Auckland's Benefactors.

But what took place? Great tracts of public lands of a very page 7 valuable kind were bestowed upon institutions in other parts of New Zealand (hear). We have no tracts of public lands, the great mass of the best part of the provincial district still remaining in the hands of the native proprietors, and our hopes seemed but small; but from our midst arose, and unexpectedly, a host of benefactors who, performing the duties of the State, have given us the means of founding an institution which for centuries will exist. (Cheers.) How much do we owe to Judge Gillies, who led in this movement? to Mr. James Williamson, who was his copartner? (hear); to Mr. Thomas Russell, who sent out a great bequest from England? (hear); how much do we owe also to Mr. Mackelvie—(cheers)—who can tell the debt of gratitude which he has imposed upon us? How much do we owe to Mr. Costley? (Applause.) We owe a great debt to Dr. Campbell— (hear)—for he interested himself greatly in the promotion of art within the limits of this our city. (Applause.) I say these benefactors led on in the great movement, showing that the people of Auckland were able to meet the circumstances as they arose, and that in the munificence of their citizens they could more than countervail the parsimony of a distant Government. (Applause.) I believe this institution, just founded, may not surpass others, but still believe that in its character and in its effects we justly emulate the career of the other parts of the colony, justly determine to enter into a generous rivalry. We think we can, by our own unaided efforts, lead the van in the education of this country, in the arts and literature, in the sciences, and in painting, music, and all that can adorn life or cultivate the human understanding. (Cheers.) I have named all these great benefactors. There are yet others. I cannot stop to name them all, but I would say this, and I address myself to all the youth amongst you, the youth of both sexes, to aid in this great undertaking. Let them remember that it is not the magnificence of the gift which constitutes the merit of the benefactor. The boy or the young girl who, pursuing the study of geology, of botany,—whatever it may be, collects some small treasure of their own, and bestows this upon our Museum, if it is their all, is, in the judgment of true and good men, as great a benefactor as those who gave the very largest gifts from great resources. (Cheers.)