CANTERBURY- LITERARY INSTITUTE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 152, 1 July 1869, Page 2

CANTERBURY- LITERARY INSTITUTE.

In the matter of Literary lostitutes, most of the Provinces of New Zealand, appear to ba taking the lead of Nelson, and we find from the Lyltelton Times that a most successful conversazione has lately been held in connection with the Christchurch Museum and Institute, on which occasion all the rooms were thrown open, and each of them was replete with objects of iuterest and information. The lecture-room, being the largest, contained the greatest number of exhibits. Its walls were covered with engravings, oil paintings, photographs, &c, whilst the tables were teeming with curiosities of almost every description — coins of long past ceuturies, specimens of mineralogy, ornaments of various kinds, manufactures from New Zealand woods, Fijian clubs and spears, cases of birds, shells, coral, and a variety of other objects tod numerous to particularise. A collection of Chinese articles*, an ancient edition of the New Testament in that language, and some M.S. of John Wesley, attracted considerable notice. In the library, there was a splendid collection of instruments used in every department of surgery. These-were contributed by various gentlemen of the medical profession, and drew a large share of attention. A. large collection of prints, affording an insight to the costume, character, and modes of life which characterise ' the Indians of North America, was also exhibited in this room. In the adjoining one, a battery was provided for such of the visitors as desired to be "shocked," and miniature engines, a locomotive, and the telegraphic apparatus, were displayed on the adjoining table. A powerful stereoscope was placed at the disposal of visitors, and by its means some' capital views were afforded of numerous places of note in Italy. The larger room of the two upstairs was set aside as a refresh- ; men t room; Upon the whole, the arrangements were carried out as well as it was possible they" could be, ' considering the space at disposal, and the visitors appeared to be highly pleased with everything \that :was provided for the occasion; The'dobr3 ■ were opened at half-past six o'clpcky, and the Institute was soon crowtfeci./.vAfter an hour and a half's promenMe,;. if such ikcanbe^tera menced with one of. Haydn's ; symphonies, beautifully performed,- and? of '^cowse^^p-? plauded.;: ■•.'■£■ «;'? '■?■■ -■ ■^r^i^Svr^K^V*?"''■l . Thev: meeting ; : w^sV then;:addre^e3;?v by ; ; several ': :^r6gramme/;:cpm pj^edl;cjj|i'r^dihgs|^and^ >'; vocaLian'd;'. instru^tf^^