what thy right hand doeth." Scientific research had great attraction for him. He took a prominent part in the formation and the earlier management of the Otago Institute; he was much interested in the observations of the transit of Venus made in New Zealand some years ago, and fitted up a large and valuable observatory at his new residence, which he named "Transit House." The library left by him contains probably one of the most extensive and valuable collections of high-class books of any private library in the colony.
Mr Gillies in course of time found himself in a position to devote a large portion of his time and attention to public affairs, and resolved to seek admission to Parliament. He succeeded in being returned as representative for the Bruce district in 1882. He served in Parliament for one session, and, by his application to public business, his extensive and intimate acquaintance with the history and circumstances of the colony, and his good debating powers, gave promise of much future usefulness as a public man. But his career was cut short by serious illness, which compelled him to withdraw from pubhc life, and to a large extent from business of any kind.
Mr Gillies was one of the first band of Knox Church Sabbath School teachers, and was chosen a deacon by the congregation in 1862. He proved an energetic and useful office-bearer, and gave valuable assistance in the promotion of various important agencies of the church. He took a leading part along with Mr C. H. Kettle and others in the formation and management of the Dunedin Young Men's Society; and in July 1865 he was associated by the Deacons' Court with Messrs R. Chisholm and W. S. Glasgow as a committee to take the preliminary steps for the formation of a Young Men's Christian Association in connection with Knox Church, He held the office of vice-president for about four years, and did much to advance the usefulness and success of the Association. In the same year he was associated with Dr Stuart and Dr Hislop in organising the evening classes for boys in the North Dunedin School, and about the same time he was appointed with Mr Glasgow and Dr Hislop to procure from Home the first instalment of books for the congregational library, which he and the Young Men's Association were largely instrumental in founding. Mr Gillies also took an active part in the establishment of the congregational Missionary Society, and was president and member of the committee for some time. While a warm and liberal sup-
