THE PROPOSED PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1924, 6 July 1869, Page 2

THE PROPOSED PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE.

To the Editor of the Evening Star.

Sir, —Having now had an opportunity of perusing the Act. it appears to me (whether so intended or not) that not only.does the entire property of an “Incorporated Society,” or Institute, become the property ofthe New Zealand Institute, hut also, that both it and the general management and control of all societies so incorporated, become by the very . ct of incorporation vested in the “ Board of Governors.” And further, supposing the Otago Institute to be incorpo' ated in terms of the Act as it now stands; it would posssess but the meagrest possible means of being fairly represented in the Councils of the Board. I express this opinion with, much diffidence in the face of the conflicting opinions already put forth ; nor should I have done, but that I consider that - after all the question is at present at least of comparatively, little importance. For, whichever else may be doubtful, this is clear, viz. : that before any society can possibly be inpbrated, not only must its own constitution (drawn but in conformity with the “ Rules and Statutes”) beiadopted, by its owp members, but a distinctapplication for incorpora; tion must be made ; and this application must be accompanied by several statements, accounts, &c., &c., duly “certified” by the proper persons. Hencc.-»it occprs to me that the-only point about which there has been, or is likely to be any serious difference of opinion, may well for the present he allowed to remain in abeyance, and aa-tfcere seems so fir to be but one opinion as to the desirability of making a strenuous and united effort to establish a really efficient Institute for the Province, with the widest possible range of operation, anything really essential to this object can he proceeded with irrespec* tive of the question whether. or not it may be d sirable ultimately tp seek its;hicorporation with the New Zealand:-Institute. I have found the Act ’itself anore than ordinarily vague and uncertain.- With A view to assist ray own judgment in arriving at a conclusion as to its provisions, | have made a synopsis and interlined it with a few running comments of my own. The former may possibly he of interest to some of your readers; the latter will of course go for what they are worth. I forward it with this fqr publication if you think fit, Yours, &c., Charles Smith, July 6, 1809. _ [The synopsis was crowded out to-day, hut will be published as early as possible.— Ed. E. S.]