HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 32, 18 November 1842, Page 2

HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE.

November 7.. ('Omitted in our last for want of room.) In presenting the first half yearly Report o the Port Nicholson Mechanics’ Institute, Public School, and Library, to its subscribers and supporters, the Committee would enter fully into an explanation of the plans they have adopted, and of those measures they yet hope to carry out. The Institute. —To render this part of the affair, entrusted to your Committee, beneficial, they presented the public, at the outset, with

four lectures of un individual and appropriate character. Mr. J. Woodward, in the first, second, and third, entered into the general subject, of education, the instruction of children, illustrated by example and comparison of the various popular methods; and adult education, or a summing up of the various plans for selfculture which have or avp receiving attention in Europe. As a finale to these interesting lectures, Dr. Hansard volunteered one on the application of self-culture to the study of sciences. G. White, Esq., J.P., has delivered a course of seven lectures on Political Economy, in especial reference to the circumstances of New Zealand. Dr. Knox two on Popular Physiology. W. B. D. Mantell, Esq., one on Geology; and W. Lyon, Esq., another on the same science. In all the lectures, your Committee have constantly kept in view, the class .of persons to, whom they were to he addressed —the labouring portion of the community. Always seeking their elevation, your Committee have endeavoured to instil right principles, and to lead their minds to observation and study; for in the cultivation of the intellect, are ypur Committee persuaded, true greatness and superiority lies. For many weeks past no lectures have been delivered owing to the badness of the weather, and the occupation of the public mind by the late municipal election; which being now over, the advancement of summer, will enable your Committee to re-commence 1 their labours with fresh energy.

Your Committee have also sanctioned evening classes for the study of Geology, for mutual instruction, and for discussion. To a mind accustomed to observation, the fields for examination and research which, this country presents; to the theoretical and practical Geologist, will form a sufficient argument for the necessity and utility of such a class. Mutual instruction every one stands in need of, and your Committee trust that this class' will immediately become numerously attended. - The importance of the Discussion Class cannot be too much overrated. Wherever liberty of thought and speech is desired, similar classes deserve uni-

versal support; and, as here we occasionally find it necessary to meet for the consideration of matters most materially touching our interests, the importance of regularity in debate, and a fearless expression l of opinion, is such as to render: a class, having for its object such great ends, worthy of yo(ur constant support. School. —Viewing knowledge as power and essential to lasting prosperity, your Committee have devoted every energy to the education of the youth of this settlement. They have offered’ instruction of the most useful character at a price unheard-of at home, much more in a new colony. Youth of both sexes are admitted to receive instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and geography, for sixpence; and in Latin and the Physical sciences, additional, for ninepence per week. There are at present in the school 41 boys and 12 girls at 6d., and 10 boys and 5 girls at 9d. per week. Your Committee are happy to state, that no complaints from parents regarding the progress made by their children have come to its knowledge; on the contrary, every one seems to approve and speak highly of the acquirements the children are obtaining. The Library. —Your Committee regret that the limited funds placed at their disposal prevent them from making this department of their charge so extensive and valuable as they could wish. The following extract from the report of the sub-committee appointed for managing the library, shows its character : “ The library presented to the Mechanics Institute by the members of the late Public Library, contains about 160 vols. on History, Science, Biography, and general Literature, among which . are a very handsome edition of “ Clarendon’s Rebellion “ The Transactions of the Society of Arts,” in 67 vols.; “ The Encyclopaedia Metropolitan,” about 70 vols., on Medicine, Chemistry, &c., including some valuable plates; a small number of public books, and numerous pamphlets, relating prin- ; cipally to the colonies; and a few maps and charts. The Committee have the pleasure to announce the following donations : “ Lowes Agriculture,” and “ The Farmer’s land Grazier’s Practical Assistant,” presented by Mr. Mayres. “ Phillips’ Geology,” complete, and several Mathematical books, by Mr. Brandon. A packet, chiefly school books, by Mr. E. J. Wakefield. The works of Harriet Martineau on Political Economy, Nos. 6 to 25, and several of her other works, by Mr. Martineau. Upwards of 24 vols., and various periodical works, by Mr. Lyon. A parcel of pamphlets from Dr. Hodgkin, of London. ‘ * The Encyclopaedia Britanriica,” by ; Mr. Bu- ! chanan.

“ Rees Cyclopedia,” complete in 45 vols. “ Cook’s Voyages,” in 5 vols., and “ Hawks worth’s Voyages,” in 2 vote., by Col. W. Wakefield. The Committee have also to acknowledge the receipt of 35 volumes, consigned to the care bf Dr. Evans, being a donation from Archbishop Whately of Dublin, for the first Public Library, and forwarded by him to this institution, containing Whateley’s Works, &c. Lately Messrs. Wade, and E. J. Wakefield have contributed several volumes, and a few more donations have been promised.

Museum. —No additions have been made to this department, but much injury has accrued to the collection from the want of proper accommodations. Your Committee deeply regret that they have no power, from want of funds, to remedy effectually this evil. Mr. Swainson intends shortly to remove the whole of his valuable museum from Hokianga to this place, which will be deposited in the institutute, provided a fit place is prepared for its reception. Finance .-r-The receipts for the last six months have been 124/. 125., and the disbursements 115/. 4s. 6d. The liabilities of the institution are 561. 7s. 9d., and the assets 91. 7s. 6d., leaving 45/. 3d. to be provided for beyond the current expenses of the institution. Of the original debt of 50/., being the liabilities of the late museum and exchange, 20/. has been paid, leaving a balance still due to them of 30/. The donations amount to The number of subscribers who paid the entrance fee is 142, out of which 29 only have paid the quarterly subscription. A second quarter has become due, and a third commenced. Your Committee have appointed a collector,. and trust that he will be more successful than the previous one.

Your Committee prepared a memorial to His Excellency the Governor, requesting that the sum of 40/., set apart for eduction in this settlement, might be given to this institution, and also for a suitable site for a building. This memorial Colonel W. Wakefield has undertaken to present, and your Committee entertain the most lively hopes of its success. A memorial to the New Zealand Company requesting their aid, will also be prepared and * forwarded home by the Clydeside. In conclusion, your Committee would appeal to the members arid the public for more cordial cooperation, for increased funds, for additions to its library, and for more numerous attendances . at its lectures, which they hope again to commence instantly.