Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/18

4 they were still fresh in the memory. (See Proceedings of Wellington Philosophical Society, and Transactions.)

In reply to Mr. Travers, asking for some particulars of the great tidal wave at Japan in 1854, Dr. Hector gave an account of that terrible catastrophe.

The Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, F.G.S., read some quaint extracts from "Holinshed's Chronicles," Vol. II., published in 1577, describing earthquakes that had occurred in England between the years 1077 and 1575; and stated that we were too much given to look upon the colony as peculiarly an earthquake country, but by dipping into such records as the above, we find frequent reference to the occurrence of earthquakes and sea waves like those just discussed as having taken place even in England. He concluded by pointing-out that, notwithstanding the advance of science in the colony, he believed we were not in a position to hand down to posterity any clearer or more exact account of such phenomena than Holinshed had recorded, and urged that steps should be taken, by the use of proper instruments, to supply this want.

His Excellency the Governor then presented to Sir George Grey the following valedictory address from the Governors of the Institute, remarking that it was to Sir George Grey that the colony is indebted for the foundation of nearly all its scientific institutions.

"Wellington, New Zealand, 1st September, 1868.

", K.C.B.,

",—"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 on 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 eve of your departure for England, of acknowledging the obligations which the people of the colony owe to you for the cordial interest you have ever taken in the promotion of Science and Art in New Zealand. We desire especially to recognize the influence which you have exercised 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 the cares incident to your high political position, you have not only found leisure to aid in the 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 the history and progress of the human race. On behalf of New Zealand