The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Proceedings of the Geographical Society of Australasia

Preliminary Meeting to Establish a Geographical Society, 2 nd April, 1883.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in geographical science took place on the 2nd April, 1883, at the residence of Dr. Belgrave, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of either reorganizing the Geographical Section of the Royal Society, or forming a new and entirely independent organization on a cooperative basis to apply to all the Australasian Colonies.

There were present Sir. Gerard, formerly Hon. Secretary of the defunct Geographical Section of the Royal Society of New South Wales; Sir. Du Faur, Chairman of the same body; Mr. Edward M'Farlane, Mr. E. Marin La Meslée, member of the Geographical Society of Paris; Mr. Brodribb, M.L.C.; Mr. P. A. S. Kennedy, from N.W. Australia; Mr. Harrie Wood, the Rev. J. Jefferis, LL.B.; Mr. J. B. Donkin, Mr. James Garvan, M.L.A., and other gentlemen.

Dr. Belgrave proposed that Mr. Du Faur should take the Chair. The proposition was received with unanimity, Mr. Gerard also consenting, however, to act as Secretary for the evening only.

Telegrams and correspondence were read from the Secretary for Lands in Queensland, the Secretary for Education in South Australia; Mr. Wilkinson, the Government Geologist, at present at Glen Innes; Mr. James Manning; Mr. Sahl, the German Consul; Mr. Palmerston, the explorer, and others. The latter four gentlemen joined the movement.

The Chairman opened the proceedings by relating, in considerable detail, the efforts that had been made by the Council of the Royal Society to establish a Geographical Section. In spite of every effort it lapsed, the Chairman and Secretary becoming ultimately the only attendants at meetings. Possibly, a mere subordinate Section of a local Society did not fill the field, and necessarily could not. The present occasion afforded a suitable and convenient opportunity for thoroughly discussing the subject, and he hoped each gentleman present would express himself freely. He must confess that he thought the cessation of the Section was regretable. He hoped, however, some action would ensue from the revived interest in the matter. Personally he would aid the movement to the utmost of his power, whatever direction it might take; he feared, however, it would be impossible for him now to find time to do justice to the position of President of any new Society. The money value of the co-operation of the Royal Society in such a matter was very considerable; they gave us the use of their rooms, light, an excellent library, and other advantages. To establish a new and special organization would necessarily entail considerable expenditure; however, they should not be discouraged by the contemplation of that fact, as the most important Society in the Colony, though it had languished during the first two years of its existence, immediately took a good footing when he and his cooperating colleague took premises at £250 a year, and made themselves personally responsible for £1,000. The circumstance showed the people and Government of that day (more than twenty years ago) that they were in earnest; and in consequence 500 subscribers at once joined, and the Government spontaneously assisted them. He would now call on Mr. La Meslée—who had doubtless thought over the subject carefully—to explain his views with reference to the direction the movement should take.

Mr. La Meslee began by stating that when Dr. Belgrave urged him to interview such members of the late Geographical Section as could be found, and to start a new movement, it appeared to him that if his ideas met with any response it might be advantageous that he should prepare a short paper on the general question. As the present meeting was influential and earnest, he would, with their permission, read it, reserving his observations on points suggested by the opening remarks of the Chairman to later on in the evening:—"The idea of forming in Australia a Geographical Society occurred to me for the first time when about to take my leave of the Secretary-General of the Geographical Society of France. M. Maunoir had several times mentioned the fact that the want of such an institution was probably the cause that very little information about our part of the world ever reached the Continent of Europe, and that that which the sister Society of London possessed was comparatively small. Should such a Society be established at Sydney or Melbourne, kindred Societies at home and on the Continent would be glad to enter into correspondence and exchange information which could but tend to develop commercial and other relations between the old world and Australasia. The usefulness of Geographical Societies is unquestionable, and we all know what results have been achieved through their influence. The recent discoveries in Central Africa are in a great measure due to the exertions of travellers whose expenses were partly paid out of the funds of the Geographical Societies of London and Paris; and if in a scientific point of view their results have been immense, there is no overlooking the fact that the commercial interests of England and France are already reaping benefits which cannot be over-estimated. Fifty millions of human beings have been brought by this means into communication with the civilized world, and already several nations are preparing themselves for a friendly struggle for the trade of Central Africa. Situated as we are here in the centre of that part of the earth's surface which is the least known, surrounded by mighty islands such as New Guinea, and the numerous archipelagoes which stud the surface of the Pacific Ocean, and by the almost unexplored wastes of the Austral and Antarctic Ocean extending to the South Pole, there lies before an Australian Geographical Society enough useful and interesting work to undertake. The object of the Society would be to foster the knowledge of the geography of Australasia, to read and discuss, and to contribute in every way scientific papers to the thorough and systematic exploration of our continent and the surrounding lands, for which latter object an exploring fund would have to be raised, supplemented by subventions from the various State Governments, and in general, to acquire by every available means and diffuse through the medium of a proper organ all possible information about Australasia and the southern hemisphere. Geographical knowledge does not simply mean the acquirement of the dry facts of physical geography, but it extends into the domain of commercial, political, and natural sciences. The study of ethnography, philology, the hydrography and orography of countries, and the commercial and political relations of races, &c., is a corollary to that of geography taken in its broadest meaning. Hitherto most of the explorations in Australia have had for sole object the discovery of tracts of land fit for grazing cattle and sheep; and even at the present time we hear every day of expeditions for that purpose starting from different points to penetrate the unknown parts of our continent. Explorers are at work in every direction, mostly on account of private firms or wealthy syndicates. Little of the information thus acquired has ever reached the general public, and those who found the means for carrying these expeditions through have kept the results to themselves, and are rapidly reaping immense benefits from the knowledge thus gained. It could hardly be otherwise, but it points to the necessity for the establishment of a Society whose aim shall be to give the community at large an amount of information more complete and varied than that which a privileged few have used to such great material advantage to themselves. It is proposed to invite the great Missionary Societies of various countries and religions to co-operate, as they have already accomplished so much towards the elevation of the aboriginal races in the southern hemisphere. We propose to name this Society the Federal Geographical Society of Australasia, because the work to be done is in every sense a national one, for the information and the benefit of the people of Australasia in general. The establishment of such a Society must recommend itself to every one who may be interested in the progress of this great country; squatters, merchants, miners, agriculturists, &c., all have something to gain by it—something to learn which they can utilize to their special benefit. Besides, Australia is not the only field open to explorations; New Guinea, contemplated for very good reasons to be annexed by Queensland, and the numerous groups of islands in Polynesia are yet hardly known, and many interesting geographical problems have yet to be solved in the exploration of the Austral and Antarctic Oceans. The geographical position of Australia points to the future settlement from its shores of the whole of Polynesia. A considerable trade is already carried on with the islands, and many curious and interesting researches might be made with regard to the dusky races that inhabit them. In course of time a museum of ethnological collections might be formed in connection with the Society, which would remain as silent records of the history of those inferior races that are rapidly passing away under the relentless pressure of the civilization of the West and the progress of humanity. It has been remarked by some persons that it would be perhaps better to make this a Section of the Royal Society, as it appeared to them that in a young community such as ours there was hardly room for another independent scientific body. A Geographical Section of the Royal Society has been in existence and was continued some time; but as the Chairman, Mr. Du Faur, and the Secretary, Mr. Gerard, were almost the only two gentlemen who ever attended its meetings, that Section could hardly be called a success; judging from the past, it would be almost hopeless to try to revive that Section. Moreover, the work to be undertaken by a Geographical Society is of too varied and of too important a nature to be well and completely carried out by a Section of the Royal Society; in fact, an independent Society, purely of New South Wales or of any particular Colony, would have, as the French term it, no raison d'être, as the work to be done lies not in one particular province, but in and around the whole of Australia. It will be necessary to apply to the various Colonial Governments to assist in carrying out our programme, and how could a simple Section of the Royal Society of New South Wales make such a request to the Government of another Colony? Another reason is that no special qualification is required to become a member of a Geographical Society, as any one is qualified who is interested in the progress of Australia, and is actuated by the patriotic desire of seeing the natural resources of this great country brought to light and developed, and the land become the home of happy and contented millions. This community may be too young, and may not yet contain the elements to form special scientific bodies, and it is to old Europe we must look for the investigation of particular fields in science. But with us in Australia, geography is a science that cannot wait, as our very future depends upon the more or less perfect acquaintance which is gained of the natural resources of the country. Before those resources become developed they must be first discovered and located. The work of the geographer goes hand in hand with that of the pioneer, and in the older settled provinces of Australia, the knowledge of physical geography—of the orographic and hydrographic systems—is one of pre-eminent importance, as it is only at such time when we have become thoroughly acquainted with these physical dispositions of mountains and rivers and watercourses, that we shall be in a position to solve that great problem upon which depends the future of Australia, i.e., the preservation of water. The formation of a Society with such a programme might be called a national work, as it is intended that it should be to all that is Australian what the Royal Geographical Society of London is to all that is English, and that of Paris to all that is French. Such is the project which is introduced for discussion tonight. It might have remained in the state of an unborn idea had other gentlemen less obscure than I am not taken it up and presented it to the public. Dr. Belgrave, Messieurs Du Faur and Gerard, the last-named two having previously identified themselves with the advancement of geographical science in New South Wales, have taken the project in hand, and it is to be hoped that it will meet with general approbation. No work can be productive at home of more practical good than one which has for its object the perfection of the knowledge we already possess of our great land; the existence and the distribution of its natural resources; the natural advantages offered to the settlement on Australian shores of numbers of the white race, and the preservation and civilization of the various indigenous races. Abroad it will have the effect of making the Colonies more widely known, and it would be difficult to find better means of sound advertisement. The first precaution of a man who enters into a new home is to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the house he has to occupy, and convince himself that everything which is wanted is there, and to make such alterations as may be necessary for his comfort and that of his family. The first care of a young nation must likewise be to obtain a thorough knowledge of its new home, the land it has peacefully conquered, and which is destined to become the home of countless generations of descendants."

At the conclusion of the reading, Mr. La Meslée was greeted with evident marks of warm appreciation.

Mr. Brodribb, after congratulating Mr. La Meslée, said the ignorance of the bulk of Australians in reference to their own country was most remarkable; and there could be no doubt that, if properly conceived and effectively organized, an Association of the scope and character of that proposed would add much to scientific knowledge, and confer lasting benefit on the Colonies. He then related an amusing anecdote in illustration of how the popular ignorance of the natural features and properties of the interior led people into ridiculous errors. The story was one where a well" known political character, in proof of the corn-growing power of a northern district on the Darling watershed, had brought to Sydney a box containing specimens of wheat in full growth, and displaying them at a public meeting, inquired, "Who can now question the possibility of growing wheat in the north?" (of New South Wales). In the specimens exhibited to the applauding multitude, the ears did not contain a single grain, the natural conditions of the climate and soil in which they had been grown having necessarily rendered them abortive. Mr. Brodribb related instances in proof of the advantages accruing to exploring expeditions carrying sheep, &c., with them.

Mr. Harrie Wood concurred in the project, and thought it was much required; and that if entered into with the co-operation of other Colonies it could not fail to become a beneficent success.

Mr. James Garvan hoped, notwithstanding discouraging experience in connection with the defunct Section, that gentleman would not lose heart. There was a vast fund of most valuable scientific information to be secured; indeed, in the archives of the Survey and other public Offices there was already much hidden which, put into proper shape, would be of great public advantage. He did not think the expenses would at first be very great, and he entertained small doubt but that, when they had collected information worth publishing, the assistance of the Government Printing Office would be cheerfully granted. For his part, he would do anything he could to encourage such useful labours, and he thought neither the Government nor Parliament of this Colony would view any combined action by all the Colonies, in the more general researches contemplated, with any other feeling than one of approbation and a desire to assist.

The Rev. J. Jefferis, LL.B., said they were evidently unanimous concerning the importance and necessity of the work; the point to be considered was, the particular form of the new Association. He thought the use of the term "federal" supposed the existence already of a Geographical Society in each Australasian Colony, whereas one of the preceding speakers had informed them that, though there were sixty-five Societies in Europe and some in other lands, in Australasia there is not one. He would suggest, therefore, that the new Society should be called the "Australian Geographical Society," and that if they could work in co-operation with the Royal Society the better. He would like to see every Colony in the group participate in so excellent a movement. The Society should be independent and Australian.

Mr. Donkin was of opinion that, while preserving their Australian character, they should seek to form a definite alliance with the Geographical Society of Great Britain, as numerous advantages would attend such a course.

An animated conversation took place, in the course of which Mr. La Meslée assured the meeting that he felt certain they could depend on the co-operation of the great Geographical Societies of Paris and London.

Dr. Belgrave inquired whether Mr. Donkin's proposal had not been somewhat misapprehended by Mr. La Meslée. As he (Dr. Belgrave) understood it, the new Association was proposed to become the "Australian Branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Great Britain," having to pay its share to the common fund, to be entitled to receive the publications of the parent Society, and to participate in the usual subventions granted in aid of exploring expeditions.

Mr. Donkin replied that that was precisely the idea he contemplated.

Dr. Belgrave said the course he proposed before he had heard the observations that had been made was to recommend the meeting "to resolve itself into a Committee to prepare a complete scheme," and when agreed on to convene a general meeting in the Royal Society's house for the definitive organization of the Geographical Association. His notion was that their meetings should take place periodically, first in one capital city then in another; that they should especially systematize the labours of the professional explorers, keep careful records of and duly publish all work done, and make productive use of the various botanical and mineral specimens obtained. If he were correctly informed, the unexplored were more remarkable than the explored parts of the continent. Mr. Palmerston reported rivers and mountains of great size; and there were rumours of harbours, rivers, and tablelands on the north-west requiring to be further investigated.

A gentleman here interposed, and said that practically the whole Colony was now explored, and the assumed unknown parts mapped out into blocks of a hundred square miles or more, several blocks often being held by one firm, individual, or a syndicate. The field of exploration apparently contemplated by Dr. Belgrave in Australia was therefore really not so large. Work of that kind would now lie outside the continent.

Dr. Belgrave expressed astonishment at this information, as the discoverer of the head of the Daintree had informed him that there was but one settler on the eastern border of that district.

After further discussion the Chairman put the propositions made to the meeting. The first was that proposed by Dr. Belgrave, to the effect "that the meeting resolve itself into a Committee to carry into effect the idea of an Australian Geographical Society," The proposition having been seconded by Mr. Brodribb, was put and carried by acclamation.

Dr. Marano, the Italian Consul, then proposed that Mr. La Meslée, become Secretary to the Society.

The suggestion was seconded by Mr. Gerard, who expressed a wish that Mr. La Meslée would accept the position, as his enthusiasm in the cause of Australian exploration was a good augury of future activity.

The proposition was unanimously agreed to, Mr. La Meslée expressing his sense of the honor and the importance of the position. The Chairman suggested that Dr. Belgrave, Mr. La Meslée, Mr. Gerard, and another gentleman should form a sub-committee to draw up a definite scheme for consideration at another meeting. He hoped Dr. Belgrave would be good enough to let them meet at his house until they had a home of their own. The meeting and gentlemen named signified their acquiescence with the Chairman's suggestions.

The Rev. J. Jefferis recommended that a fund should be placed in hand to meet preliminary expenses, and he would suggest that each gentleman present should contribute one guinea.

This suggestion was acted upon.

Mr. Gerard was appointed Treasurer.

The meeting then separated on the understanding that they should re-assemble when the Secretary summoned them.

First Meeting of the Provisional Committee.

The first meeting of the Provisional Committee of the Geographical Society of Australasia took place on Friday evening, in the meeting room of the Free Public Library. There were present: Messrs. E. Du Faur, F.R.G.S., Chairman; F. Gerard, Treasurer; E. Marin La Meslée, Com. Geog. Soc., Paris, Hon. Secretary; P. F. Adams, Surveyor General of New South Wales; Professor Stephens, Sydney University; the Hon. W. A. Brodribb, M.L.C., F.R.G.S.; Dr. Belgrave, the Rev. James Jefferis, LL.B.; Messrs. Harrie Wood, Under Secretary for Mines, W. Freeman, H. Vantin, Gresely Lukin, J. C. Neild, M. Lyons, W. B. Christie, L.O. Mr. E. Parrott, C.E., representing the New South Wales Institute of Surveyors, and Lieutenant Usborne Moore, B.N., in command of H.M.S. "Dart," were also present at the meeting. Mr. E. Du Faur took the Chair, and addressed the gentlemen present, pointing out the object of this first meeting, which was to adopt measures for the constitution of a Geographical Society of Australasia. The sub-committee appointed at the preliminary meeting held on April 2, at the residence of Dr. Belgrave, had adopted a plan which would be submitted for the consideration of this meeting. The Chairman noticed that many gentlemen were present to-night who were not at the preliminary meeting; but as the members of the original Committee were at liberty to add to their number, it would be desirable that these gentlemen should be regularly admitted as additional members of the Committee. A motion to that effect was adopted. The Chairman then requested the Hon. Secretary to read the correspondence and explain the plan adopted by the sub-committee for the constitution of the Society. Mr. E. Marin La Meslée, Hon. Secretary, read a letter from the Secretary for Education in South Australia, to the effect that Mr. Ernest Favenc, now at Normanton, Queensland, had been communicated with by his Department, and advised by telegraph of the formation of the Geographical Society; and a letter from Mr. Christie Palmerston, now exploring in Northern Queensland, addressed to Dr. Belgrave, was also read, in which the explorer expressed his pleasure at the news of the formation of the Geographical Society, and intimated that he will be happy to put himself in communication with the Society. A communication was also read from Dr. Tarrant, regretting that he was unable to attend the meeting this evening.

The Secretary then proceeded to read the various articles of the constitution framed by the sub-committee, the main features of which are:—The formation of an institution essentially Australasian in character upon a broad and federal basis, composed of honorary, corresponding and ordinary members, whose affairs should be managed by a Council elected in such a manner that every one of the Australasian Colonies should be represented by an equal number of members. Ladies might be admitted as members of the Society. The objects would be the same as those of other scientific and commercial Geographical Societies in existence in all parts of the world, that is, the advancement of geographical science, and the study of the physical and commercial geography of the world, more especially that of Australasia. The Society would fill up a great gap in the education of the people, and public lectures would be given on all countries, illustrative of their commerce, productions, and industries. Having read this plan in its entirety, Mr. E. Marin La Meslée made the following remarks:—"As to the necessity for the establishment of a Geographical Society of Australasia, the feeling of the last meeting appeared to have been unanimous. It is not necessary for me to dwell at any length on that point, but within the last few days several facts have been disclosed which show how important to the Colonies at large, as a means of giving even the English people a more accurate knowledge of their immense resources, a Geographical Society would be. But a few days ago I had occasion to see the text of a letter addressed by the Curator of the Map Department of the Royal Geographical Society of London to the authorities here, requesting that certain maps of the Colony of New South Wales published years ago by the Survey Department be forwarded to the Society; the knowledge of the existence of those documents having come to that gentleman through the medium of a celebrated German geographical publication, 'Petermann Mittheilungen.' This fact shows how very little attention seems to have been paid to the geography of the Colonies, and there is not the slightest doubt that in the British Isles, as well as on the continent of America, a great deal more is known about Timbuctoo, the Congo, and the negro lands of Central Africa than about Australasia. Those countries have been brought prominently before the public of late years through the remarkable discoveries of Burton, Speke, Grant, Cameron, Stanley, Livingstone, De Brazza, &c., &c., whilst peaceful plodding Australia is left comparatively in the cold, and little attention is ever directed by the Press of the old world to the growing importance of its settlements, the immensity of its natural resources, and the great field which it opens to European colonization. The average educated Englishman will tell you that the interior of Australia is a desert, and that the present prosperity of the Colonies is due to the fact that the gold mines are not all worked out yet. The first object of the Society must, therefore, be to dispel the ignorance prevailing abroad about the Australasian Colonies, and at home educate the people to a better knowledge of the world we live in, and the advantages of commercial intercourse with other nations. We are not in a position here to divide commercial from physical geography, but the work is not too great for a single Society to undertake. That there is a great deal yet to be explored in and around Australia, and that a Geographical Society of Australasia might do much towards solving the remaining geographical mysteries in our part of the southern hemisphere there is not the slightest doubt, but this would involve so much cost as to be for the present, at any rate, impracticable. But a great deal may be clone towards that end by granting rewards in the shape of medals or other honorific distinctions to successful explorers. This would stimulate explorations in all parts of Australasia, and before many years little work would remain to be done by the geographical pioneer, and that result would be attained without the Society having been put to any great expense. Should we receive, however, outside help in the shape of donations, such as similar Societies in Europe have received from friends of civilization, the Society might materially contribute towards the solution of great geographical problems. Until then we must look to the practical side of the question, and our first care must be to collect the most complete records of past explorations in Australasia, besides obtaining the best works on the geography of the world in general. A great deal has been done by the Survey Departments of the various Colonies, and avast amount of geographical information lies buried in their records, mixed up with an equally large amount of departmental and technical information. There is little doubt that the Society may rely on the help of the eminent officers who are at the head of those Departments in the various Australasian Colonies. The presence of the Surveyor-General of New South Wales amongst us to-night is a guarantee that his support may be relied upon by the Society. I need not dwell upon the last item on the programme; every one will see at once the advantage to be derived by all classes of the community through the spreading of the knowledge of other countries and other races, their industries and resources, and the advantages that are offered by intercourse with them. In fact, is there any doubt that the various colonial Governments, anxious as they have shown themselves to promote the interests of education, will heartily approve of a project so well calculated to dispel ignorance abroad, and to spread at home a better and sounder knowledge of the physical and commercial geography of Australasia and the world at large 1 When the fact is known that in the year 1882 a Geographical Society was actually founded in the Portuguese possessions in Central Africa, under the patronage of the Portuguese Governor of Mozambique, it will appear pretty clear that it is high time we in Australia should be awakened to the importance of an institution which is recognized as a necessary one by the Portuguese colonists at Mozambique."

Professor Stephens addressed the Surveyor-General with regard to the statement made by Mr. E. Marin La Meslée in the first part of his remarks. The Surveyor-General said that the statement was perfectly correct, and explained that about four years ago the celebrated German geographer Von Petermann wrote to him, requesting that he would kindly supply him with the latest geographical documents published by his department. He (Mr. Adams) immediately forwarded to Germany a number of maps of New South Wales, forming a very complete collection, and it was only quite recently that the Curator of the Maps Department at the Royal Geographical Society of London, having seen these documents mentioned in the admirable geographical work of Petermann, wrote to the authorities, requesting that a similar collection be forwarded him.

The Hon. W. A. Brodribb directed the attention of the meeting to a letter which had just been handed to him from the Rev. Tenison-Woods, in which the rev. gentleman stated that he regretted being unable to attend the meeting to-night, but he wished his honorable friend to convey to those interested his willingness to co-operate, and to state to the meeting that he was about to proceed on a scientific exploration of some portion of the Malayan Peninsula, and that he would be happy to put himself in communication with the Society during his journey. The hon. gentleman congratulated the infant Society upon having secured the spontaneous co-operation of one who has rendered such great services to science in Australia. He would propose that the Secretary be requested to officially acknowledge the communication. Mr. Brodribb also added that, since the first meeting at Dr. Belgrave's, several of his friends had signified their willingness to join the movement—The Hon. William Macleay, M.L.C., the Hon. W. A. Busby, M.L.C., Professor Stephens, Messrs. J. Griffin, M. Lyons, George Lougham, Murray Campbell, and Mr. Taulton, of the New Zealand Bank. The Secretary had also secured the co-operation of Mons. J. De Court, Consul for France; Mr. F. Pluss, Consul for Switzerland; Mons. A. Conil, the Agent for the Messageries Maritimes Co., and several other gentlemen.

The Chairman requested the attention of the meeting to the various articles of the constitution, which were to be discussed seriatim, and called upon the Secretary to read the first article. The Secretary read the first article:—"The Society shall be styled 'The Geographical Society of Australasia.'" Dr. Belgrave said that the original name—"The Federal Geographical Society of Australasia"—should not be discarded, and pointed out that it would almost become necessary that local Societies should be established in the various capital cities of Australasia, and that the term would be most appropriate.

Professor Stephens thought that, before proceeding to name the Society, an exact definition of the term Australasia should be arrived at, and suggested that the following rider should be added to this first article:—"That the Australian region, as defined by W. Wallace, shall be recognized by this Society as the space within which the operations shall be concentrated." A discussion followed, and on the proposition being seconded by Mr. M. Lyons, it was agreed to by the meeting.

The second article, stating the objects of the Society, was then read by the Secretary, and agreed to. The Secretary read the third article, but before a discussion took place, Mr. Christie, L.S., proposed that the plan of the constitution of the Society should be printed and distributed among the members of the Committee, arguing that it would be impossible to deal with such an important measure at a first committee meeting. The course proposed by him would give time for the measure to be considered by the members, and would greatly facilitate business. The motion was seconded by Mr. J. C. Neild and agreed to.

Dr. Belgrave suggested that the other articles be read by the Secretary, in order that the members of the sub-committee might make themselves acquainted with the general view held by the meeting, and that a debate of a conversational nature should take place on the subject. The Secretary then proceeded to read a few more articles, and an interesting conversation took place, which was brought to a close attention being directed to the lateness of the hour, and it was suggested that the sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Belgrave and Gerard and E. Marin La Meslée, should request one or two more gentlemen to join them. They would meet at an early date and study the plan for the constitution of the Society, amending the original if necessary before it be printed and circulated amongst the members of the Committee. Messrs. Parrott, C.E., and Harrie Wood kindly accepted the task with the above-mentioned gentlemen, and the meeting adjourned. At the conclusion of the proceedings, Dr. Belgrave moved that a vote of thanks should be given to the Chairman, which was seconded and carried unanimously.

First General Meeting of the Founders of the Geographical Society of Australasia.

The first general meeting of the founders of the recently formed Geographical Society of Australasia was held in the Chamber of Commerce, at the Exchange, on Tuesday the 31st May. There were about seventy gentlemen present, and Mr. E. Du Faur, F.R.G.S., was voted to the chair. The advertisement convening the meeting having been read,—

The Chairman said it has doubtless been regretted by many besides myself that, hitherto, geography has been almost the only science which has received no organized support from, nor been prominently brought under the notice of, our community. Whilst in all parts of Europe, and in many other parts of the world, Geographical Societies have existed for years, numbering at the present time about eighty, neither this or any other Australian Colony has placed itself in a position to correspond with those recognized centres; and while many minor cities in Europe, and places such as Lima, Buenos Ayres, Quebec, and Japan, can support independent Societies, although having little scope for local investigations in the cause of geographical science, we who occupy almost the centre of a hemisphere, abounding with unexplored fields, have failed to co-operate with them. The organizers of these Societies have been actuated doubtless not by mere local interests, but by a desire to keep pace with the world-wide efforts of others in the same cause. We, with our own continent but roughly explored—with the countless islands of the Pacific in the pathways of our mercantile trades—with New Guinea (probably the least known extensive tracts in the world) adjacent to our shores, and with the vast Antarctic Ocean awaiting the enterprise of hardy spirits such as have conferred renown on the English race and the inhabitants of Northern Europe and America, have done nothing. We have not had even a recognized body that could greet those who have visited our shores from time to time in the cause of geographical science. Some years since an attempt was made to establish a Geographical Section in connection with the Royal Society of New South Wales, and for two years I endeavoured as Chairman of such Section to get together at least the nucleus of a Geographical Society. Either the movement was premature—or possibly I was not the right man—but I failed even to obtain the attendance of a few members at our monthly meetings. I rejoice to think that we now start under more promising auspices. A gentleman has come among us who is an enthusiast in the cause—who is willing to undertake the hard work and detail drudgery involved in the early stages of such a movement, and who, I feel convinced, will lead it to a successful issue. You will all have full opportunities of making the acquaintance of M. Marin La Meslée during this and our ensuing meetings. Some of you may recollect that recently a Geographical Congress was held at Venice, with which, in common with all other civilized countries, we were invited to co-operate. Much valuable information was collected in some of the Government Departments relating to the geography of New South Wales, but it appears to have been assumed that there was no one in our community who was sufficiently interested in the subject, or capable of representing us on the occasion; and a chance commercial visitor to our shores, not even a British subject, who had seen nothing of Australia beyond what could be gathered by a few weeks' residence in Melbourne and Sydney, and an overland journey between them by rail, was commissioned to represent us. The result was such as might well be expected. Our representative does not appear to have opened his lips, and our contributions were probably consigned to oblivion, unexamined and unexplained. I trust—I may say that I am certain—from the attendance here this evening, that no such absurdity will ever be permitted again, but that, at the next European Geographical Congress, we shall take our proper place, with intelligent representatives for each of the Australian Colonies. There are endless topics on which I might dilate, notably that of New Guinea, but to them better justice will be done at our inaugural meeting.

Mr. E. Marin La Meslee, M.C.G.S., Paris, Hon. Secretary pro tem., remarked that he felt very sensibly the flattering remarks the Chairman had kindly made with reference to the work he had done in connection with the formation of the Society, and he could only say that the necessity of such an institution struck him so forcibly when he was at home last year, that he made up his mind on his return to Australia to do all in his power to establish it out here. He found that, as regards geographical science and the progress of commercial geography, we in Australia were placed at a great disadvantage by not possessing a Geographical Society, and it appeared to him beyond all manner of doubt that Japan, Central Africa, the Congo, and various other out-of-the-way places, of far less importance than Australasia, were very much better known in the old world than we were. Whilst these regions were being opened up to commerce, and the merchants of the old world were turning their efforts in their direction, comparatively little attention was paid to our growing commercial importance. Geographical works used in English and Continental schools contained the most absurd errors as regards Australasia, and a few lines were considered sufficient to deal with the geography of this part of the world. Last, but not least, we were placed in the very centre of the remaining unexplored portions of the globe, and it seemed to him that it would be an everlasting shame if we allowed others to continue and perfect the work of exploration in Australasia. With this object in view, this Society would be invited to give its support towards a thorough and scientific exploration of New Guinea and the completion of the work of exploration in Australasia. These were the reasons which presented themselves to his mind, and he made these views public at a meeting of the Royal Society at which he brought a message from the Geographical Society of Paris.

The draft constitution of the Society, which had been prepared by a Provisional Committee, was then read by the Hon. Secretary.

Dr. Belgrave moved as an amendment to the first clause in the constitution:—"That the name of the Society be 'The Federal Geographical Society of Australasia.'"

Sir John Robertson objected to the word "Federal" in regard to the Society, and he thought that if it were employed many of the gentlemen who were now the best friends of the Society would become greatly opposed to it.

Professor Sladen seconded the amendment, and he said that, if it were carried, it would be the means of distinguishing the Society from the Geographical Societies which abounded in other British Dominions.

The amendment was put and lost, and the draft constitution of the Society was accepted, on the motion of Mr. II. Wood, seconded by Mr. F. Garrard.

A ballot was then taken for the election of a Vice-President and officers in connection with the Society, with the following result:—

Vice-President

  • Professor Stephens.

General Council

  • Hon. P. G. King.
  • Mr. P. F. Adams.
  • Mr. Christopher Rolleston.

Hon. Secretary

  • Mons. E. Marin La Meslée, M.C.G.S.P.

Hon. Treasurer

  • Mr. Francis Garard.

Administrative Council

  • Mr. E. Du Faur, F.R.G.S.
  • Dr. Belgrave.
  • Hon. W. A. Brodribb, F.R.G.S.
  • Mr. G. Ranken.
  • Mr. C. S. Wilkinson.
  • Rev. J. Jefferis, LL.B.

The Secretary announced that a meeting of the Administrative Council would take place at an early date, in order to prepare a programme for the inaugural meeting of the Society.

A vote of thanks was then passed to the Chairman, and the proceedings terminated.