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temata, terminating on the well-known long reef West of the Sentinel Rock.*). But many thousand years may have passed since Raangitoto, which is probably the most recent of the Auckland volcanoes, was in an active state.

I have been frequently asked whether it is true, as a countryman of mine who some years ago travelled in New Zealand is said to have told the European settlers, that New Zealand is a pleasant country, but that they had come a thousand years too soon. In answer to this I have to remark that any one who knows anything of geological science must be aware, that "a thousand years" is an almost inappreciable space of time in reference to geological changes. And I would rather say, that it would have been better for New Zealand if it had been colonized a thousand years ago, as there would then have been no cause for the discussion of the "Land Question."

I should have much pleasure in saying a great deal more on the Geology of New Zealand, but time will not permit me. Many subjects I have been compelled to omit altogether—such as the Quaternary formation in the Drury, Papakura, and Waiuku flats; the Basaltic Boulder formation; the Alluvial formations in the Middle and Lower Waikato Basin, and other places; and I have said nothing of the changes which are now going on.

The materials which I have accumulated during my six months’ sojourn in New Zealand will, I expect, require several years of labour to prepare for publication; and, unless the war which now threatens my own country should unhappily interfere to prevent the completion of the peaceful scientific undertaking of the Expedition to which I belong, it will give me great pleasure to forward to Auckland copies of our publications respecting New Zealand, accompanied by an atlas, containing the maps and other illustrations.

In concluding this lecture, I cannot omit the opportunity of saying a few words of farewell to the inhabitants of this Province.

Now that I am on the point of leaving Auckland, I turn in memory to the hour in which I made up my mind to leave my friends on board the Frigate "Novara" and to remain for awhile in New Zealand. I can assure you it was an hour of great anxiety, but I am glad to say I have never regretted the decision to which I with so much difficulty brought myself. Having received assistance in my labours from all sides, I have arrived at results which have afforded me much satisfaction, and which I hope will not be without good fruit to the present and future inhabitants of this Province. Having at first felt some difficulty in making up my mind to remain, I now feel a similar difficulty in leaving. Home-ties, however, are drawing me homewards, and I must quit the country in which I have spent so many happy days. In parting, I have one request to make,—that you will remember me as kindly as I will remember you; and I have one wish—which is for the prosperity of the Colony of New Zealand, and the advancement of the Province of Auckland.

DR. FERDINAND HÖCHSTETTER.

[NOTE.—The chief additions made since the delivery of the Lecture are thus distinguished—(**).]

Superintendent’s Office,
Auckland, July 1st, 1859.

THE following Notice is re-published from the New Zealand Gazette for general information.

J. WILLIAMSON,
Superintendent.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Auckland, 28th June, 1859.

THE following Act, passed by the Superintendent and Provincial Council of the Province of Auckland, intituled—"THE HARBOUR ENDOWMENTS ACT, 1859," having been laid before the Governor, in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution Act, His Excellency has been pleased to leave the same to its operation.

HENRY JOHN TANCRÉD,
(For the Colonial Secretary.)

RETURN OF ALL LANDS SOLD AT THE WASTE LANDS OFFICE, AT AUCKLAND, FROM THE 1ST TO THE 31ST MAY, 1859.