50 



interests are so important as to fully justify their being 

 regarded as of such national concern as to require a special 

 expedition. The Erebus and Terror were fitted out virtually 

 only to obtain information with regard to terrestrial mag- 

 netism — that science is now as much in need of further 

 information as it was then. And all the other sciences I have 

 incidentally mentioned are equally interested. And with 

 reference to all these sciences, in addition to our general 

 interest, we have in Tasmania a particular one especially in 

 connection with terrestrial magnetism, for we could probably 

 offer the nearest site to the south magnetic pole for a per- 

 manent magnetic observatory. I hope that in connection 

 with the revived interest in Antarctic research, and perhaps 

 in connection with the Leake astronomical bequest and our 

 University, such an observatory may be re-established in 

 Hobart as that which did such good work under Koss and his 

 successors. 



In conclusion, I may claim to be consistent with regard to 

 my opinion that this work should be done by the Eoyal 

 Navy. A year or two ago I had the honour to stand and 

 vote alone in this room in opposition to a proposed subvention 

 from the Australian colonies to aid Baron Nordenskjold's 

 projected Antarctic expedition, on the ground that it was ai 

 national matter and should be undertaken by the Roval 

 Navy. I think so still ; but as I then explained I included 

 in the Eoyal Navy the Australian contingent, and I hope 

 that if one can be made suitable for ice work, one of the two 

 proposed vessels will belong to the little fleet to which we all 

 contribute. 



