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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Geographical Society of Australasia

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Geographical Society of Australasia.

Victorian Branch.

About the middle of the year 1883, the Administrative Council of the Society in Sydney communicated with several gentlemen in Victoria, with a view to organizing a branch of the Society in that Colony. In response to a request made by the Secretary of the Society, Mr. A. C. Macdonald, the present Secretary of the Victorian branch placed himself in communication with a number of gentlemen who were favourable to the project, with the result that, on the 13th August, 1883, a meeting was held at the Melbourne Exchange, to consider the subject. There were present—Mr. Shillinglaw, F.R.G.S. (in the Chair), Messrs H. Rosales, F.G.S., James Chapman, C.E., John Young, C.E., H. J. G. Cattenach, A. C. Macdonald, Captain Pasco, R.N., Professor McCoy, J. Cosmo Newberry, C.M.G., and others. Letters were read from Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., &c., from Ernest Giles, F.R.G.S., and several other prominent men, promising their co-operation with the movement. In consequence of the day being a particular busy one in the city, the meeting was adjourned without transacting any business, beyond appointing Messrs. A. C. Macdonald and John Young, C.E., joint Hon. Secretaries, with instructions to arrange for the next meeting, which was held on 21st September, 1883. Present—T. F. Bride, LL.D., in the Chair, and a number of other gentlemen. A number of letters were read from various gentlemen apologizing for non-attendance, also some correspondence with the Premier—the Hon. James Service, M.L.A., with reference to the grant of £1,000 which had been asked for to aid the scientific exploration of New Guinea. The Premier's letter seemed to express a suspicion that the Society was being formed merely on the strength of this grant, but it was conclusively shown by the meeting that the body was established before the grant, which was only a part of the general programme of the Geographical Society of Australasia, was thought of. Some discussion then ensued as to the constitution of the Society. Mr. J. Cosmo Newberry said there was a Geographical Section of the Royal Society of Victoria, and it might be better to join that Society, and still maintain the relation to the Geographical Society of Australasia.

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The Chairman thought it was too late for such a suggestion, as it had already been decided to form an independent Society. Mr. Newberry thought a great saving would result were the two bodies united. After some discussion it was moved by Mr. J. Cosmo Newberry—seconded by Mr. H. Rosales, and carried,—"That a Committee, consisting of Messrs. J. A. Pan ton. P.M., H. Rosales, F.G.S., J. Mc'D. Larnach, G. Gordon, C.E., T. F. Bride, LL.D., and A. C. Macdonald, be appointed to confer with the Council of the Royal Society of Victoria as to the practicability of such amalgamation, and the terms upon which it could be arranged. That such Committee be requested to report upon the whole question of the amalgamation of the Geographical Society with the Royal Society of Victoria, and other kindred Societies in other Colonies." Pending the report of this Committee all other business was allowed to stand over to the next meeting, including a motion by Mr. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.G.S.,—"That it is expedient to form a branch in Victoria of the Geographical Society of Australasia, and that members be now enrolled, subject to a satisfactory arrangement of founders' list, and payment of entrance fees."

The third preliminary meeting was held on the 22nd October, 1883, T. F. Bride, LL.D., in the Chair. The Chairman submitted the report of the Committee appointed at the last meeting, as follows:—"A conference was held at the Royal Society's rooms on the 15th current, when it was found, after a lively discussion, that the difficulties in the way of amalgamation were insuperable. It therefore now only remains to carry out the original intention to form in Victoria a branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia, or that the gentlemen now assembled, not being committed to any course, join the Geographical Section of the Royal Society."

After some discussion, Mr. J. Mc'D. Larnach moved, and Mr. F. Scarr, seconded,—"That it is expedient to form in Victoria a branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia, and that members be now enrolled under the constitution of the said Society."

As an amendment, Mr. H. Rosales, F.G.S., moved, and the Hon. J. J. Casey, C.M.G., seconded,—"That the gentlemen present cast in their lot with the Royal Society, with a view to becoming members under division E."

The votes being equally divided, the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of the original motion, which was accordingly adopted. After appointing office-bearers and Committee, the meeting adjourned.

On the 1st April, 1884, the Committee held a meeting, when it being considered that the movement had made sufficient progress, it was decided to hold a conversazione, and inaugural page 109 meeting of the Society on the 18th April, 1884. The Vice-president, Baron von Mueller, promised to prepare an inaugural address, and papers were also promised by several other gentlemen. The Hon. Secretary was instructed to apply to the Royal Society for the use of their hall, which on this and many other occasions was cheerfully granted.

The Committee having completed their arrangements, the inaugural meeting took place on the appointed date, and was very successful, and largely attended; T. F. Bride, LL.D., in the Chair. The Vice-president, Baron von Mueller, was unfortunately prevented by illness from attending, but he forwarded the manuscript of his address, which was read by the Hon. Secretary. Mr. Pan ton next read a paper on "The Kimberley District," Western Australia, which proved of great interest. The Hon. Secretary then read a short paper on the "Utility of, and necessity for, a Geographical Society." After a vote of thanks had been passed to the Royal Society, on the motion of H. G. Turner, F.R.G.S., for granting the use of their hall, the meeting closed.

Baron Von Mueller's Address.

The following address by Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G., M. and Ph. D., F.R.S., F.R.G.S., was read at the inaugural meeting of the Victorian branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia:—

When some months ago the Geographic Society of Australasia was instituted in the elder sister Colony, the thought must have arisen in many whether sufficient scope existed for such an Association, and what fair prospect it might have to advance from here the great cause of geography. It might be assumed that the originators of this movement entertained a hope of uniting all those who were really interested in geographic research or were willing to give it substantial support into one great local organization, which could exercise a far more powerful influence for its special objects than any isolated individual effort, however enthusiastic such might be. It may further be supposed that the aim of an Australian Geographic Society would mainly be concentrated on giving new impetus to explorations in the Australian continent and in those adjacent islands which, from the expansive territory of New Guinea to the smallest islet of the Fijian group, belong commercially, if not indeed also politically, to the great Australian portion of the British empire. When we glance on the map of Australia merely cursorily, it might appear as if the spaces interjacent to the many exploration lines had become ennarrowed to comparative insignificance; and really we must concede, that within the territory of Australia proper but scanty room is left now for the discovery of great geographic features, such as extensive rivers or large lakes or high mountain ranges. Nevertheless, page 110 simple exploration lines through comparatively level country, though making such a prominent show on the map, command but a view over a narrow belt of country along the horizon, and a day's ride suffices to open up an unseen region. Thus very numerous details, doubtless of much importance, will have to be inserted between many of the geographic tracks, such as now-a-days exist on the Australian map; indeed, many a decennium must yet elapse before the chart of our continent could possibly be completed, and even then the geographer's work will not have ceased. Observations on terrestrial magnetism and on temperatures, as well as hypsometric measurements, belong as much to the geographer as to the physicist and climatologist. In tracing the distribution of organic beings over their natural regions, we see geography brought into contact with zoology and phytology. Again, geology has become everywhere inseparably connected with geography; and even in the great science of medicine we have a special and highly important doctrine—that of pathologic geography.

In further support of these considerations, I may call to your mind that even within the boundary of our Colony (Victoria) some little geographic work, which has the charm of absolute novelty, needs yet to be done, that is to say, in the eastern part of Gipps Land. East and west of the overland telegraph line are some wide spaces as yet wholly unexplored. The country towards the north-east and north-west of the Gulf of Carpentaria is but scantily known; and altogether we may assume that we are yet unacquainted with nearly half of the extent of Australia. The distance from Eyrie's track along the Great Bight to that of Gregory's, south of Arnheim's Land, is, in a straight line, nearly 1,000 miles, and between these only four lines pass from the overland telegraph line to the west coast, two being formed by a goldmedallist of the Royal Geographic Society amidst us here; who, in first instance, was drawn into the field of actual exploration by myself, but subsequently travelled under Sir Thos. Elder's auspices, and who has won his honors most bravely. Moreover, we cannot estimate the importance of geographic work by mere distances recorded on the map. Counting the days of arduous travelling is a better criterion. Thus I found more danger, toil, and hardship to triangulate early through half a hundred miles of the pathless Australian Alps, than in sharing to traverse half a thousand miles of the mostly open stretches of the Kimberley country nearly thirty years ago, at the time of its discovery. The splendid detail surveys, carried on to quite recent times by the Hon. John Forrest, in West Australia, show also how much yet has to be done geographically in even tracts of country supposed to be fairly explored. But not alone to untraversed regions of Australia itself should we look, in this new organization for aiding page 111 in the achievement of geographic discoveries. It is the antarctic region, it is the extensive complex of the South Sea Islands, which promise to yield from here some of the grandest results for geographic science. The south polar lands under Australian and Polynesian meridians come more readily within our reach than that of any other nation, if, as I trust, we consider ourselves as merely the furthest southern occupants of the great British Empire. The antarctic continent and islands at or towards Graham's Land could most conveniently be explored from the extreme of South America, though the courageous Captain Bové has latterly sought in vain there adequate support for his plans of advancing on South American longitudes further towards the pole, Graham's Land, so far as known, barely entering the antarctic circle. For us here the way towards the south pole is much farther indicated already by Sir James Ross's famous expedition, when Mount Erebus was discovered, an active volcano not much less in height than Mount Blanc or the culminating points of the Caucasus, a mountain of whose grandeur we can form some ideal picture when we remember its height to be fully that of Mount Cook in New Zealand. Mont Erebus and Mount Terror, historic monuments of one of the most glorious and one of the saddest of grand geographic exploits, are not further from Hobart than that city is from Cape York, and from these wondrous mountains the distance to the geographic south pole does not exceed 725 nautical miles. Whether an antarctic continent connects Graham's Land with Victoria Land we have no means to surmise, but what enormous strides will yet have to be made to penetrate and map the southern polar regions can be grasped by our mind when we recollect that the distance from Graham's Land to Victoria Land is as great as from the latter to North Queensland. But just as through successive naval explorations, extending over several centuries, and most keenly followed up during the present secular era, portion by portion of the northern arctic regions were rendered known, so also will it only be by long continuity of efforts, by great skill, bravery, and perseverance, and by watching for a combination of lucky chances, that extensive charts of the southern polar lands can be furnished—perhaps some time in the next century. But a federal Society like ours can foster this object locally in all the Colonies, and can guide public influence towards its gradual accomplishment. Nevertheless, we should be cognizant that the south polar regions seem the most formidable to traverse anywhere on the whole face of the globe; much girded by barricades of glaciers; largely unapproachable through icy fortresses, seemingly destitute of terrestrial vegetation of any kind—not even a landing has ever been effected there. Still, we are as yet too imperfectly acquainted with the climatology of that forbidden region to comprehend all the problems of antarctic geography to be solved, and to devise means for the page 112 purpose. If Mount Erebus were fuming from a lesser height than 12,000 feet, its volcanic heat would exercise great influence in warming the surrounding country. Possibly other volcanoes remain to be discovered in high antarctic latitudes, by which, perhaps, the rigour of the clime may be mitigated locally. As in the northern arctic regions, so also possibly in the southern, the temperature of the sea in certain tracts may be modified, and thus some localities may be rendered more accessible than others. To detect coal on any approachable portion of the antarctic lands would be an immeasurable gain. The whole geology there is as yet wrapped in mystery. Since the last forty or fifty years, when naval explorers went boldly towards the remotest of all southern lands, and laid down on the map some of the shore lines, the facilities for polar explorations have largely increased. Ironclad vessels can now cut the thinner layers of ice more safely than when the indomitable Captain Ross was steering his luminous course; steam power has come into play, rendering it now possible to enter intricate passages; in exceptionally favourable hours short balloon reconnoitrings could be made with comparative safety, and thus land might be detected which human feet can never reach; arctic and alpine plants of prominent utility, especially lichenous and glumaceous species, could perhaps be located as nuclei of vegetation on any approachable earthy portions of the shores; new spaces for whale fishing would unquestionably be opened up by far southern exploring navigation.

I will not dilate on this subject at present any further. Enough has been said to show its vast importance for science as well as commerce, and to no other people can research connected with the antarctic regions be of that value which it must ever have for the Australian Colonies. I do designedly not say Australasian when including New Zealand in the fifth or sixth part of the globe. Australia, the great southern land of the eastern hemisphere, with its dependencies, is more than a mere southern Asian extension. We here have a distinct individuality as occupying a great country; our territory, as a whole, nearly equals that of Europe—moreover, our boundaries are maritime throughout, and, therefore, the most natural and defined.

But it is Polynesia to which Australian geographers still more readily will direct their views, when gradually our own great island continent shall have become more fully explored. The whole of the islands of the Pacific Ocean number approximately 640, and offer, with exclusion of New Guinea, an areal extent of about 100,000 square miles. Although largely through the Royal Navy of Britain the maritime survey of these island groups has been effected—for each of Her Majesty's ships may be regarded as a floating observatory—yet inland exploration is as a rule beyond the scope of even the most enterprising mariners; page 113 hence a multitude of islands and islets, many quite near to us, need yet geographic disclosing of their inland features. Foremost New Guinea engages our attention. Its eastern half, unclaimed by the Dutch, already exceeds in territorial extent considerably our own Colony; and mark, it is separated from Australia by a lesser oceanic space than Tasmania from Victoria. And what a marvellous and fascinating land this one of the birds of paradise, with a fauna and a flora largely endemic, and very much unknown or unrecorded yet, and with mineral resources of the greatness of which we can hitherto form no idea. Well may we praise the farseeing statesmen of Australia, who so eagerly insist that Papua, interjacent between Her Majesty's Australian, Indian, and Polynesian possessions, should become an integral part of the great Indo-Australian empire of Britain, and these sentiments are echoed wherever the English language is spoken under British rule. Ten years ago already the British flag was hoisted on the extremest eastern point of New Guinea, when Captain Moresby's extensive and accurate survey established this most eastern portion to be insular, and took formal possession of it for the British Crown.

Geographers and naturalists also in Britain evince a vivid interest in Papuan exploration. Thus, Sir Joseph Hooker, of Kew Gardens, at one time or the other of his life conspicuously active as a geographer himself, while writing to me early this year, insists that New Guinea should be explored from Australia, and urges without any jealousies that the scientific investigation, for which more complex organisations are needed, should be carried on by us here, both the animal and vegetable world of New Guinea, not to speak of other attractions, being of very high interest to Australian investigators, who are bound to elaborate the fauna and flora here in its connection with that of adjoining countries. The British Association, assembled last autumn in Southport, is consulting now with the Royal Geographical Society as to the best means for shedding fuller light on the geographic configuration, the geologic structure, the climatic conditions, the natural and cultural resources, and the character of the autochthones of New Guinea. More especially in a country like that, "the clear, calm illumination of scientific research" should precede colonization, in order that subsequent settlement might be rendered easier, safer, and happier. Settling there on an extensive basis is different to colonization in Australia. There the natives are well-organized, warfaring races, with a rigorous appreciation of ground rights; the country is to a large extent one of the most broken and rugged imaginable; the climate in many places is very insalubrious, and the extent of arable elevations with a healthier air remains unascertained; but the vast masses of extremely lofty ranges are almost sure to treasure much metallic wealth. Perhaps the snow-clad summits of Owen Stan- page 114 ley's Range may ere long be scaled by united and well-sustained efforts of emissaries of the many alpine clubs who seek for laurels now all over the globe. Meanwhile we all hail with delight the determined action of the Australian Federal Convention, which has exercised such a moral influence that British supremacy over Eastern New Guinea may be considered as an established fact. Let the torch of science be carried gradually to all the darkest recesses, not only of New Guinea, but also of all the unexplored islands of Polynesia. At best we here can only do part of the work, and we should welcome any participation in geographic exertions, such as the home country holds out a hope to render, whether by public or private means.

Many a time, when hearing of large legacies bestowed, I could not help reflecting what brilliant and lasting results might be obtained if geography also came in occasionally for a share of the bequest. The interest of a moderate or not altogether large sum, on which no direct heirs have any claims, would be sufficient to keep a small exploring party going, under successive reorganization, for periods almost infinite; and if the testator should happen to be ambitious, there could be no other manner in which his name would become more readily illustrious than by connecting it—as it were historically—for all time with great geographic features of the globe, disclosed through some bestowed of his fortune. Large expeditions, equipped in a costly and bulky manner, are not always those which yield the grandest results; indeed, many of the splendid achievements in the field of geography have been gained by unpretensive but clever and enthusiastic parties, as instanced on various occasions also on our own island-continent. But, alas, the lonely first wanderers through wildernesses seldom carry off any other reward than that of having their name engraved on the imperishable tablet of geographic fame.

How many of those wielding wealth, influence, and power now in all parts of Australia are apt to forget that they did never share in the more toilsome and perilous exertions for colonization prior to the gold era, with which the second great chapter in the history of Australia commenced; and many a colonist on whom fortune smiled perhaps never contributed directly towards the geographical development of this great southern land of his adoption. Some parties interested in large pastoral estates on rivers in Eastern Australia seem never to reflect—or perhaps even be aware—that streams, on which their herds and flocks depend, were discovered and named by Dr. Leichhardt. Alas! his case is one of the saddest of all sadnesses in the annals of geography; missing longer than Franklin, lost fully as long as La Pérouse, he, as one of the bravest and most meritorious of all Australian explorers, succumbed on some yet unknown spot, though by courage and perseverance that spot would be traceable. Here, then, is a noble page 115 work, which the Geographic Society of Australia might take up—a work not needing very extensive means, a work promising perfect success, a work by which the Society would at once establish glory for itself, not only in the cause of geography, but also in that of humanity.

Out of the millions who in the course of a year speak or write about the Murray River, how many ever connect in their thoughts that name with the bold and yet so circumspectly cautious, as also philanthropic explorer, who traced, under the spears of the natives, the whole course of the greatest river of Australia—the river destined to irrigate yet with its limpid and largely alpine ever-flowing waters a vast portion of Victorian territory, and which offers us water carriage along the whole of our northern borders. Who mentions ever now the name of the gallant officer whose dray tracks became largely the main roads of Victoria, but whose memory in less than half a century sank altogether into ungrateful oblivion. Of all the great explorers who successively traversed and mapped portions of Australia from the time of Dampier, whose death-place is not even known, to the last exploits of Giles, one or two only became largely possessed of worldly riches; but what among others for Leichhardt particularly we ought to claim is, to establish the full extent of his discoveries up to his untimely death, and to search for his last resting-place as an historic spot. Well could we have wished that the strenous efforts made last year by Mr. Winnecke and his small party to unveil Leichhardt's fate had met with success when he carried on exploring work near the boundary line of Queensland and South Australia, and then added as evidence of the necessity of further geographic research, two new important watercourses to those hitherto on record in that region.

One of the proudest and most pleasing recollections which likely a Governor departing from any of these young Colonies can carry with him must be the persuasion to have his name and therewith that of his descendants ever identified with the history of that part of the globe over which he held viceregal sway. Indeed, the Australian chart is to some extent an index of the successive representatives here of the British Throne, through geographic dedications; and while we bid the Marquis of Normanby to-day a last farewell, it may be one of the sources of profound gratification to the late Governor that geographic monuments have arisen for His Excellency in three of these Colonies, additionally graced by some palms to keep fresh his memory also in the living vegetation, whether free or horticultural.

On the origin of this Association, which to-day we locally inaugurate, little need be said on my part. This meeting speaks for itself. Arisen in another Colony, this new Society has gladly been joined by us here. Prevented by illness from taking a leading page 116 part in its earliest working, for which I had an honorable call, it still fell to my share to impress on the Geographical Society of Australia at once a federal character. But it is merely the barest act of justice to our sedulous Honorary Secretary when we affirm that to be assembled this evening as a constituted local Association we owe mainly, if not almost solely, to Mr. Macdonald's circumspectness and zeal. And here it devolves on me to express my sense of appreciative gratitude with which I recognize the distinguished position which your kindness has conceded to me among you.

I feel sure you do not expect from me to enter on a discourse of the progress of geography during the last year. It would be encroaching on a field over which Lord Aberdare holds such luminous literary command; indeed, His Lordship, as President of the great Geographic Society of London, has in his annual addresses lucidly traced out during his tenure of office the progress of geographic discoveries all over the world; thus following up the records given by a number of illustrious men, who, since the parent Society more than fifty years ago was founded, mainly through Sir Roderick Murchison's energetic and enlightened efforts, have occupied successively the presidential Chair. "What the practical influence of that first and greatest of Geographic Societies during the semi-secular period of its existence may have been, is as incalculable as inconceivable, but this much we can safely affirm—that it has largely contributed to extend the boundaries of the British empire, to enlarge its commerce, and to aid in the civilization of the world. We cannot have a more splendid example to follow than that set us by the Royal Geographic Society of England, though perhaps humbly only we can imitate its great achievements on a small scale; and while we mainly strive for such work as is more or less directly connected with Australia, we shall not infringe on the operations of any kindred unions elsewhere.

The importance of geography to practical life has become more and more recognized, particularly since the greatly facilitated means for transit have brought countries and nations more and more into contact. The Royal Geographic Society of England, by awarding annually special prizes, has inspired a higher conception of the importance of that science in the schools of Britain, and is thus leading to an ampler appreciation of one of the most practical of teachings, always resultful in the course of life. Geographic Societies have become numerous during the latter decennia in Europe, America, and elsewhere; even many a comparatively small town has established a Society for Geography, whether in its purely scientific aspect or in additional connection with colonization or commerce; and if at present such Societies are counted perhaps by tens only, it may be foreseen that ere long they will number by page 117 hundreds. The keen mercantile competition, the increasing rivalry in technology, the falling short of many kinds of indispensable raw materials for industries, the changes of abodes for the sake of health from one climatic region to another, the search for new rural fields and other practical calls of the day, bring questions connected with geography more and more into the foreground of universal populations. Even the ordinary navigator cannot reach his port of destination without nautical geography; the traveller in new regions becomes almost helpless without the geographic chart; the tourist has in maps his best guides; the sacred duties of Christian missions have become methodically connected with geography, particularly so in one country of Europe. Sound and comprehensive geographic research can immeasurably promote the great strides of railway systems over all inhabitable portions of the globe; the leisurely study of geography can be rendered one of the most entertaining subjects in social and educational life; it tends to wear away national antipathies and prejudices, and aids powerfully to bring man nearer to man—to render us thus worthier of our earthly destination, and in our worldly career more just and happier.

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