58 RESEARCH COMMITTEES. 
“ The foci of submarine disturbances, such, for example, as those 
which from time to time have interfered with telegraph cables, 
may possibly be determined, and new light thrown upon changes 
taking place in ocean-beds. The records throw light upon certain 
classes of disturbances now and then noted in magnetometers and 
other instruments susceptible to slight movements, whilst local 
changes of level, some of which may have a diurnal ee 
may, “under certain conditions, become apparent.” 
To carry out these aims it is highly desirable that some of the 
instruments thus recommended should be set up at several places 
in.Australasia. If not, the chain of observing stations round the 
world will be broken, and the value of all the records be rendered 
less by our neglect. It is obvious also, as is pointed out in a 
circular issued by the International Seismological Committee, that 
inevery country it is a necessary supplement to the proposed work 
that all the local earthquakes should be observed as carefully and 
accurately as possible, in order that seismic origins may be found, 
and that a clear idea may be formed of the circumstances accom- 
panyingany earthquake occurring therein. Muchofthis latter work 
may be done without instruments, most easily at telegraph stations, 
but also by any private person who has the means of checking 
his times of observation with the standard time of the colony in 
which he lives. This has been done systematically in New Zealand 
since 1889, with the result that many of the origins are known, 
the velocities of propagation have been ascertained for many of 
the shocks, and in a few cases the probable depth of the centrum 
has been found. The Committee are recommending an addition 
to their number, so that there may be in every colony at least one 
person responsible for doing this part of the work.* A copy of 
the form usedn New Zealand is annexed below. 
The New Zealand Government, on the recommendation of Sir 
James Hector, has ordered two of the instruments approved by 
the British Association Committee, and this Committee would 
suggest that one of the instruments be placed under the charge of 
the secretary.* 
The most considerable earthquake in Australasia since the date 
of our last report is that of the 10th May, 1897, which will form 
the subject of a separate investigation by the secretary. A pre- 
liminary examination of the facts points to a line of origin below 
the sea-bed not far from the coast of South Australia, opposite 
Beachport and Kingston, the movement being probably a more 
or less deep fault movement. Severe earthquakes also occurred 
in the Cook Strait area of New Zealand on 21st Sept., 1897, and 
on 8th Dec., 1897. These are likewise still under examination. 
* See list of Committees of Investigation appointed, and recommendations agreed to, by 
the General Council, A.A.A.S., on 13th Jan., 1898. 
