Preliminary Meeting to Establish a Geographical Society, 2nd 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 page vi 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 page vii 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 page viii 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 page ix 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 page x 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.

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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.

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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.