II.—Future Explorations.

Before entering upon any scheme of future exploration, it is necessary to form as good an idea as possible of the extent of the country to be examined, and of the probable difficulties to be encountered. It plainly appears, judging from past experience in New Guinea, that Nature and the natives have placed many difficulties in the ways of small and ill-equipped exploring parties. Isolated explorers cannot go very far from the coast, and fever and ague would soon put a stop to the enthusiasm of the most eager adventure-seeker; but there are always to be found in the world inexperienced young men ready to jump at any chance they may get of acquiring fame, without any definite aims, and without calculating beforehand the risks they may run in rushing into undertakings which cannot in any way bring any beneficial results, either to the public or to themselves. We have had in our own Colony, and in connection with the very island which is the subject of this lecture to-night, a sad and striking example of the results that may be anticipated from ill-contrived expeditions in search of adventures in a new land. The fate of the "Maria" expedition twelve years ago is still within the memory of many of my hearers.

Captain Moresby has related the rescue of the survivors of that expedition. The "Maria" was wrecked on the Queensland coast before ever reaching New Guinea, and almost the whole of its passengers were drowned or killed by the natives; seven or eight of them were rescued by the "Basilisk," and a few others reached Cardwell in safety, whence they returned home. "Thus," says Moresby, "ended this unfortunate attempt to reach New Guinea, an attempt which is but one proof out of many that Australian interest points to the possession of that great island." This last reflection of the gallant officer contained a hope which is near being realized; and now that the attention of everybody in Australia is attracted towards that magnificent country, the necessity of obtaining an accurate knowledge of the features of the island, and of the distribution of natural resources throughout its interior becomes almost a national care. It would be an everlasting shame if we were to allow others to perform a task which is so essentially our own. One great difficulty to be surmounted will probably be found in the hostility of the natives, who, on the banks of the Fly River, and on many points of the coast, have shown themselves very much opposed to the white man's intrusion. Wherever the Malayan influence is great, this will be found to be the case; in the far interior, however, where the true Papuan race will probably be met with in all its purity, the difficulties may not be so great. These people have never seen any white men, and their first impression will be one of curiosity, and possibly of fear if the party have horses. It has been noticed that the natives were greatly afraid of horses, and it is the opinion of Mr. Hargrave and other New Guinea explorers that the presence of horses will be in itself a great protection to any party that may attempt to explore the island. But we are now looking on the bright side of the picture, and the facts may be found very different. The Papuans of the interior may show towards a party of white strangers the same hostility that the coast tribes have evinced, and this opinion will find support if the narrative of d'Albertis is not exaggerated. The Italian naturalist had several encounters with the noble savage on the banks of the Fly River, and found him more ready to deal in arrows than in birds of Paradise.

However, difficulties of that sort have been met with in other countries, and may be overcome in New Guinea, but those who undertake to join an exploring party to the dark island must be prepared to face great and unknown dangers. One who does not possess great natural courage, a cool head, and sound judgment, and who is not willing to bow, without the slightest hesitation, to the authority of the head of the expedition, is unfit to be a member of such a party and had better stop at home.

In dealing with native races, experience has taught the necessity of acting with the greatest caution. Intending explorers in New page 18 Guinea must be alive to the necessity of treating the natives with the greatest kindness, avoiding any interference in their affairs, respecting their customs, however barbarous they may be. "Be just in all your dealings," says Maclay, "and above all, try to impress the native's mind with the fact that you have come for a special purpose, and that you will not interfere with them; they may then leave you alone." I say may leave you alone, as it would be foolish to neglect other precautions; those indicated above are only dictated by the experience of the past, and if acted upon in every point, they will probably afford sufficient security; but, however just one may be towards savages, they sometimes prove very treacherous, and it is often when they appear the most friendly that they are most to be dreaded. The fate of the gallant Commodore Goodenough, the most humane of commanders, has taught others that prudence must be exercised.

The greatest of other difficulties which an expedition will have to contend against is the unhealthiness of the climate. In the low lands on the coast, and even up to a certain height on the mountain slopes, fever and ague reign supreme; but the first white men who settled in the north of Queensland, and those who now are colonizing the Northern Territory of South Australia, had to contend with the same climatic difficulties. At one time the Queensland fevers were spoken of as the greatest obstacle towards the colonization of the northern districts by the white man. No doubt a great many of the pioneers of those far away districts succumbed to the effects of the climate, but experience has taught their followers what precautions should be taken against the fever. These precautions may be resumed, thus: The utmost sobriety should be observed and the use of spirits condemned from the first; no water should be drunk unless it had been previously boiled, and this rule should be strictly insisted upon; no one should be allowed to sleep on the ground; and an exploring party ought to be well provided with Ashantee hammocks; lastly the party should be accompanied with one or two medical men, and carry a large quantity of sulphate of quinine and other medicines generally used to combat fever and ague. Should these precautions against the possibility of hostility on the part of the natives and against the unhealthiness of the climate be strictly adhered to, prompt obedience to the orders of the head of the expedition exacted from every member of the party, and care be taken not on any consideration to interfere with the natives, then some success may be anticipated.

The preceding remarks point to the necessity of an expedition on a large scale. A party should be formed of sufficient strength, properly equipped and armed, whose object should be the geographical exploration of New Guinea. Such expedition, placed under the command of a man having had previous experience in page 19 tropical countries, might be composed of surveyors, skilled collectors, and persons possessing special knowledge in various branches of science. Men already accustomed to tropical travels, able to turn their hands to anything, and a few Malays well skilled in the preparation of sago, which will be found of the greatest use as an article of diet, should accompany the expedition as subordinates. Two medical men should go with the party, and it would be all the better if they happened to possess special abilities as naturalists. Although the principal object of that first expedition would be the study of physical geography of New Guinea, its results would be much more important if the party was so composed. There is little doubt that men of ability would be found both at home and in Australia to form such an expedition. The services of properly qualified medical men, surveyors, and collectors, could easily be obtained in the Australian Colonies, as there is no lack among us of men of the right stamp, who will be ready to brave the dangers of the expedition; but we may have to look at home for specialists in the various fields of science. The necessity of the formation of a party of sufficient strength to be able to resist the possible attacks of savages is apparent, although no doubt a great deal might be accomplished by smaller expeditions; but if it is considered desirable that the party be so composed, it is essential that the services of the best men be secured, as the results would necessarily be of the greatest importance, not only to geographical science but also to all sciences in general, and as a necessary consequence, in view of the future colonization of the island, to those who may wish to settle in New Guinea.

As to the route that such an expedition might take, much will necessarily depend on circumstances, but a scheme might be agreed upon which would allow of the possibility of maintaining in a certain measure correspondence from time to time with the expedition, and affording it relief in case fever or the hostility of the natives had reduced its strength, besides relieving it of all cumbersome luggage in the shape of large collections of specimens, which it would be most necessary to preserve intact if possible.

The south-western watershed of New Guinea offers for that purpose the greatest advantages, as the island is admirably watered by numerous and large rivers, navigable to a considerable distance with steam launches of little draught. In connection with the expedition operating on the mainland, a second party might operate along the coast, whose object would be to recognize the principal features of the coast, the entrance of rivers, and which would ascend the largest of them up to their highest navigable point, exploring the country on either side. It might be agreed upon that the two expeditions meet at certain given points. For instance, should the main expedition start from Hall Sound, its first stage would be thence to the highest navigable point of the page 20 Aird River, which disembogues in the Gulf of Papua; then it would meet the relief expedition, which would take back the sick and those of the party who would not care to proceed further, and also the correspondence and the collections of natural history specimens made during this first part of the exploration. The main body might then be reinforced with men of the relief expedition, and whatever provisions be needed might be procured. They would then separate, the main body proceeding towards the interior, gaining higher levels as soon as possible, so as to escape the effects of the malaria in the low lands, and they would examine the south-western slope of the main dividing range, crossing on their way the head of all streams and rivers which may have their source in the mountains. They would then make for the confluence of the Alice Hargrave and the Fly River, the position of which is approximately known, and meet there for the second time the relief party, who, after descending the Aird River, would examine the coast along the shores of the Gulf of Papua, ascend the Fly, and explore the country on its banks at a greater distance and in a more systematic manner than was done by d'Albertis. There they would separate again to meet on the eastern coast. The main body, after exploring the country on the western side of the main range, might endeavour to cross the mountains and reach the opposite coast. It is probable, however, that after crossing the main dividing range, the explorers would come upon the source of that large river the mouth of which forms such an immense delta on the north-east of New Guinea at the head of Gelwink Bay. It might be deemed more prudent for the expedition to follow the course of that river, either in canoes or on rafts, which could be easily constructed, as there will be no lack of material at hand. Should the state of the party permit of gaining the eastern shore and reach Humboldt Bay, the explorers might there be met by the relief expedition and brought back to the nearest Australian port. This, however, is only a sketch of what might be accomplished, but circumstances may greatly interfere with the carrying out of such a scheme, and much must necessarily be left in expeditions of that sort to the discretion of the leaders. As to that part of the country extending between Port Moresby and the extreme south-east, the missionaries of the London Missionary Society have already established many stations on the coast, and we may leave to them the task of completing our geographical knowledge of that part of New Guinea.

Thus important geographical and scientific information might be gained as to the aspect and capabilities of New Guinea, and the efforts to colonize the country might be in the future guided by the results obtained. Experience of that sort, in a country offering great inducements to Australian trade and enterprise, cannot be too dearly bought; and the first expense, although page 21 probably largo, would be the means of saving the expenditure of much larger sums and preventing the sacrifice of many human lives in attempts at settlements in places most unsuited for colonizing purposes. The necessity of obtaining information as to the population of New Guinea, the customs and manners of the natives, the probable reception Europeans might expect to meet at their hands, are subjects of the utmost importance to future colonists. A telegram the other day announced that the British Government would simply allow settlements to be formed at some point of the coast facing Torres Straits. This information evidently emanated from persons little acquainted with the character of the country, and still less with that of the kind of colonists who might be expected to cross over to New Guinea. The coast must be the starting point of colonization certainly, but is it reasonable, or even possible, to expect that Europeans will remain in the fever-stricken districts of the low coast lands, when greater and better inducements may be offered to their enterprise in healthier and more suitable localities, on the mountain slopes in the interior? Largo navigable rivers offer splendid natural highways to the sugar, tobacco, sago, and nutmeg producing districts, and is it likely that Europeans could be prevented from trading in those commodities with the natives?

But we must bear in mind that the colonization of New Guinea will be very different to that of even similar tropical parts of Australia. In the latter country, the white man has had to deal with nomadic tribes, having no fixed settlements, no plantations, and hardly any social order, besides being neither numerous nor powerful. In New Guinea we are brought in the presence of a very opposite state of affairs. Not only are the natives numerous, but in most parts they have attained a certain degree of rough civilization; they live in large communities, independent from each other, and follow agricultural pursuits. The fact that they cultivate all kinds of natural products in their small, neatly fenced gardens, denotes that the idea of property exists among them to a high degree, and it is needless to say that they will resent any kind of interference with their customs. If the white man does not take the necessary precautions to ascertain the traditions of the natives in that and many other respects, conflicts will certainly arise that may ruin all efforts to colonize New Guinea, set the black and white races at each other's throats, and end in disaster to both.

It is of no use trying to put a stop to colonizing enterprises with a race whose genius itself lies in that particular direction. Wherever money may be made or gold found, nothing will prevent the Anglo-Saxon race from emigrating to any part of the globe. The rapid means of communication we now possess precipitate events which, but for the advent of electricity and steam, page 22 might not have occurred for the next two or three centuries. Wherever a steamer can take them, if there is any chance of making money Europeans will go, and it is useless hoping to preserve even one spot on earth free from their intrusions.

But humanity has its rights, which, unfortunately, have not always been respected in the past, and this the present generation has to atone for. It is the duty of the future governing power in New Guinea to see that no harm should befall the natives in their intercourse with Europeans. Attempts at exploration and settlement will be made, and past experience in the islands of the Pacific has shown, that in dealing with the black races the first settlers have in many instances acted in a most unscrupulous manner towards them. It is to be hoped that the Government will enforce a law prohibiting the sale of fire-arms, powder, or dynamite to the natives, under the most stringent penalties. At the same time no necessary expense should be spared that will help in affording us reliable information as to the geographical features, the capabilities, and the actual state of the native races in a country which is likely to be colonized from Australian shores. New Guinea will have to be explored, and these questions settled, before any attempt at colonization is likely to be successful. As for the means which will have to be taken to meet the expenses of future expeditions, it is evident that the Geographical Society of Australasia is yet too young to be in a position to contribute in any other manner than in seeing that the funds subscribed by the public, or the Australian Governments, are properly used. Wilfrid Powell lately stated that a sum of £6,000 would be sufficient to cover the expenses of an expedition to New Guinea, and the Geographical Society of Australasia, besides appealing to the public to subscribe, might make an effort to obtain the financial aid of the Governments interested. In any case, £6,000 is a small sum when the exploration of such a country as New Guinea is the object, and the future of millions of our black fellow creatures is at stake.

I will terminate this long paper by making a fervent appeal, in the name of humanity, to those who may first have to deal with the New Guinea natives. Let the first care of the governing power be to prohibit, under the heaviest penalty, the introduction of spirituous liquors in any part of the country; and let future colonists bear well in mind that they will bring upon the native races, and upon themselves and those that will follow them, nothing but desolation and ruin, should they, in their desire of excessive gain, introduce among them fire-arms and spirituous liquors. In European communities, much of the misery which we observe is due to the abuse of spirits; but with natives of hot climates, such as New Guinea, spirits are the most terrible poison that could be page 23 introduced, as their use fatally tends to procure the wholesale deterioration and ultimate destruction of the race.

M. La Meslée was warmly applauded at the conclusion of the paper.

The Chairman then introduced to the meeting Mr. Du Faur, who had drawn up a series of suggestions which had been endorsed by the Society, as to the means to be adopted to obtain the necessary funds for carrying out the future exploring and scientific expeditions to New Guinea.

The confirmation of this minute, if approved, wall rest with a future business meeting of our society, when the further details of the management of the fund will be submitted. It is gratifying to the originators of this movement to see so large an attendance here this evening. It will be in the power of almost every one here present to further it by his moral or material support. It is further gratifying to find that some Members of our Legislature are present, as in so national an undertaking we shall have largely to depend on the Government for support. If that is obtained page 24 in New South Wales it can hardly be withheld by those of the other Colonies, some of which are perhaps more immediately interested in the practical results of the undertaking. The federal basis of our Society must be almost a guarantee for such cooperation; and this being obtained, we may surely rely on the Imperial Government for substantial aid, or at least for simultaneous action by its naval hydrographic staff on the hitherto unsurveyed portions of the southern coast, which would ensure points d'appui for the inland exploring parties. I am sincerely glad to see that M. La Meslée has given a prominent place in his paper to the subject of the character of our intercourse with the Papuan races. In common with many others, I have always held that the treatment of aboriginal races leaves a blot on the Anglo-Saxon race which cannot be varnished over by such pleas as "the law of nature decreeing the disappearance of the inferior race in the presence of a superior race." What a fearful indictment lies against us, the parent Colony of Australia, for the total extinction of the Tasmanian autochthones, and the similar fate, almost consummated, of those of our own continent. An opportunity occurs in these later days for proving our practical repentance by subsequent good works. Is it too much to hope that the British nation, in its proposed intercourse with the Papuan races, might sacrifice the interests of the few merchants and others connected with the distribution of crude rum and white spirits, by the absolute prohibition of such trade with New Guinea? One word more respecting our Society. We are apt to talk of luck and ill luck as largely influencing mundane affairs. The annexation of New Guinea, a few weeks subsequently to the establishment of the Geographical Society of Australasia being mooted, is surely as great a piece of luck as ever attended the cradle of an infant scientific Society, and it will be our fault if we do not "take the tide at the flood." The successful establishment of the New Guinea Exploration Fund by our infant Society must at once place it in a high position among the Geographical Societies of the world; and far from crippling, as has been hinted, the direction of its energies towards what is still wanting in the exploration of Australia proper, will, by the very vigour thus communicated to its constitution, render work nearer home comparatively easy. I appeal to you one and all, and to those of our well-wishers who are unavoidably absent this evening, to help us in pushing our project to a successful issue.

The Chairman said; I have been requested by the Council to introduce to the meeting a gentleman whose name is closely connected with New Guinea exploration, Baron Maclay, who is the first gentleman who has been elected by the Society to the position of honorary member, the highest distinction it is within its power to bestow.

Baron Maclay, who was received with applause, expressed his sincere thanks to the Council for the honor it had done him in electing him to the high position of its first honorary member. He would be very happy indeed to place at any time all his knowledge and experience concerning New Guinea at the disposal of the Society, and would be very glad to assist with his advice and experience any expedition that might be sent to that island. He was sorry that he could not take part in the proposed expedition, as during the next two years it was his intention to devote his time to the preparation for publication of an account of his travels, throughout about twelve years, in the Pacific.

Sir Edward Strickland proposed a vote of thanks to M. La Meslée for the interesting paper he had read that evening. This gentleman had been the promoter and founder of the Geographical Society of Australasia, a Society which he hoped would benefit not only the colonists but the cause of science and learning in the Colonies. He referred to the great amount of good which had been done by the Royal Geographical Society of England, to which Society that of Australia hoped in time to be affiliated. That great Society had fostered and nursed, indeed he might almost say produced, some of the greatest men of the day, men who had explored the north and the south, from the polar regions to Southern and Central Africa, China, and the rivers of South America. Such men as Parry and Franklin, Burton, Speke, Baker, and others, who had given us an immense amount of learning concerning remote and little known countries. It was through the Royal Geographical Society that they had been able to advance commerce and aid colonization, as well as advance scientific inquiry. Their talented Hon. Secretary had that evening in his paper given them not only an earnest of his ability, but also an earnest of what he would do in the future in promoting the Society. He pointed out what immense benefits were likely to arise from the establishment of this body in our midst. The writer of the paper had, he thought, fairly thrown down the gauntlet to Australians, when he told them that they at present stood in relation to New Guinea in the same position as England formerly did to Australia when she inhabited this great continent. He had challenged them as Anglo-Saxons, men of the same race that had colonized so much of the world, to go out in the footsteps of their fathers, and colonize still further lands, and they would thus show that they were worthy children of the great mother land.

The vote was carried with loud applause.

M. La Meslee, in returning thanks for the compliment bestowed upon him, said that since he had first become a resident in Australia it had been his desire to further the interests of our Colonies to the best of his ability. We were not sufficiently well known in the old country, and especially was little known of us page 26 on the Continent. He had last year made a voyage home, and had returned impressed with the belief that great benefit might be done by the establishment in our midst of a Geographical Society. He had no hesitation in saying that, had such a Society been started here twenty years ago, the Colonies would be very much better known than they now are in the old world. At present there were Geographical Societies in existence in such a country as Japan, and even in the out-of-the-way colony of Mozambique. A Geographical Society had this great advantage, that its action was constant. It was not like, for instance, such a means of advertisement as an Exhibition, which was but temporary, but its influence was continuous, and it was also extended over a very much larger field. The members of most of the Geographical Societies of Europe belonged to the higher manufacturing industrial circles, and were men who joined the Societies for the purpose of learning more about the world, so that as they acquired means they might have the opportunity of entering into new enterprises where the chance presented itself. He returned his thanks for the vote accorded him, and also desired to acknowledge the obligation he was under to Baron Maclay, Mr. Law. Hargrave, and Mr. Alexander Morton, who had greatly helped him in giving to him information concerning New Guinea that he could not otherwise have obtained.

The meeting was closed by three cheers given for Her Majesty the Queen.

The following letter was received from Mr. Law. Hargrave on the subject of the exploration of New Guinea:—