Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/496

462 was reconstituted in November last, and is intended to co-operate and work harmoniously with this Institute and similar societies to be establisbed in the colony. Let us hope that its future career may be more prosperous than its past, and that we may run a friendly race with it and other similar institutions that may enter on the same course, in our endeavours to render the most important services to the cause we have undertaken to promote.

But, on the other hand, we may well take courage when we look back to the beginning of the most eminent and flourishing institutions of the present day. With hardly an exception, I believe, it may be affirmed that the beginnings have been small—of some, small even in comparison with our own. The splendid results have, it is said, been achieved, "not by the favour of the many, but by the wisdom and energy of the few." The Royal Society of England owes its origin to a small club, and its title to an accidental circumstance. The first meetings in London were held in a tavern, subsequently at a private house, and afterwards in the parlour of Grresham College. It received its name soon after the Restoration, when everybody went mad with loyalty—a name not appropriate to its objects, but complimentary to His Majesty King Charles II. The French Academy was equally humble in its origin. A few literate residents in Paris arranged to meet once a week for the friendly interchange of ideas. For many years the Academy continued to be but an insignificant private society: it shines forth now as one of the most illustrious institutions of the age. But notwithstanding these encouraging examples, I am impressed rather with wavering hope than with belief. I cannot forget that though the beginnings of the splendid institutions to which I have referred were indeed but small, yet the assistance of men of genius, capable of giving life, strength, and repute to the early efforts of the founders, was earnestly given. Where are we to look for such men in the youthful colony of New Zealand?

That this colony will grow rapidly in wealth and strength, and will eventually become a great nation, I do most firmly believe—it possesses all the elements for such a destiny. That the New Zealand Institute, with its incorporated societies, may keep pace, and in future ages become to New Zealand what the Royal Society is to England and the French Academy is to France, is the very utmost that we can ever hope for; and if such should ever be, the most sanguine expectations that may now be reasonably entertained would be fully realized. Many, very many generations must pass away before this can come to pass; but it may, and let us trust that it will.

For the present our duty is plain: we have ventured to lay foundations, let us add so much of the superstructure as may be within our power. It