Report of Exploration Committee. xix 



tion would most probably be established between our own colony and 

 the Victoria River. 



The amendment was supported by the Hon. Mr. Hodgson, in 

 consequence of Mr. Blandowski's remarks on the existence of perma- 

 nent water not far north of the Darling, which seemed to augur so 

 favorably for that route. Mr. Hodgson expressed himself as in- 

 fluenced, also, in his decision, by Mr. Gregory's communication. 

 The amendment was carried. 



On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Hodgson, it was unanimously 

 resolved to organise at once a light party for the exploration of the 

 country from the Darling to the junction of the Victoria and Thom- 

 som Rivers. Mr. Blandowski, in reply to a question from the Hon. 

 Captain Clarke, R.E., stated that, in his ojjinion, a period of eight 

 months (five of which to be employed in actual exploration) would 

 be sufficient for this purpose. He adverted to the necessity of 

 immediate despatch in the necessary preparations, in order to reap 

 the full advantage of the next rainy season. The sum of two thou- 

 sand pounds was deemed sufficient for efficiently crrrying out this 

 exploit. 



Your Committee having thus reviewed the evidence that was be- 

 fore them, with respect to the practicability of fitting out in Victoria 

 a geographical expedition to traverse this continent from east to west, 

 as near the tropic of Capricorn as the features of the country would 

 permit, have to state that they are unanimous in opinion that the 

 route indicated is, without doubt, that which would prove in every 

 point of view the most valuable in its results, if it could be 

 accomplished. 



In order to make the attempt, however, with any prospect of 

 success, it would be necessary to form, at or near the junction of the 

 Thomson and Victoria Rivers a depot, amply furnished with stores 

 and cattle sufficient for a period of at least two years. The expedi- 

 tion would necessarily be a costly one, and your Committee fear 

 that even under the most favourable circumstances it would be a 

 hazardous undertaking. For these reasons your Committee are not 

 prepared to recommend that immediate steps should be taken to 

 organise an expedition for this great line of exploration, but they 

 entertain the confident hope that the time is not far distant when 

 this desirable object may be successfully undertaken by an expedition 

 fitted out in Victoria. 



In recommending a less important and a less expensive expe- 

 dition to be first undertaken, your Committee have had in 

 view, first, the fact that Mr. Gregory is at present engaged 

 in organising an exploring party in search of Leichhardt, and that 

 he will in all probability traverse the country between the east coast 

 and the proposed depot in the Victoria River, and on his return may 

 be able. to furnish important information for guiding us as to the 

 future exploration of the interior ; secondly, that it is at present un- 



