^86 Proceedings, &c.,for 1886. 



No. 3. 



Circular 1886/3108. 



Premier's Office, Melbourne, 13tli August, 1886. 



Sir — A joint committee, appointed by the Boyal Society of 

 Victoria and the Geographical Society of Australasia, to consider 

 the question of Antarctic exploration, having adopted a resolution 

 to the effect that such an exploration is highly desirable, not only on 

 scientific grounds, but also in the interest of commerce, a 

 deputation from that body waited upon me on the 4th inst., with 

 the view of endeavouring to secure the assistance and co-operation of 

 this and of the other Australian Governments in making the necessary 

 ^arrangements for the proposed enterprise. 



The gentlemen constituting the deputation presented a printed 

 memorandum (copy enclosed) setting forth the objects which an 

 exj)loration expedition would, in their opinion, serve, and the 

 representations which they made in support of their proposition 

 appeared to me to be worthy of favourable consideration. 



Under these circumstances, I undertook to bring the matter under 

 the notice of the other Australian Governments, and I have much 

 pleasure in now doing so, and in asking whether, in the interests of 

 science, your Government would feel disposed to join in a subsidy, 

 such as might lead to the despatch of an expedition to the 

 Antarctic Seas. 



By the last mail I requested the Agent- General for Victoria to 

 make preliminary inquiries as to whether any of the proprietors of 

 steam whalers would be disposed to embark in the enterprise, and 

 what extent of Government aid would be expected. — I have the 



honour, &c.j 



(Signed) D. Gillies, Premier. 



No. 4. 

 MR. TOD'S LETTER TO THE AGENT-GENERAL. 



Peterhead, 23rd August, 1886. 



To the Consul-General for Melbourne, 8 Victoria Chambers, 

 London, S.W. 



Antarctic. 



Dear Sir — Referring to the conversation I had with you on 

 Thursday last, I now enclose the report of Captain David Gray 

 upon the subject. As I stated to you. Captain Gray is the first 

 authority in the kingdom in regard to the whale fishery, and the 

 information contained in the pamphlet may therefore with confidence 

 be relied upon. 



I may remark that since the report in 1874 the market for oil and 

 whalebone has considerably changed, and the quotations put in red 



