ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 312, 26 July 1848, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

Wellington, July 21, 1848. glR>g 1R> —The public spirit of Wellington may be compared to a bottle of soda-water, for when its equilibrium is once disturbed, it issues forth with great splash and splutter, and for a moment—while the effervescence lasts— thepublic* is boiling over with an enthusiastic desire of going ahead ; nothing appears too great to be accomplished, and grand schemes are devised. Under such circumstances it is no wonder that such schemes (ill considered as they should be of short duration. The thing being set a going, the tumult suddenly subsides, and the bubble — being deprived of the only ingredient which kept it together— bursts. Such was the origin of the Port Nicholson Mechanics' Institute in 1842. Who does not remember the splutter that was made on that occasion, trie grant of land, the procession, the prayer, &c. ? These matters might as well be buried in oblivion, if it were not that the lesson which they afford may perhaps be turned to profitable account, now that the scheme is revived on a more reasonable basis. On the former occasion the Institute certainly got a foundation, we will hope that before long the foundatii n may get an Institute. The rooms recently engaged by some of the former committee, were opened on Monday evening last, for the admission of members. Several persons attended, and entered their names on the books, when a discussion naturally arose as to the present objects and intentions of the society. The acting secretary stated what had aheady been done. The rooms had been engaged for six months, being the most suitable ones that could be obtained, and the sub committee (pro. tern.) were anxious to enroll a considerable number of members, before taking any steps to furnish increased acI commodation ; for which, perhaps, there might be no use. The members present, with one exception, appeared unanimously to coincide with this prudent course. That one exception was an "Independent" orator, who put an end to the discussion- by commencing a lengthy harangue, in which he favoured the meeting- with a history of the past, a review of the present,and a catalogue of instructions for the future. He urged an immediate appeal to the public for funds to build an Institute, and appeared disposed to revive those party animosities which had so much to do with the wreck of the former Instiiute. However, either the eloquence, or the tobacco fumes, which issued alternately from the lips of the orator, had such a somniferous effect on the audience, that it dispersed at an early hour without coming to any conclusion. . The attendance at the rooms since has been too limited for any business to be transacted and thus the matter remains. The list of members, it is true, is gradually increasing, but the questions constantly asked, are, ,wbo are your committee? and what is going to be done? The former question is unanswerable, it appears to be a melancholy case of destitution, and I can only suggest an appeal to the benevolence of the public. "To the benevolent. Wanted a committee, &c, &c." Seriously, however, a meeting of the members is necessary to elect a committee of management, and to discuss the leading points connected with the establishment of the Institute. The more quietly, and temperately, this is done, the better, but it must, be done without delay, or the infant Institute will die a natural death. I am, sir, * Your obedient servant, A Member of the Institute.