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New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 792, 16 November 1853, Page 2

Mechanics’ Institute.—On Monday evening a Lecture on “ Fejec and the Fejeeans” was delivered in the Hall of the Institute by the {lev. Thomas Williams, who has for many years resided as a missionary in the Fejee Qfoup. The information which he had thus acquired from personal observation was drawn upon in the courge of his Lecture to an extent and in a manner that created a strong feeling of regret that his immediate departure from Auckland renders it impossible for him to continue, in additional Lectures, a subject which is so interesting in itself, and on which he is evidently so rich in materials for popular instruction and amusement, and so competent to use his materials impressively and acceptably. After a brief notice of the natural features of k the Fejee Islands, and a rapid sketch of their history, Mr. Williams dwelt in such detail as the abundance of the topics claiming some attention, permitted, on the character, and the political, social, and domestic relations and usages of the Fejeeans. He judiciously (considering the occasion) refrained from enlarged descriptions of their cannibalismand other horrible crimes, —although incidental references gave only 100 painfully distinct glimpses of this dark and dreadful side of the pictui e. But he rather directed attention to those institutions, and mannersand customs which arc at once less distressing, and, we believe, less generally known ; and, in conclusion, gave a short amount of the success which has attended the efforts in progress for their Christian civilization. The Lecture occupied more than two hours, but it was heard to the end with lively attention, by an audience which, although larger than