416 PROCEEDIXGS OF SECTION E. 



the Pacific- — is not only a possibility but an undeniable fact. This is- 

 made possible by the superior facilities for manufacture enjoyed by 

 American and European countries, and by the comparatively cheap 

 rates which shippers on a lai-ge scale can command in the freight 

 market. In many lines freight costs less from Europe to Australia 

 than from one Australian port to another — a further illustration of the 

 luxiu'y of economy being beyond tlie reach of those who need it most. 



The completion and opening of the Panama Canal (in six years, 

 it is said — let us say twelve at most) will profoundly modify existing 

 commercial conditions, by giving the manufactures of the western 

 States of America access to the Pacific. Before then, however, the- 

 industries of Australia, China, and Japan will have had the chance 

 to establish themselves on a firmer basis. 



The disturbing influences of war are simply incalculable, and 

 they are beyond the scope of the present inquiry. It used to be held 

 as an axiom that " trade follows the tlas;,"' a euphemistic method of 

 stating that if any country can succeed in planting her flag on alien 

 soil nevv- markets will be opened up for the aggressor. In recent times 

 it appears as if the axiom might have to be reversed, and that the 

 modern tendency is for the flag to follow trade. The next and last 

 phase will be, let us hope, a frank recognition of the fact that alt 

 men and all nations may live in peace and brotherhood, and vindicate 

 their right to exist by performing sei'vices for one another. If, how- 

 ever, Australia is to bear a part in this give-and-take commensurate 

 with her natural advantages, she must look, and that speedily, to the 

 peopling of her vast void spaces. 



2.— SOUTH AUSTEALIAN EAETHQUAKES. 



By D. F. DODWELL, B.A. 



Until 1908 South Australia possessed no instrument for recording; 

 earthquakes. As long ago as 1897, however. Professor Milne had com- 

 municated vnth. Sir Charles Todd, the Government Astronomer, and 

 in the following year the Seismological Committee of the British 

 Association for the Advancement of Science urged our Government, 

 through Mr. Chamberlain, then Colonial Secretary, to instal Milne 

 seismographs at Adelaide, Port Darwin, and Alice Springs. 



This request was further supported from time to time by the 

 resolutions of the Australasian Association, but it was not until 1908 

 that one of these instruments Avas actually purchased and installed 

 at the Adelaide Obsei"vatory. 



It will be gratifying indeed if the recommendations of the British 

 Association for the instalment of seismographs at Port Darwin and 

 Alice Springs can also be carried into effect, and it is hoj>ed that the 

 Australasian Association will continue to use their influence to bring 

 this aliout. 



The Adelaide seismograph is a horizontal pendulum insti-ument,. 

 niade by Mr. R. W. Munro, of London, after Professor Milne's latest 

 pattern. It was examined personally by the inveiitor, and tested under 

 working: conditions in London. 



