MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE AND ATHENÆUM.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 131, 17 July 1863, Page 3

MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE AND ATHENÆUM.

Monday evening last was devoted to the opening of the Napier Institution. At eight o’clock the Masonic Hall was filled to overflowing. The proceedings commenced by a speech from His Honor the Superintendent, the substance of which was the importance of education and the steady pursuit of knowledge. He showed that institutions such as that at which he had the honor to preside had a great tendency in their effect to bring about or assist in developing the higher faculties of men. His Honor quoted at some length from divers learned writers in support of what he had advanced on this all-import-ant subject, and concluded by paying a tribute of respect to the memory of his late Boyal Highness Prince Albert.—(Applause.) Mr. Worgan then performed on the pianoforte “ Andante,” from Hadyu’s Second Grand Symphony. The Bishop said that His Honor the Superintendent had pointed out the main objects of an institution such as this —in the providing an opportunity for friendly intercourse and for reading the books of the day. Institutions of this kind were based upon the principle of association, which supplemented the wants of individuals. He illustrated this by reference to leagues, and trades’ unions, and teetotal societies. The object of these Mechanics’ Institutes and Athenaeums was self-education; and he quoted Lord Palmerston’s words that education was the work of a man’s life, and did not finish with one's school days. He further examined the question whether knowledge was power, and tested it by reference to nations and individuals ; and after showing that schools and mechanics’ institutes had changed the character of the manufacturing classes of England, the reverend speaker paid a tribute of respect to the starving operatives of Lancashire, and ended with saying that every man that best understood his own business and duty is the most influential in his own sphere, and he quoted the words of Lord Nelson—“ If you want to be a good officer, you must first be a good seaman.”—(Loud applause.) Dr. Hitchings then gave Callcott’s heroic song “ Friend of the brave,” from Campbell’s ■“ Pleasures of Hope.” After which, Mr. Worgan played an extemporary introduction, “ The Flower of the Valley” waltzes, and concluded with Weber’s valse from Freychutz. His Honor the Superintendent then entered into a statement of the affairs of the Institution, which were satisfactory, and the proceedings ended with the National Anthem.