Old New Zealand.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3537, 22 June 1905, Page 2

Old New Zealand.

LECTURE BY MR. J. T. NOTT,

“ New Zealand is an old country; it is older than Europe, Asia, Africa, or America.” was not the least startling of Mr. J. T. Nott’s utterances in his able address on the subject of “Old New Zealand ” delivered in the Masonic Hdl last night before a moderately sizad audience, Mr. Nott prefaced his remarks by stating that he intended to deal with New Zealand as it was in prehistoric times —before the advent of the Maori and the Morirori—and thus literally take “ a peep into the untrodden past.” The lecturer, after defining the different kinds of islands according to the form ation of their strata, proceeded to show the relation of New Zealand in this respect, and from that gave some very interesting sketches of fish and bird life in the colony, during the course of which he touched upon the theory of evolution which is “ the working hypothesis ot science at the present .time ” Descriptions of the katipo spider, a rare marine spider even more deadly than 'he katipo, a spider wasp, and a peculiar species of fish with an unpronounceable name, were illustrated b* diagrams in a very clear and concise manner, Mr. Nott taking care to abstain from the use of technical terms. The tuatara was also described, the speaker saying that this lizard was one of the oldest known species of animal life in the colony, and was probably in existence at a time when dragons were not the fabulous monsters they are now reputed to be. Mr. Nott was heard to advantege in his treatment ot New Zealand birds, and his remarks concerning them betokened a close acquaintance with their peculiarities and habits of living. In addition to the diagrams, Mr. Nott used a large map in illustration of the subject. The lecturer was followed throughout with great attention by the audience, who testified their appreciation by hearty epplause at the finish. Mr. W. Stewart, President of the Debating Society, under whose auspices the lecture was held,- occupied the chair. At the conclusion of the address, Rev. Wilson moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Nott, which was soconded by Mr. A. D. Spiers, aud carried by acclamation. The members of the Society and the lecturer were subsequently entertained by Mrs. Stewart in conjunction with Mrs. Jenks and Mrs. Barnard at Mr. Stewarts’ residence.