iJY Sill DOUGLAS MAAVSON, Kl.H., JJ.SC, U.K., O.D.K. 53 



of economically exploiting an island hampered by 

 such natural deficiencies as absence of harbours, 

 remote situation, absence of fuel, semi-pclacial cli- 

 mate, etc. 



To make such a sanctuary efficient, some form 

 of supei'vision is called for, if for no other reason 

 than to prevent poachingdS). 



Such supervision, unfortunately, necessitates 

 expenditure. If the island were placed under Com- 

 monwealth control (19) it would be an easy matter 

 for a gun-boat or lighthouse vessel to make an 

 annual visitation, at no great additional expense 

 to the community. 

 Considering the desirability of making any scheme as 

 self-supporting as possible, the practical solution of this 

 problem may lie in the maintenance on the island of a small 

 Government party, whose chief work might be to maintain 

 the "wireless" meteorological station, to kill limited numbers 

 of bull sea-elephants for skins and oil, possibly develop a 

 penguin egg industry for dried egg substance, attempt to 

 re-establish the fur-seal, and to run a few sheep and reindeer 

 sufficient at least for their own requirements. 



Should these operations be carried out under adequate 

 control, the result ought to be satisfactory, as far as the 

 question of the fauna is concerned, and the financial return 

 perhaps sufficient to pay expenses. 



(18) Mr. Hatch has iei)oi ted that sealinir vessels from Newfound- 

 land have in recent years been known to make raids upon the island. 

 With the two boiling down plants left on the island, the inducement 

 to poachers will be enhanced. 



(10) In 1918 conversations took place between the Tasmanian and 

 Commonwealth Governments on this matter, resultinK in an olTer of 

 the island to the Commonwealth Government for a faunal reserve on 

 the basis of 5s. an acre, amounting in all to a sum of £11,000. But as 

 the value of the island, judK'in;j by the rent (which rent of £10 per 

 annum included the riuht to wipe out practically the only asset the 

 island possesses) asked, had been previously valued at less than £1,000, 

 nothing further eventuated. 



