H.—25.

4

Meteorology. The observations still continue to be taken and published as heretofore, the only new stations being the establishments at Cape Farewell and Cape Campbell Lighthouses. The biennial report and discussion of the whole meteorological data acquired in the Colony is in the press, and will contain, in addition, an abstract of a valuable analysis of the meteorology of New Zealand, by Dr. Harm, of Vienna. The re-organization of the Meteorological Staff is at present under consideration, with the view of establishing a few first-class stations where more complete observations than at present taken will be part of the regular routine, and of simplifying those taken at many of the present stations, but at the same time greatly increasing the number of such second-class stations. Time Obseevatoey. The transit observations are still conducted with regularity, the Observatory being under the immediate charge of the Venerable Archdeacon Stock, assisted by Mr. J. Kebbell. The mean New Zealand time is given to the Telegraph Department, and forwarded throughout the Colony, and the Observatory Clock also drops the "Wellington Time-ball at noon each day. James Hector, 20th September, 1873. Manager.

Enclosure A. Accounts of the New Zealand Institute, 1872-73. Receipts. Expenditure. £ b. d. £ b. d. Balance in hand, August 1872 195 13 5 Expense of Volume V. 509 16 8 Vote for 1872-73 500 0 0 Miscellaneous—Translating, Binding, &a. ... 25 3 6 Sale of Volumes of Transactions 21 0 0 Balance iv hand 181 13 3 £716 13 5 £716 13 5 29th July, 1873. Alfred Ludlam, Hon. Treasurer.

Enclosure B. Addeess to His Excellency Sir George Bowen, G.C.M.G. We, the Governors of the New Zealand Institute, feel it to be our duty as well as pleasure, on the eve of your Excellency's departure from New Zealand, to convey to your Excellency our sincere acknowledgment of the interest which you have at all times taken in the advancement of scientific pursuits in the Colony. Especially we conceive it due to your Excellency to record the fact that your connection with the Institute has not been confined merely to the support and countenance afforded by your Excellency's high official position, but that, in your capacity as its President, your Excellency not only contributed valuable addresses, which appear in its Transactions, but has at all times taken an active and zealous share in the direction and management of its affairs, and in the promotion of its successful career. We feel justified in assuring your Excellency that the assistance which you have thus rendered will always be remembered with gratitude, not merely by those who feel a personal interest in scientific researches, but also by the colonists generally.

Enclosure C. Beplt from His Excellency Sir George E. Bowen to the Address presented to him by the Governors of the Institute. Gentlemen, — I am very much gratified by the farewell address presented to me by you, and by the mark of distinction which you have conferred upon me in electing mc to be an honorary member of the New Zealand Institute. Any services which I may have been able to render are thus abundantly rewarded, and they were indeed a labour of love, for it is only simple justice to ascribe to me the most active and enduring interest in the welfare of the association of which I have had the honor of being the first President. Among the many agreeable recollections of this country which I shall always cherish, not the least satisfactory will be the memory of my connection with the Institute, and with the gentlemen who have formed with me its governing Board. The chief aim of the Colonial Parliament in founding and endowing the Institute was not so much to make provision for the study and cultivation of art, science, and literature in general, but rather to supply guidance and aid for the people of New Zealand in the practical work of colonization. The yearly volumes of the Transactions and Proceedings show that this primary and essential object has been kept in constant view. Best assured, gentlemen,'that I shall always remember you with respect and gratitude, and that I shall continue, although absent, to watch with lively interest the progress of the New Zealand Institute. By Authority: George Didsbfbt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB74. Price 3d.]