DISCUSSION ON THE FRENCH IN VAN DIEMEN's LAND. 91 



Discussion. 



The Rev. F. H. Cox referred to the interest always mani- 

 fested in tracing the past history of peoples and places. Mr. 

 "Walker had taken up the position of a Groldsmith in relation 

 to this deserted village of Eisdon, and traced a reason for this 

 desertion. In a sense he might claim a relationship to Mr. 

 Knopwood mentioned in the paper, in that he had succeeded 

 Mr. Bedford, and Archdeacon Davies, who had immediately suc- 

 ceeded Mr. Knopwood. 



The Rev. Geo. Clarke congratulated the writer of the 

 paper, and referred to the value of such information being 

 placed on record. It also removed several mistaken impres- 

 sions which had been allowed to gain ascendency. 



Mr. Mault asked Mr. Walker if the chart referred to by 

 him was similar to one which tie had brought under that 

 gentleman's notice a few days ago. 



Mr. Walker said it was not. The Sydney chart gave further 

 particulars than in the one mentioned. 



Mr. Matjlt explained that he had, through the medium of 

 friends in Paris, obtained permission to copy certain of the 

 maps in the archives at Paris. There was one map alleged to 

 have been issued by Arrowsmith, but of which no trace could 

 be found in the publisher's house. The theory he formed was, 

 that Lieut. Hayes was seized, together with his charts, by 

 Prench vessels when proceeding to London, and that this map 

 was in manuscript at the time of seizure. He should be happy 

 to place the copy at Mr. Walker's disposal should he so 

 desire. 



Sir Lambert Dobson endorsed the remarks made by the 

 Eev. Gi-eo. Clarke. He referred to the statement made in 

 Hopwood's Journal, in which it was asserted that the river 

 was endangered by the number of whales, and also to the fact 

 that a former Governor had enjoyed snipe shooting near 

 Hobart. All this was changed and gone. He did not think 

 the full blame for the exterminatory war lay on the shoulders 

 of Lieut. Moore. It was bound to come in time. He also 

 mentioned that the site of Hobart was densely covered with 

 scrub, and therefore the first settlers might be forgiven for 

 choosing a more favourable spot. These changes that had 

 occurred he hoped were for the better. 



His Excellency congratulated the writer of the paper. 

 He endorsed the opinion made by Mr. Mault respecting the 

 existence of old records in France. He would be prepared to 

 use his influence in the direction of making a request to the 

 Home Government on the subject. (Applause.) 



F 



