, if only a satisfactory solution of tho diffieuties involved in the process of manufacture wero discovered. The experience in this respect already acquired hus been Bomewhafc dearly purchased ; but even a cursory inspection of the exhibition is_ sufficient to show that much progress has been made, and fchafc a largo amount of accurate information respecting this entire subject has been collected. All will admire the varied and beautiful specimens of the mauner in which the Maoris have adapted this indigenous fibre to almost every purpose of domestic economy. Several of the articles of nativo manufacture show at once thought in contrivance, taste in design, and skill in execution. There is a very important and practical application of science, regarding which I must here say a few words. I refer to the formation of botanic gardens and nurseries for the rearing of useful and ornamental trees and shrubs. Planting is now generally recognised as an essential step towards the futuro prosperity of every new country. The character of the climate, the comfort of life, and the beauty of fche scenery, all depend, in no slight degree, on this work. Satisfactory progress has already been achieved ir. this rospcefc throughoufc these islands. During the past year I have derived great satisfaction from witnessing the efforts made at all the principal centres of population. Each province has its own peculiar advantages ; bufc on this occasion I wish to allude especially to thafc garden which forms an essential adjunct to our Institute. It is now a little more than a year since tho Botanic Eeserve was placed under the management of the Board of Governors, and there is good reason to bo satisfied wifch fcbe advance already secured. Nofc only has the luxury of a pleasant recreation ground been conferred on the inhabitants of Wellington, and on the numerous visitors who reside here during tbe sessions of the Colonial Parliament, but a fiold haß also been provided for interesting experiments in practical botany. The preservation of the beautiful patches of native forest, which still survive in the ravines, and fche affixing the names of the various trees and slirubs, has created, at a small expanse, a Botanical Garden of tho most useful kind. Visitors are thus enabled to render themselves fumilur with tho indigenous vegetation of this country, with its scientific classification, and with the beauty and value of the flora of this and other lands. In tho department of chemistry, nearly all the papers are by Mr Skey, the analyst to fche Geological Survey of New Zealand ; and fche Institute is fortunate in possessing among its members a gentleman so well qualified to handle this branch of science. Wo musfc all deplore tho loss by drowning, while in the zealous discharge of his duty, of another officer of tho Government Survey — Mr E. H. Davis — fco whom our Transactions owo several instructive geological papers. On fche above, and on a variety of miscellaneous subjects, we have a number of interesting contributions by Dr Hector, Dr Haasfc, Mr Travers, Captain Hutton, and others of our leading associates. The last, bufc by no means fcho least important, paper in tho third volume of our Transactions is the opportune lecture by Mr Justico Chapman, on the " Political Economy of Eailways ;" which will excite tho more interest from the fact thafc the colony is now aboufc to undertake extensive public works, such as those of which fche learned Judge has so ably treated. On tlie whole, ib may bo safely affirmed thafc fche Institute has no reason to be dissatisfied wifch the amount of work which it has accomplished during the firsfc three years of its existence ; and, if we look to tho large acees- ! Bion fco its numbers during fcho past year, and to fche interest whicii ifcs labors have excited, alike in fchis and in the neighboring colonies and in the mother country, we may confidently regard fche progress already made as only fche gsrm and infant promise of a far greater development and success in the futuro. After this brief and imperfect sketch of the recent transactions and present position of the Institute, I will proceed — so far as time will allow, and in accordance with a request addressed to me- -to give a short account of my official visits during fcho pasfc year fco fcwo of the moat remarkable regions to bo found in this, or in any other country of the world. I allude, in the firsfc place, to the greafc volcanic zone in the Norfch Island, stretching for nearly 150 miles from fche ever-steaming crater of Whakari (or White Island), in the Bay of Plenty, to Lake Taupo and tho burning mountain of Tongariro. Hero the traveller admires, under an Italian sky and in an Italian climate, a long succession of panoramos of hot lakes and boiling springs, far surpassing in variety, beaufcy, and curiosity, fche famed geysers of Iceland. In the second place, I refer to Milford Sound and to those other grand und wondrous inlets of the south-west coast of tho Middle Island, which, rarely visited by civilised man, and shrouded in almost constant mist and storm, combino tho snowy peaks and glaciers ot Switzerland with the gloomy forests, deep seas, and winding channels of the fiords of Norway. My visit to the hot lakes was made in oompany with the Duke of Edinburgh and several officors of H.M.S. Galatea. Leaving Auckland by sea, on the 12th of lasfc December, wo landed on fche following morning afc Tauranga, where the " son of Queen " (to fcamaifci o fee Kuini), as His Eoyal Highness is styled by the Maoris, was enthusiastically welcomed by seven hundred chiefs and clansmen of tho tribes of the Arawas and of the Ngniterangis. Ifc will be remembered fchat the lasfc named clan fought bravely against fche British troops at the Gute Pa, * and elsewhere in 1864 ; but thoy soon afterwards mado peace with fcho Government, and now afc the korero held to greet fche Duke of Edinburgh they vied wifch our faithful friends fche Arawas in expressions of loyalty lo the Queen, and of good will to the English settlers. At tho conclusion of his speech, Enoka te IVbamaka, a chief foremost among our enemies during the late war, said, " It is true that I fought againsfc tho Queen at fche Gate Pa ; bufc I have repented of this evil, and am now living under tho shadow of her laws. As for this Tawhiao, who styles himself tho ' King of fche Maoris,' let him bo brought hither as a footstool for fcho son of our Queen, whom wo welcome among us this day." From Tauranga we proceeded to Maketu, the principle kainga, or settlement, of the Arawas, and celebrated in their traditions as tho spot where their forefathers, some twenty generations back, first landed in New Zealand. No Europeans have as yot settled in the inland districts of this portion of tho North Island ; but fcho " Queen'a Son " was as safe among tlie Arawas in their own country, as ho would be among fche Gordons in Aberdeenshire. We were, however, attended by a guard of honor, conshting of an escorb of fcho clansmen in arms for fcho Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh and his officers wero much interested by fcho many striking scones and incidents of life in a Maori camp, especially by the war- songs chanted by the Arawas around the wafcehfires which they kindled each nighfc in front of our tents. On the other hand, the native warriors were delighted by His Eoyal Highness'B power of enduring fatigue ; by his good horsemanship and Bwimming ; by tho skill and vigor with which ho paddled his * This pa was threo milos from Tauranga, and was so named because it commanded the approach to the inland districts, at a point whero the road passes along a narrow tract of firm ground between two extensive swamps.

canoe across their lakes ; and, above all, perhaps, by his constantly wearing tho kilt, which is tlie fiirorifco garb of the Maori as well as of the Scotch Highlanders. On the llth Decembor we rode a distance of fifty miles, from Mukotu to Ohinemutu, tho principal inland settlement of the Arawas. It is situated afc the north- western extremity of the beautiful lako of Eotorua, with in front the lofty islet of Mokoia, famous for the legend of Hniemoa, tho Hero, and of her lover, the Leander of tho Maoris. Tho road from Maketu to Ohinemutu, winding along the shores of Eotoiti and Eotorua, presents a succession of lovely prospects. It was spontaneously commenced by tho Arawas, tho chiefs and clansmen laboring togethor, forthe U3O of fcho Duke of Edinburgh when his visit was first expected in 1868. Ohinemutu still exhibits most of the features and scenes of a Maori pa and kainga of the olden time. The dwellings of the chiefs are surrounded with stockades, whilo many of them are adorned with grotesque woodcarvings, and aro curious specimens of native architecture. The boiling springs— sure signs of the volcanic fires smouldering below — seethe, bubble, and steam on ovory side; among the houses, where they form excellent natural cooking places; and in the tepid waters of tho neighboring lake, in whicii the natives swim, each morning and evening, as in a vast natural bath. On Sunday, the 18th December, a missionary clergyman, the Eev S. Spencer, who had accompanied our party from Maketu, read the service of the Cliurch of England in tho open air on tho shore of Lako Rotorua. Ifc was a calm, clear, and sunny day, and the scene was highly picturesque and suggestive, with tho littio knot of Englishmen surrounding tho " son of tho Qneen," and the large congregation of Maoris repeating the responses and chanting tho hymns in their own sonorous language, amid somo of the finest prospects of lako and mountain, und near come of the most wonderful natural phenomena in the world : in the very heart, moreover, of the native districts of JNew Zealnnd and of tlie country most renowned in Maori song and legend, and on a spot where, in the memory of men still living, human victims were sacrificed and cannibal fcaßts wero held. JFrom Ohinemutu we visited tho neighboring geysers and solfatars of Whakarewarewa, which at intervals throw high into the air columns of wuter, with whirling clouds of steam aiid showers of pumice stono. Thence wo rode over the hills, skirting the deep blue lakes of Tikitapu and Eotokukaki— both embosomed in overhanging forests and craggy cliffs, — to Tarawera, which surpasses in wild grandeur of scenery all its rival lakeß. On tho following morning we crossed Lake Tarawera in native canoes, and encamped for the nighfc by the side of one of tho famous torrace-fountains* of Lako Eotomahana, — the most striking marvels in this region of wonders, and of which no verbal description can couvey uny adequuto idea. They have been likened to cascades of bright and sparkling water, gently falling from blue basins of turquoise over a succession of natural shelves, and suddenly turned, as they fall, into terraces of white marble.f streaked with soft lines of pink. Many rare and delicate ferns, and othor plants usually found only in the Tropics, climb in green clusters from the snow-white margin of the fountains, and flourish in luxuriant growth in the warm and dank air. From Eotomahana we rode back in two days to Maketu, nnd thence returned by sea to Auckland. Thus it will be seen that the chief points in tho district of tho hot lakes are even now being visited by active horsemen in an excursion of a week or ten days. The natives alone have hitherto mado pructical use, for the cure of various diseases, of tho healing properties of theso waters. But when, through the progress of colonisation, theso springs, truly describod by Hochstetter as tho " grandest in fcho world," shall havo become more accessible, it cannot he doubted that, as multitudes of summer tourists from the cities of fche old world now resort to the warm baths of Germany, and to tho mountains of Switzerland, so thousands will hereafter flock from Australia, and from all parts of the Southern Hemisphere, to those regions of JNew Zealand where JNature displays many of her most remarkable beauties and wonders in the most genial und healthy of climates. I shall not trespass on your time and patience by dwelling at greater length on this parfc of my subject. The Lake district of fche North Island has been fully describod in the well-known and elaborate work of Dr Hochstetter, and by other writers more competent than myself. Let it suffice on tho presenfc occasion to Bay that all the authorities agree thafc tho solfaturus, geysers, and fumaroles alike owe their origin to water sinking through natural fissures into the caverns of the oarth, where it becomcß heated by ever-burning volcanic fires. High-pressure sfceam is thus generated, which, accompanied by volcanic gases, forces itß way up towards tho cooler surface, ana is there condensed into hot water, lt has been furfcher remarked that even the legends of the Maoris correctly ascribe the origin of the hofc lakes and springs to the com • binod agoncy of fire and water, in connection witi fche still active craters of Whakari and of Tongariro. Tho traditions of tho Arawas relate that among the chiefs who led tlieir ancestors from Hawaiki to New Zealand was Ngatiroirangi, whose name being interpreted signifies " the messenger of Heaven," He landed at Maketu, whence ho set forth with his slave Ngauruhoe to explore tho now found land. As they journeyed onward they at length behold, towards the south, the lofty snow- clad mountain of Tongariro (literally, " towards fcho south"). Climbing to the highest peak fco gain a wider view of the surrounding country, they wore benumbed with the cold, when the chief shouted to his sisters, who had remained upon Whukari, to send him fire. The sisters heard his call, and sent him fcho sacred fire brought from Hawaiki. Ifc was borne in the hands of two taniwhas, or waterspirits, dwelling in tho cavernß of tho earth and ocean, from Whakari, through a subterranean passage, to the top of Tongariro. The fire arrived jusfc in time to save the lifo of the chief, bufc tho slave was already dead ; and so fche crater of Tongariro is called to this day by the name of Ngauruhoe ; and fche sacred fire still blazes throughout the underground zone through which it was carried by fche taniwhwas. Ifc burns under tho lakes of Eotoiti, Eotorua, Eotomahana — under the thousand hofc springs which burst forth between Whakari and Tongariro. Dr Hochstefcter (New Zealand, chapter 18) remarks that " this legend affords a remarkable instance of the accurate observations of tho natives, who have thus indicated fche true line of the chief volcanio action in the Nortli Island." [We are compelled to hold over, until our next issue, fche remaining portion of His Excellency's address.]