MR. SEVERN’S LAST LECTURE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4983, 13 March 1877, Page 2

MR. SEVERN’S LAST LECTURE.

THE SOLAR SYSTEM. St. George’s Hall was crowded last night—the numbers attending have increased each evening. As before, the subject was well explained and beautifully illustrated by the best mechanical and other diagrams, all explanatory of the wonders of the planets, their paths, and other matters immediately connected with the system. Starting with the sun, a photograph of which was exhibited on the screen, the" audience were carried outwards, Mercury and then the planet Venus were spoken of, and a beautiful diagram showing the pattern of the planet, and why she is never more than some 45 degrees east or west of the sun, was well explained. A beautiful photograph of the planet Saturn was next shown, and the wonders of this planet entered into. Jupiter and his moons was a splendid illustration, and loud applause was given whan it appeared. An exquisite view of the moon at, first quarter was shown, and thoroughly explained. The subject of the solar system being finished, the audience were treated to some really magnificent views, being real photographs taken in Paris, on the Alps, and other places. One was a remarkable picture, being quite real in appearance. Churches, the Institute of France,; and some . fifty other views, one more beautiful than another, were exhibited. Then .the all-wonderful oxyhydrogen microscope,- animalcules, and Brewster’s wonderful kaleidoscope, the radiometer bringing the experiments to a close. Mr. Severn was suffering from .a severe cold, but managed to get through his lecture and experiments to the entire satisfaction of the audience. Indeed it must be said that the three lectures have been full of interest* and an unqualified success, and large audiences have met to receive information. Mr. Severn stated that on his return from the South he would give six more lectures, and hoped then to be able to show the citizens of 'Wellington all he had to exhibit. Great applause was given to this statement; ao we may expect to see Mr. Severn again, and meeting even larger houses than, he has this visit.